Statins are medications that are commonly used to help lower your cholesterol levels when exercise and diet are not enough. They can be beneficial but can also have side effects. They work in the liver by blocking your body's ability to produce cholesterol. The American Heart Association states that they help mostly by lowering your LDL (low density lipoprotein "bad") cholesterol. However they can also mildly reduce your triglyceride level and raise your HDL (high density lipoprotein "good") cholesterol. If you're taking a statin it's important to lookout for possible side effects.
Mild Side Effects
According to the American Heart Association, "Most of statins' side effects are mild and generally go away as your body adjusts." Some initial side effects you may experience include muscle pain, muscle tenderness, joint aches, nausea, abdominal discomfort, gas, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea and constipation.
Additional Side Effects
The Texas Heart Institute claims that taking a statin can lead to fatigue, skin problems such as a rash or itchy skin, blurred vision and difficulty sleeping. You may also experience muscle weakness and dizzy spells.
Serious Side Effects
The Mayo Clinic states that one serious side effect is liver damage. Taking a statin can raise the level of certain enzymes in your liver. They claim that "If left unchecked, increased liver enzymes can lead to permanent liver damage." In addition, liver damage can occur without producing any symptoms. Given this your doctor will do liver tests to monitor you for complications. Statins can also cause kidney damage. These drugs may cause your muscle to break down and release a protein that damages the kidney. You also need to watch for severe muscle problems. Statins can cause a condition called myositis which is an inflammation of the muscles. The other condition is rhabdomyolysis, which causes disabling pain and muscle weakness throughout your body.
