Cholesterol is a fat that circulates in the blood and that is essential for all of the body's cells. But when the level of blood cholesterol is too high, fatty deposits may form on the inside of blood vessels. These deposits interfere with the free flow of blood and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Statins are drugs that are widely used to lower blood cholesterol. They are generally considered safe and effective, but they carry a risk of several side effects.
Muscle Symptoms
The most common side effect of statins is pain in the muscles, according to MayoClinic.com. A feeling of soreness or weakness in the shoulders, jaw or legs may be mild or occasionally severe enough to interfere with daily activities. A rare and potentially life-threatening side effect called rhabdomyolysis may also occur. This can cause liver damage, kidney failure or death. According to MayoClinic.com, this condition appears once in every 15 million prescriptions. A patient who experiences any muscle pain after taking a statin drug should consult a doctor.
Liver Damage
Statins may occasionally increase the activity of enzymes in the liver. This change in liver function is sometimes mild, and the patient may continue to take the drug. However, if there is a major change in liver enzymes, this may cause significant liver damage. Because there are no obvious symptoms of liver damage, MayoClinic.com recommends checking a patient's liver function six weeks after starting the drug. The testing should be repeated every three to six months for the first year and periodically thereafter.
Digestive Problems
Statins may also cause some side effects in the digestive system, including nausea, diarrhea or constipation. These side effects are rare, and they are usually seen in patients who have existing digestive problems. MayoClinic.com recommends taking statin drugs with a meal to minimize the likelihood of digestive upset.
