Statins are a class of drugs that include simvastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin and others. These drugs are used to improve the fat and cholesterol profile of the blood. They work by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase in the liver. This enzyme helps to make cholesterol. The drugs mainly work to lower "bad" cholesterol, though they have some effect of raising "good" cholesterol and lowering fat or triglyceride levels in the blood. Some people may also experience side effects from these medications.
Elevated Liver Enzymes
Elevated liver enzymes are one possible side effect of statin medications. This can be an indicator of liver damage, but the risk appears to be small and occurs in less than 1 percent of those taking statins, according to a 2006 study in the medical journal "Circulation" by Dr. Kashani et al. Recommendations include measuring levels of liver enzymes at the time therapy is initiated, three months later, and if the dosage is increased.
Muscle Problems
Statins have been linked to a number of muscle problems in some people according to a 2004 study in the "American Journal of Medicine" by Dr. Rosenson. Muscle injury and inflammation appears to occur in less than 1 percent of persons on statins. Muscle pain occurs in about 7 percent of people taking the drugs. Symptoms of weakness and pain tend to occur after several months or weeks.
Nerve Problems
Statins may also cause nerve problems in some people. This can be problem in the peripheral nervous system, which includes the nerves of the body, or the nerves of the central nervous system, which includes the nerves of the brain. A 2004 study in the "American Journal of Medicine" by Dr. Muldoon and others found some minor differences in learning and thinking in a few people taking statins, with certain statins that dissolve more readily in fats than water to be slightly greater culprits.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, it is common for statins to cause gastrointestinal side effects that are usually not very serious. These can include diarrhea, nausea and constipation.
References
- "Circulation"; Risks associated with statin therapy: a systematic overview of randomized clinical trials.; Kashani et al.; December 2006
- "American Journal of Medicine"; Current overview of statin-induced myopathy.; Rosenson; March 2004
- "American Journal of Medicine"; Randomized trial of the effects of simvastatin on cognitive functioning in hypercholesterolemic adults.; Muldoon et al; December 2004
- Mayo Clinic; High Cholesterol; Statins: Are these cholesterol lowering drugs right for you?
