1. The Bad Outweighs the Good
More than 60 million people take a statin drug such as Lipitor or Crestor every day in hopes of lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol. Doctors prescribe this type of medication as a quick fix for any patient who has high cholesterol because this medication lowers their cholesterol and decreases their chances of having a heart attack or stroke. However, statins can have dangerous side effects.
2. Liver Problems
Statin drugs like Crestor or Lipitor lower LDL cholesterol manufactured in the liver by stopping the production of certain enzymes. The statin drug also blocks important nutrients needed for good heart health. As a result, many patients will have very bad muscle pains and cramps. Muscle aches can be a serious indicator that your body tissues are breaking down, which could lead to other life threatening problems such as kidney disease.
3. I Can't Remember Anything
Statin drugs, especially Lipitor, alter mental alertness and memory in some patients. Many patients who take Lipitor or other statin drugs in the past notice a gradual change in their memory. The patients claim that they forget simple everyday information. However, when they stopped taking the statin drug, the mental alertness and memory sharpened.
4. Heart Health or Heart Problems
Many people who take statin drugs don't have LDL cholesterol problems. Their doctors prescribed drugs such as Zocor, Lipitor and Crestor to prevent heart attacks and other heart problems. Many doctors claim that statin drugs promote a good healthy heart and recommend it for their patients who are at high risk for heart problems.
5. Think Twice Before Taking Statin Drugs
If your doctor prescribed a statin drug, take it with precaution. Be aware of the possible side effects and report them immediately to your doctor. If you are having side effects and your doctor does nothing about it, stop taking the drug. Some people do not need to take statin drugs to lower their LDL cholesterol. It is possible to lower LDL cholesterol by eating healthier foods and exercising regularly.
