Customer question:
Which pills are usually prescribed for high cholesterol, and what side effects can occur? Question from an anonymous forum customer
Pharmacist's answer:
Statins, a group of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, are usually prescribed to lower cholesterol. These include drugs with active ingredients: atorvastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin, pravastatin, and others. They work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is critical to the production of cholesterol in the body, leading to a reduction in the level of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the blood.
The side effects of statins can vary from person to person, but some of the most common are:
- Muscle pain and weakness: One of the most common side effects of statins is muscle pain, weakness, or discomfort, which can also affect quality of life. In some people, this condition can lead to myopathy, which causes muscle damage and the release of creatine kinase into the bloodstream.
- Digestive problems: Some people may experience digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or flatulence.
- Headaches: Some people may experience headaches or dizziness as a side effect of statins.
- Increase in liver enzyme levels: In some people, statins can cause an increase in liver enzyme levels in the blood. It is usually a mild and only temporary increase, which usually normalizes with discontinuation of treatment or dose adjustment.
- Diabetes: There is research showing a link between taking statins and an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Before starting statin treatment, you must consult your doctor, who will help you assess the benefits and risks and choose the most appropriate drug and dose based on your needs and medical condition. In some people, statins are very effective in lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, but in others, they may have side effects that require treatment adjustments. Regular check-ups with a doctor are essential to monitor the response to treatment and possible side effects.
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