From the FDA Drug Label
Injury: tendon rupture Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: rhabdomyolysis, myositis
The negative effects of statins on tendon healing are not directly addressed in the provided drug label. However, it does mention tendon rupture as a possible adverse reaction.
- Tendon rupture is a serious condition that can affect the healing process of tendons.
- There is also a mention of rhabdomyolysis and myositis, which are muscle-related disorders that can indirectly affect tendon healing. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on the potential effects of statins on tendon healing 1.
From the Research
Statins may potentially impair tendon healing by reducing collagen synthesis and tenocyte proliferation, and patients taking statins who experience tendon injuries should discuss with their healthcare provider whether temporarily adjusting their statin therapy during the acute healing phase might be beneficial. The mechanism appears to involve decreased cholesterol production, which affects cell membrane integrity and signaling pathways important for tissue regeneration 2. Research suggests that statins like atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin might interfere with tendon healing, and the evidence from a 2020 study suggests that statins may deleteriously affect tendon extracellular matrix by inhibiting synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases and cell cycle regulatory proteins 3.
Some key points to consider include:
- Statins may reduce the mechanical properties of tendon constructs in vitro and introduce catabolic changes in the gene expression pattern 2
- Statins may decrease migration of human tendon cells, alter their expression profile, and impair the functional network 4
- The benefits of statin therapy likely outweigh potential concerns about tendon healing for patients with high cardiovascular risk
- If tendon healing complications occur while on statins, alternative lipid-lowering medications might be considered, but only under medical supervision
It is essential to weigh the potential risks and benefits of statin therapy in patients with tendon injuries, and healthcare providers should closely monitor patients during the first year of treatment, especially those with associated risk factors such as diabetes, hyperuricaemia, or a history of tendon disorders 5.