Statins are widely prescribed medications used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Statins, however, can cause side effects in some individuals. Doctors prescribe statins to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Some seek diet alternatives as opposed to medication. Statins are a class of drugs that help the liver remove cholesterol from the blood and reduce the amount of cholesterol the liver makes. Some say the cholesterol “game” was engineered by Big Pharma to sell drugs that are far worse than high cholesterol.
This article explores the potential side effects associated with statin use and what you should know if you’re taking or considering these medications.
Common Side Effects
The most frequently reported side effects of statins include:
Muscle-related symptoms: Muscle pain, aches, and weakness are the most common complaints among statin users, affecting approximately 5-15 percent of patients. These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to more severe pain.
Digestive issues: Some people may experience nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort.
Headaches and dizziness: These symptoms are relatively common but usually mild.
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or physically weak is another potential side effect.
Sleep disturbances: Some individuals may experience difficulty sleeping while taking statins.
Less Common Side Effects
While less frequent, other potential side effects of statins include:
Liver function changes: Statins can occasionally cause an increase in liver enzymes, although this is usually mild and reversible.
Blood sugar elevation: Some studies have shown a small increase in blood sugar levels and a slightly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in certain individuals.
Memory issues: There have been reports of cognitive effects, such as memory loss or confusion, although research has not consistently confirmed this link.
Skin reactions: In rare cases, statins may cause skin rashes or other dermatological issues.
Rare but Serious Side Effects
While uncommon, some severe side effects can occur:
Rhabdomyolysis: This is an extreme form of muscle damage that can lead to kidney failure. Fortunately, it is very rare, occurring in less than 1 in 10,000 people taking statins.
Liver damage: Although rare, severe liver problems can occur in some individuals.
Autoimmune necrotizing myopathy: This is a very rare condition where the immune system attacks muscle tissue.
Factors Influencing Side Effects
Several factors can increase the risk of experiencing statin side effects:
- Age (particularly those over 65)
- Taking multiple medications
- Consuming large amounts of alcohol
- Having kidney or liver disease
- Genetic factors
Managing Side Effects
If you experience side effects while taking statins, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend:
- Adjusting the dosage
- Switching to a different type of statin
- Taking the medication at a different time of day
- Temporarily stopping the medication to see if symptoms improve
Statin Alternatives
- Ezetimibe: A tablet that reduces the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food.
- Bempedoic acid: A pill that reduces cholesterol production in the liver. It can be taken alone or with other cholesterol-lowering medications.
- PCSK9 inhibitors: Injections that prevent the PCSK9 protein from working, allowing the liver to remove more LDL cholesterol.
- Inclisiran: A gene-silencing drug that uses RNA therapy to block the gene that produces PCSK9.
- Bile acid sequestrants: Prescription medications that help the body get rid of bile acids.
- Niacin: A medication that may reduce cardiovascular events.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in oily fish, nuts, seeds, and oils made from them.
- Grapefruit: Studies find grapefruit juice lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.
The documentary Forks Over Knives addresses the controversy surrounding Big Pharma’s push for more medications. The film is available for free viewing here: https://www.forksoverknives.com/the-film/
