Statin Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

The term "statins" refers to a class of prescription drugs that can help lower cholesterol in patients at risk of heart disease. Statin medications include pravastatin, lovastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin. Brand names include Advicor, Vytorin, Zocor, Crestor, and Lipitor.

There are three types of cholesterol in the body: "bad" cholesterol, or LDL; "good" cholesterol, or HDL; and triglycerides. Statins lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and increase HDL by altering the way the liver makes cholesterol and by blocking some fats from being absorbed into the body.^[1] Statin side effects can include diarrhea, constipation, muscle and joint pain, and nausea. Serious side effects like liver damage, myopathy, memory loss, and diabetes are also possible.^{[2] [3]}

Contents 1 Common Statin Side Effects 2 Who Should Take Statins 3 About Drug Side Effects 4 Statin Allergic Reactions 5 Statin Precautions and Warnings 6 References

Common Statin Side Effects

Common statin side effects include digestive upset such as nausea, diarrhea or constipation, as well as muscle and joint pain. More serious, and less common, side effects can include liver damage and escalating muscle pain and tenderness that can lead to kidney damage (rhabdomyolysis). Those taking higher dosages of statins are most at risk for muscle pain.^[1] Some new drugs are also metabolized (broken down by the body) in ways that are similar to the ways that statins are metabolized. Patients taking these new drugs and statins may need to have their statin dose reduced, and may be at increased risk of muscle damage.^[2]

Recently, the FDA has advised that statins have been found to cause cognitive impairment, including memory loss, forgetfulness, and confusion. Affected patients report feeling "fuzzy" or unfocused in their thinking. These side effects are rare and often reversible.

People who use statins are also at risk of raised blood sugar levels and the development of Type 2 diabetes. While this is a rare side effect, some patients may need to have blood sugar levels monitored after beginning statin therapy.^[2]

Who Should Take Statins

As statins may cause serious side effects in some patients, they are not appropriate for everyone. Lifestyle changes are the first choice to lower cholesterol, with a healthy diet and regular exercise. If those measures fail, and if there are other risk factors, doctors may recommend statin drugs.

Patients whose only risk factor of heart disease is high cholesterol may not need to take statins. Risk factors that may indicate a need for statins include a family history of cardiovascular disease; an inactive lifestyle; a high-fat diet; smoking; a narrowing of the arteries in the limbs, called peripheral artery disease; high blood pressure; and diabetes. Age is also a factor, with higher risk for men over the age of 55 and women over the age of 65.

Once a patient has started to take statins, they may have to continue with the medication for life. Discontinuing statins after cholesterol levels have been reduced may result in a return of high cholesterol levels.^[1]

About Drug Side Effects

Statin Allergic Reactions

Allergies are not common with statins; however, as with all drugs, serious allergic reactions do occur. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to a statin include

• Rash or hives, itching.
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, arms, feet, legs.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Hoarseness.

These symptoms may require immediate medical attention.^{[4] [5]}

Statin Precautions and Warnings

• Higher doses of statin drugs can lead to damaged muscle tissue that threatens the kidneys. Patients who experience dark or red-colored urine, increasing muscle tenderness and pain, along with fatigue, should seek medical attention.^[6]
• There are differences in strength among statin drugs. They also differ in their interaction with other medications; it is important that doctors know what drugs their patients are taking, including over the counter drugs, vitamins and supplements.
• Statins can occasionally cause liver failure.
• Statins are not for pregnant women, as they can harm unborn babies.
• Statins can interact negatively with protease inhibitors, diltiazem, erythromycin, itraconazole and clarithromycin.
• Statins can cause interactions with grapefruit juice.^[7]

Also See: Statin Coupons, Advicor, Advicor Side Effects, Crestor Side Effects, Lipitor, Lipitor Side Effects, Pravastatin Side Effects, Simvastatin, Simvastatin Side Effects, Tricor Side Effects, Vytorin, Vytorin Side Effects, Zocor Side Effects

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6} http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/statins/CL00010
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2} http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm293330.htm
3. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/statin-side-effects/MY00205
4. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000911/
5. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000877/
6. ↑ http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm204882.htm
7. ↑ http://www.medicinenet.com/statins/page2.htm