Statin users may be highly vulnerable to herpes zoster infection.
This study evaluated the association between statin intake and the prevalence of herpes zoster (HZ) infection (shingles) in Asia. The study population included more than 100,000 users and non-users of statins who were part of the Taiwanese Longitudinal Heath Insurance Database (LHID2000).
Researchers discovered that the use of statin drugs boost the risk of acquiring herpes zoster infection. "Statin therapy can increase HZ infection in Asia," the authors concluded.