Lescol and Memory Loss

Because memory loss occurs in less than 1 percent of patients taking Lescol, the relationship between Lescol and memory loss is not fully understood. Currently, it is difficult to know whether the memory loss is actually caused by the medication or by something else. If you do notice any memory loss while taking Lescol, your healthcare provider may recommend adjusting your dosage or switching to another cholesterol medication.

 

Lescol and Memory Loss: An Overview

While most people tolerate Lescol® (fluvastatin sodium) well, there are possible side effects that can occur. For people taking Lescol, memory loss (known medically as amnesia) is a possible rare side effect, occurring in less than 1 percent of people. Because memory loss with Lescol occurs so infrequently, it is difficult to know whether the memory loss is actually caused by Lescol or something else.
 

Lescol and Memory Loss: What Does the Research Say?

There is little research that has been conducted to study Lescol (or statins in general) and its effect on memory loss and other brain conditions. Furthermore, the research that has been done is conflicting. For example, some studies have shown that people taking statins have a lower chance of developing dementia. Other studies have shown no benefit.
 
In medical journals, there have been a number of isolated reports of memory loss in people taking statins. However, this number is small compared to the number of people taking statins. Therefore, it is difficult to say whether the memory loss is because of statins, such as Lescol, or something else.
 

Lescol and Memory Loss: Summary

For people on Lescol, memory loss appears to happen infrequently.
 Make sure to talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have concerns about Lescol and memory loss. Also, keep in mind that it is not possible for your healthcare provider to know whether you will have a side effect with a medicine that you have never taken. Therefore, if you notice any memory loss while taking Lescol, talk to your healthcare provider. He or she may recommend adjusting the Lescol dosage or switching to another cholesterol medication.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;