Rosuvastatin / atorvastatin (statins)
Metabolic Health · HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Tier S
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Rosuvastatin / atorvastatin (statins) as S (8.8/10) based on very strong evidence, very strong benefit magnitude, and a low-med-risk safety profile.
SAMSON 2020 definitively demonstrated that most 'statin myalgia' is nocebo (same symptoms on placebo).
Typical use: Rosuvastatin 5-40 mg/day; atorvastatin 10-80 mg/day PO — Rx.
What this is
SAMSON 2020 definitively demonstrated that most 'statin myalgia' is nocebo (same symptoms on placebo). Rosuvastatin gives the most LDL reduction per mg and has the longest half-life. High-intensity dosing (rosuvastatin 20-40 or atorvastatin 40-80) is the secondary prevention standard. Biohacker hostility to statins vastly outstrips evidence.
Mechanism
Competitive inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis; upregulates hepatic LDL receptors → reduced circulating LDL-C; also anti-inflammatory (CRP reduction), plaque stabilization, endothelial effects
Dose & route
Rosuvastatin 5-40 mg/day; atorvastatin 10-80 mg/day PO
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33186535/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20167359/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6908093/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41471348/
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05368545
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- Does Rosuvastatin / atorvastatin (statins) work?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Rosuvastatin / atorvastatin (statins) as Very Strong and the benefit magnitude as very strong, producing an overall grade of S (8.8/10). SAMSON 2020 definitively demonstrated that most 'statin myalgia' is nocebo (same symptoms on placebo).
- Is Rosuvastatin / atorvastatin (statins) safe?
- Rosuvastatin / atorvastatin (statins) has a low-med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: Rx. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Rosuvastatin / atorvastatin (statins)?
- Rosuvastatin 5-40 mg/day; atorvastatin 10-80 mg/day PO
- How does Rosuvastatin / atorvastatin (statins) work?
- Competitive inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis; upregulates hepatic LDL receptors → reduced circulating LDL-C; also anti-inflammatory (CRP reduction), plaque stabilization, endothelial effects
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.