Can statin drugs cause eosinophilic fasciitis?
On One Hand: Link Between Eosinphilic Fasciitis and StatinsThere is evidence of patients developing eosinophilic fasciitis after taking statins. The mechanism of statin-induced eosinophilic fasciitis is that statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) have modulatory effects on the immune system. It is thought that statins may trigger or exacerbate autoimmune reactions such as lupus, myasthenia gravis and eosinophilic fasciitis.On the Other: Eosinophilic Fasciitis is RareThe actual cause of eosinophilic fasciitis is unknown; however there are reports of developing it after intense exercise, using certain drugs, with certain hematologic diseases, kidney diseases and with infections such as Lyme Disease. The actual incidence of eosinophilic fasciitis is very rare in any circumstance, but even more rare in the case of statin use. The most common side effects with statins are rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, liver failure, pancreatitis and hypersensitivity/allergic reaction.Bottom LineEosinophili
