Statins, or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, are cholesterol-lowering medications frequently prescribed for reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. They effectively reduce LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein), also known as "bad cholesterol." Statin drugs block the enzyme in the liver needed to make cholesterol, so the liver takes cholesterol from the blood. Statins are prescribed in low and high doses. In cases of high LDL cholesterol, high doses of these medications may be required.
Many people have no side effects when taking statins. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and may go away as the body gets used to them.
Statins, Muscle Pain and Muscle Weakness
The most common side effect of statins is muscle pain and tenderness, also known as statin myopathy. Muscle tiredness and weakness may also be experienced. Muscle pain can be uncomfortable; in some cases it may make normal everyday activities such as walking or climbing stairs difficult. Although unpleasant, muscle pain caused by statin drugs is not usually serious.
It is important to seek medical advice if muscles are painful and tender when taking statins. In very rare cases, they may cause rhabdomyolysis, a potentially-life threatening condition where the muscle cells break down and release myoglobin into the blood. Rhabdomyolysis can cause intense muscle pain, kidney damage and liver damage. The risk of rhabdomyolysis increases with high doses of statins or if other medications such as niacin and cyclosporine are taken alongside them.
Statins and Liver Damage
Statins may occasionally increase the production of liver enzymes, which can cause liver damage. Patients new to statins should have regular blood tests to check their liver function, as there may be no symptoms of liver problems. If there is only a slight increase in liver enzymes it is usually safe to continue taking statins.
A large increase in liver enzymes can permanently damage the liver, in which case it may be necessary to stop taking statins or try a different type. If a patient is taking other cholesterol-lowering medications in addition to statins, such as niacin, the risk of liver problems is increased.
Other Side Effects of Statins
Other uncommon side effects of statin drugs include digestive complaints such as nausea, constipation, diarrhoea and gas. The risk of such side effects may be reduced by taking them with evening meals. Skin flushing is another side effect of taking statins, but is more likely if it is taken in combination with niacin.
A person may be prescribed a statin if he or she has high cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity or high blood pressure. However, the possible side effects of statins can make these drugs seem like an unappealing option. Luckily, appropriate lifestyle changes may lower cholesterol sufficiently to avoid the need for cholesterol-lowering medications. Eating a low-fat, heart-healthy diet, reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, not smoking and managing stress levels help reduce cholesterol levels.
To find out more, read How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally. For further information about statins and cholesterol levels, read Statins for Lowering Blood Cholesterol and LDL and HDL Cholesterol Numbers Explained.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic. "Statins: Are These Cholesterol-lowering Drugs Right for You?" (Accessed 26th January 2011).
Mayo Clinic. "Statin Side Effects: Weigh the Benefits and Risks" (Accessed 26th January 2011).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Controlling Cholesterol with Statins" (Accessed 26th January 2011).
Sharon Kirby - Sharon is a freelance health writer and contributes to various print and online publications. Writing credits include Nursing Times, Good ...
