Pregnancy outcomes after maternal exposure to simvastatin and lovastatin

Abstract

Although the number of reports was relatively small, there was no evidence of a notable increase in congenital anomalies in women exposed to simvastatin or lovastatin versus the general population. Greater reporting of congenital abnormalities in the retrospective cohort is not unexpected and may reflect a reporting bias. Drugs should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Simvastatin and lovastatin remain contraindicated during pregnancy.

Management of familial hypercholesterolemia in children and young adults: Consensus paper developed by a panel of lipidologists, cardiologists, paediatricians, nutritionists, gastroenterologists, general practitioners and a patient organization

“…This applies to any form of contraceptive, including vaginal rings, as these are also known to increase ApoB, triglycerides and LDL-C [52]. Because statin teratogenicity remains controversial [53], it is advisable to prescribe contraception in female teenagers who are receiving statins and conversely to prescribe statins in those who are receiving oral contraception. It is important to prescribe a contraceptive formulation that increases LDL-C levels to the least extent and to carefully monitor LDL-C levels during oral contraceptive use.…”

Statins to Ameliorate early onset Pre-eclampsia

“…those with familial hypercholesterolemia) at therapeutic doses (20-80 mg/daily), there have been rare reports of congenital abnormalities exposed during the first trimester to lipophilic statins, but not with pravastatin (40). However, these rare adverse events were not more frequent compared with expected from a general pregnant population (41)(42)(43)(44)(45)(46)(47). It has been calculated that current evidence is only adequate to exclude a 3-4 fold increased risk of congenital abnormalities compared with a background risk.…”

Boots for Achilles: Progesterone's Reduction of Cholesterol Is a Second-Order Adaptation

“…To take one example, Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, caused by an inherited defect in a specific enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, is characterized by abnormal development and poor function, especially in cognition (Salen et al 1996). This is further supported by evidence showing correlations between statin use in pregnancy and fetal neurological damage, and impaired placental implantation and function (Kenis et al 2005;Pollack et al 2005;Lockshin 2010).…”