if you have high cholesterol, especially high levels of LDL, you may be taking a statin, a prescription drug to help lower cholesterol. While the medications in this drug family are considered effective, they are also accompanied by health risks which some patients may consider too dangerous. Becoming aware of these risk before beginning your treatment will help you make a sound health decision.
Muscular Risks
Muscular deterioration is one of the most dangerous side effects associated with statins. According to the Mayo Clinic, while you may suffer from statin myopathy (muscle pain and tenderness), severe cases can result in a condition referred to as rhabdomyolysis. This occurs when the cells of the muscles break down and release a protein called myoglobin into your bloodstream. Not only is this process detrimental to your muscles, but the release of myoglobin can also cause kidney damage. Your risk of developing rhabdomyolysis is increased with a higher dose of a statin, or when certain medications are taken with a statin. Examples of drugs that may contribute to this condition include antifungal medications, gemfibrozil, nefazodone and niacin.
Liver Damage
Some statin users may experience a slight increase in their liver enzymes, which is detected through a blood test. In these cases, the risk to the liver is eliminated by discontinuing use of the statin. However, if your doctor is not monitoring your liver enzymes on a regular basis, and your enzymes remain elevated for a long period of time, it can result in liver damage, a condition that is irreversible. According to the Mayo Clinic, the liver damage can begin without the presentation of any symptoms.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that causes pain or numbness in fingers or toes. Beatrice Golomb, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor and director of the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine's Statin Study, reports that "...cognitive problems and peripheral neuropathy, or pain and numbness in the extremities like fingers and toes, are also widely reported."
The National Library of Medicine states that cases of reversible peripheral neuropathy have been reported, all of which are associated with long-term statin use. The symptoms lasted between 10 weeks and one year after the use of statins were discontinued in four patients who were being observed.
