Statins, once touted “the new aspirin” because of its groundbreaking health benefits, have side effects that may or may not be worth the risk. Make an informed choice by knowing statins side effects when used for cholesterol control.
What are Statins?
Statins, known scientifically as HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, are a class of drugs used for the prevention and treatment of high cholesterol and, consequently, diseases that result from elevated levels of cholesterol in the body. It works by targeting the process by which our livers produce cholesterol, which it does by inhibiting one enzyme called HMG CoA reductase which is essential in the production of cholesterol in the liver. By reducing cholesterol levels, it may push the body to make use of the excess cholesterol it has that clogs the arteries, especially those arteries that lead into and out of the heart.
Studies show that statins are effective in lowering low density lipolipids or LDL (the “bad cholesterol”) by 30-50%, which in turn translates into 60% decrease in the number of cardiac events and a 17% reduction of risk of having a stroke after long term treatment.
There are several types of statins marketed under specific brand names being sold in the market. There is atorvastatin, a type of statin sold under the name Lipitor and Torvast. Other types include simvastatin (Zocor, Lipex), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor, Altoprev), pravastatin (Pravachol, Selektine, Lipostat), pitavastatin (Livalo, Pitava), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and fluvastatin (Lescol).
What are Statins Side Effects?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are the most common side effects of statins:
Muscle Pain and Damage
Muscle pain is one of the statins side effects thatcan be experienced by patients as a mild discomfort similar to soreness, tiredness, or weakness of the muscles. Some cases tend to experience severe pain that interferes with daily activities such as climbing stairs or walking. A rare type of muscle damage, called rhabdomyolysis, has also been reported as one of the statins side effects. Rhabdomyolysis is caused by statins in combination with certain drugs, or statins taken in high doses, which cause severe muscle pain. This disease is known to lead to liver damage, kidney failure, and death when not properly treated. Consult with your doctor if the muscle pain becomes debilitating to receive early intervention.
Rash or Flushing
Patients who are new to statins usually develop rashes (sometimes flushing) as initial reaction to the drug. Combining statin with another medication, usually Simcor (a type of niacin), increases the chance of experiencing this side effect. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of taking aspirin in order to manage this side effect.
CoQ1O Deficiency
Statins and CoQ10 and their interaction in the body have caused a stir in the medical field in recent years. Studies prove that statins such as those used in high cholesterol medication lowers the levels of CoQ10 in the body. CoQ10 is an essential substance required by every cell in the body; it is an important part of life and health, and a reduction of CoQ10 immediately opens the body to a host of diseases, notably cardiovascular diseases. To correct this deficiency, you may consider taking CoQ10 supplements. CoQ10 is a safe, naturally-occurring substance that our bodies require, and taking supplements within the correct dosage will help return your CoQ10 levels to normal.
Other side effects reported that are less common, but documented, include the following:
- Mild abdominal discomfort
- Bowel irregularity
- Liver toxicity
- Nausea
- Constipation
It should be noted that not everyone who takes stains will experience these side effects. There are several risk factors that increase an individual’s chances of developing any of statins side effects. These include having diabetes (types 1 or 2), a pre-existing liver or kidney disease, being age 65 years or older, and taking multiple high cholesterol medications.
As with all dietary, drug therapy, and lifestyle changes, you should always consult with your doctor first before altering your medication or before taking any other medication for the management of these statins side effects.