Side Effects

Statin Side Effects

While many (possibly even most) people tolerate Statins well, some people experience mild to severe side effects from this type of cholesterol lowering medication. Several factors seem to be related to increased risk of side effects while taking Statin medications. These include:

1. Higher doses: Higher dose of Statin medications are more likely to cause side effects.
2. Combining Statins with other cholesterol lowering medications: Using additional cholesterol lowering medications in addition to Statins increases your risk of experiencing one or more side effects.
3. Poor Health: Poor health status is associated with a greater risk of side effects to Statins.
4. Timing of the dose: When a person takes their Statin medication may impact both its effectiveness and the risk of side effects. While Statins work slightly better, in terms of lowering cholesterol, when given several times a day, if you are only going to take your Statin medications once daily, the most important time to take a single dose of Statin medications to optimize cholesterol management and heart disease risk and to lower your risk of side effects is 5-7 PM (evening dose). When Statin drugs are taken once a day, cholesterol levels are reduced to a significantly greater degree when the medicine is taken in the evening compared to the morning. This occurs because the body manufacturers a greater amount of cholesterol during the evening hours and the primary cholesterol-lowering effect of this medication is a result of its ability to slow the body's production of cholesterol. The time of day when we take other things for our health (including other medications and many dietary supplements) can influence how well they work. (click here to read about Chrononutrition and Chronopharmacology)
5. Female Sex: In studies, females have experienced side effects from Statins much more frequently than males.
6. Older Age: Elderly people are more likely to experience side effects from Statin medications.

While not all of the below side effects have been proved to occur at higher rates in Statin users, the set of reported symptoms that occur subsequent to beginning Statin medications is relatively consistent. Side effects are often treated with additional medications, which in turn, can have additional side effects. (click here to read about the problems of treating side effects caused by one medication with additional medications called the Prescription Cascade and how to avoid it)

The most common side effects reported by Statin users are:

Reported side effects (these side effects have also been documented in published research trials)

• Pain of all types: muscle pain* (including leg cramps), joint pain, stomach pain, and headache.
• Muscle weakness*
• Mood changes: irritability; or loss of interest in socializing and in activities; or, sometimes, and/or depression
• Memory. Concentration, and/ or Cognition problems

• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue
• Loss of libido or sexual function
• "Dizziness" or "spaciness" or detachedness
• Peripheral neuropathy: Numbness, tingling, change in sensation, or coldness of the hands, fingers, feet, or toes

• Swelling
• Shortness of breath: May be secondary to weakness of muscles involved in breathing
• Vision changes or increased sensitivity to light
• Changes in temperature regulation: including sweating or sensations of coldness
• Weight change
• Hunger
• Breast enlargement
• Increased blood sugar
• Dry skin
• Skin rashes
• Increases in blood pressure
• Nausea and/or upset stomach
• Bleeding: Blood in urine, sperm, eye, skin (red spots on the skin and/or bruising), and gastrointestinal bleeding
• Ringing in ears or other sensations of noises in the ears

*NOTE 2: Muscle side effects are a very big concern with Statin use. Any muscle symptoms that occur while taking Statins need to be reported to your doctor immediately.]

DISCLAIMER
The information here is provided for people who are on Statins or who are considering use of such drugs.
This site cannot be used to determine whether you should be placed on statins (or other lipid lowering treatments) or whether you should discontinue Statins. This information cannot be used as a substitute for obtaining medical advice or for seeking treatment from a qualified physician. Readers should not rely on the information contained in it for advice in particular cases. If you have questions, please ask your doctor.

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