Statins for Multiple Sclerosis

A new meta-analysis and review of statins for multiple sclerosis has just been published, and it seemed like a good opportunity to take a look at what scientists say about statins for MS. It also would be enlightening to hear from people with multiple sclerosis concerning their experiences and opinions about using these drugs

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Statins (e.g., atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin) are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for lowering cholesterol levels. These drugs can accomplish this by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is instrumental in the production of cholesterol in the liver.

Statins are controversial drugs for several reasons. One is the apparent push to expand the user population by recommending the drugs for otherwise healthy individuals who are at increased risk for heart disease. Another reason is the side effects associated with use, including muscle pain, abnormal liver enzyme tests, higher risk of diabetes, and muscle damage.

Statins for multiple sclerosis
Some research has suggested that statins may help with multiple sclerosis because they possess neurotrophic and immune system benefits.

A new systematic review and meta-analysis of eight trials has been published, and the eligible studies included five in which statins were used along with interferon in remitting-relapsing MS and one each of statins only for clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), optic neuritis, and secondary progressive MS. The meta-analysis was done on the five trials only, however.

The investigators observed the following trends associated with statin use in the five studies:

Regarding the remaining three studies, the authors noted the following: