A new study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases reveals an association between statin drug use and increased risk of herpes zoster (shingles). Researchers from St. Michael's Hospital, Ontario, Canada, conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of Ontario residents 66 years of age or older, with a study period of thirteen years. They matched 494,651 individuals treated with a statin to an equal number of individuals not treated with one.

In the main analysis, the rate of herpes zoster was higher among users of statins relative to nonusers of these drugs.

A Pox on Cholesterol Lowering Drugs: Statins Raise Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Risk

healthimpactnews.com

This new study adds further weight that statin drugs, are increasing the risk of immune-related disorders such as herpes zoster.