Two new studies highlight a
potential relationship between statin use and flu vaccine effectiveness in
seniors; however, experts warn that studies are preliminary and the benefits of
both medications outweigh any negative interactions. The findings, however, add
to the list of questionable side effects of the popular cholesterol-lowering
drugs, associating statin use with muscle pain, liver damage and memory loss.
One study found that vaccine-recipients taking statins had 38-67% fewer flu
antibodies than those not taking statins (with natural statins appearing to be
less detrimental than synthetic.) The
second study more specifically identified an inflammatory interaction between
statins (thought to improve cardiac health by reducing inflammation) and the
vaccine (priming the body to avoid the flu through increased inflammation.)
Alternatively, the reduced inflammation of statins may help fight the flu once
it is infected. These findings indicate
that additional research will be needed before conclusive results can be
published.
Read the article here: consumer.healthday.com
