Customer question:
What are the most common side effects of cholesterol pills? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Tablets used to lower cholesterol, especially statins, are effective drugs for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Despite their effectiveness, they can also cause unwanted side effects. While these effects are often mild and temporary, some individuals report more severe problems. It is important to note that most people who otherwise take statins do not experience severe side effects. For most people, the benefits of statin therapy outweigh the potential risks. Some of the more common side effects are listed below:
- Muscle symptoms: The most common side effect of statins is muscle pain or weakness. This can manifest as discomfort, pain, or muscle weakness, especially in the thighs or shoulders. In some people, these symptoms can progress to myopathy, a more severe muscle problem that can even include the breakdown of muscle fibers and an increased risk of kidney failure.
- Liver: Statins can increase blood levels of liver enzymes, which may indicate liver damage. Although this is rare, it is important to monitor liver enzymes regularly while taking statins.
- Digestive problems: Some people report digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, or stomach pain when taking statins. These symptoms are usually not more intense, but they can affect the quality of life.
- Headaches: Headaches are a common side effect of taking statins. Some people can appear occasionally, or they can be constant and bothersome.
- Insomnia: Some people report sleep problems, including insomnia or disturbed sleep, when taking statins.
- Skin Rashes: Some people may develop skin rashes or itching as a reaction to statins. These rashes are usually mild but sometimes require discontinuation of treatment.
- Miscellaneous problems: Some individuals also report other less common side effects, such as dizziness, depression, decreased libido, or vision problems.
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