Statins are a group of medicines that can help lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. Having a high level of LDL cholesterol is potentially dangerous. Statins can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Lifestyle changes can also reduce your cholesterol level. As with many medicines, statins can sometimes cause side effects. Not everybody who takes a statin has side effects.
Drugs.com says that some of the most commonly reported side effects of statins include a croaky voice or hoarseness, as well as lower back or side pain, tenderness around the eyes or cheekbones.
The NHS says that side effects can vary between different statins, but common side effects include headaches, feeling sick, digestive system problems and low blood platelet count.
The NHS says that you should discuss the benefits and risks of taking statins with your doctor before you start taking the medicine.
“If you find certain side effects particularly troublesome, talk to the doctor in charge of your care,” it adds.
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The health body says that statins can occasionally cause muscle inflammation.
“Speak to your doctor if you have muscle pain, tenderness or weakness that cannot be explained – for example, pain that is not caused by physical work,” it says.
Your doctor may carry out a blood test to measure a substance in your blood called creatine kinase.
If the creatine kinase in your blood is more than five times the normal level, your doctor may advise you to stop taking the statin.
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The NHS says that there are five types of statin available on prescription in the UK. They include atorvastatin, fluvastatin pravastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin.
You may need to take statins if you’ve had a heart attack or stroke, in order to reduce your risk of another cardiac event.
You usually have to continue taking statins for life because if you stop taking them, your cholesterol will return to a high level within a few weeks.
Nonetheless, there are some possible side effects to consider, including some which may influence your mood.
Most statins are taken at night, as this is when most of your cholesterol is produced, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
The BHF says: “It’s important to take your medication regularly as prescribed. Most statins are taken at night, as this is when most of your cholesterol is produced. Check with your doctor or pharmacist when you should be taking your statin.”
The charity also notes that a research study suggested that in very rare cases statins may increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
“However statins are among the safest and the most studied medications available today,” it suggests.
The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from any type of medicine you’re taking.
It’s run by a medicines safety watchdog called the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The purpose of the scheme is to provide an early warning that the safety of a medicine or a medical device may require further investigation.
Side effects reported on Yellow Cards are evaluated, together with additional sources of information such as clinical trial data.
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