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Side effects of taking atorvastatin. Atorvastatin Side Effects: From Mild Discomfort to Serious Risks

by alexxlab

What are the common and rare side effects of atorvastatin. How can you manage the side effects of this cholesterol-lowering medication. What precautions should you take when using atorvastatin. When should you consult your doctor about atorvastatin side effects.

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Understanding Atorvastatin: A Powerful Cholesterol-Lowering Medication

Atorvastatin, commonly known by its brand name Lipitor, is a widely prescribed medication belonging to the statin class of drugs. It’s primarily used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. As with any medication, atorvastatin can cause side effects ranging from mild to severe. Understanding these potential side effects is crucial for patients and healthcare providers alike.

What is Atorvastatin Used For?

Atorvastatin is prescribed for various conditions related to cholesterol and cardiovascular health:

  • Lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Increasing HDL (good) cholesterol
  • Reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with certain risk factors
  • Treating adults and children with hereditary cholesterol disorders

Its effectiveness in managing cholesterol levels has made it a cornerstone in cardiovascular disease prevention strategies.

Common Side Effects of Atorvastatin: What to Expect

While many people tolerate atorvastatin well, some may experience side effects. It’s important to note that these common side effects are usually mild and often resolve on their own as your body adjusts to the medication.

Most Frequently Reported Side Effects

  • Headache
  • Muscle pain or weakness
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Cold-like symptoms (runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat)

These side effects typically occur in less than 10% of patients taking atorvastatin. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider.

Managing Common Side Effects

There are several strategies to manage the common side effects of atorvastatin:

  1. Take the medication with food to reduce stomach-related side effects
  2. Stay hydrated to help alleviate constipation
  3. Exercise regularly to help with muscle pain (after consulting with your doctor)
  4. Get adequate rest to combat fatigue
  5. Consider taking the medication before bedtime to minimize the impact of side effects during the day

Serious Side Effects of Atorvastatin: When to Seek Medical Attention

While rare, atorvastatin can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential risks and know when to seek help.

Rare but Serious Side Effects

  • Severe muscle pain or weakness (rhabdomyolysis)
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney failure
  • Increased blood sugar levels or type 2 diabetes
  • Memory problems or confusion
  • Allergic reactions

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency medical care.

Risk Factors for Serious Side Effects

Certain factors may increase your risk of experiencing serious side effects from atorvastatin:

  • Being over 65 years old
  • Having a small body frame
  • Having kidney or liver disease
  • Drinking large amounts of alcohol
  • Taking certain medications that interact with atorvastatin

Discussing these risk factors with your doctor can help determine if atorvastatin is the right choice for you.

Atorvastatin and Muscle Pain: A Common Concern

Muscle pain, also known as myalgia, is one of the most frequently reported side effects of atorvastatin and other statins. While usually mild, in rare cases, it can be a sign of a more serious condition.

Understanding Statin-Related Muscle Pain

Statin-related muscle pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with daily activities. It typically affects large muscle groups like those in the thighs, calves, back, and shoulders.

When to Be Concerned About Muscle Pain

While some muscle soreness is common, especially when starting atorvastatin, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

  • Severe muscle pain or weakness
  • Muscle pain accompanied by fever or feeling unwell
  • Dark or cola-colored urine
  • Unexplained tiredness or weakness

These symptoms could indicate a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, which involves the breakdown of muscle tissue and can lead to kidney damage.

Atorvastatin and Liver Function: Monitoring and Precautions

Atorvastatin, like other statins, is processed by the liver. While liver problems are rare, it’s important to monitor liver function while taking this medication.

Liver Function Tests

Your doctor will likely order liver function tests before starting atorvastatin and periodically during treatment. These tests can detect early signs of liver problems.

Signs of Liver Problems

Be aware of the following symptoms that could indicate liver issues:

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Upper right abdominal pain
  • Unexplained nausea or vomiting
  • Dark urine
  • Fatigue

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Atorvastatin Interactions: Foods, Drinks, and Medications to Avoid

Atorvastatin can interact with various substances, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or reducing the medication’s effectiveness.

Food and Drink Interactions

Certain foods and drinks can interact with atorvastatin:

  • Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Can increase the concentration of atorvastatin in your blood, potentially leading to side effects
  • Alcohol: Excessive consumption can increase the risk of liver problems

Medication Interactions

Several medications can interact with atorvastatin, including:

  • Other cholesterol-lowering medications
  • Certain antibiotics
  • Some antifungal medications
  • HIV medications
  • Cyclosporine
  • Gemfibrozil

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking to avoid potential interactions.

Managing Atorvastatin Side Effects: Tips and Strategies

While side effects from atorvastatin can be concerning, there are several strategies to manage them effectively.

General Tips for Managing Side Effects

  1. Take atorvastatin at the same time each day, preferably in the evening
  2. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet
  3. Exercise regularly, but start slowly and increase intensity gradually
  4. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice
  5. Limit alcohol consumption
  6. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider

Alternative Approaches

If side effects persist or significantly impact your quality of life, discuss the following options with your doctor:

  • Lowering the dose of atorvastatin
  • Switching to a different statin medication
  • Trying a non-statin cholesterol-lowering medication
  • Exploring lifestyle changes to manage cholesterol levels

Remember, never stop taking atorvastatin or adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider.

Long-Term Use of Atorvastatin: What to Expect

Atorvastatin is typically prescribed as a long-term medication to manage cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk. Understanding what to expect with long-term use can help patients stay committed to their treatment plan.

Benefits of Long-Term Atorvastatin Use

Long-term use of atorvastatin has been associated with several benefits:

  • Sustained reduction in LDL cholesterol levels
  • Decreased risk of heart attacks and strokes
  • Potential slowing of atherosclerosis progression
  • Improved overall cardiovascular health

Long-Term Side Effect Considerations

While many side effects of atorvastatin tend to improve over time, some may persist or develop with long-term use:

  • Muscle-related side effects may continue in some patients
  • Slight increase in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly in those with pre-existing risk factors
  • Potential impact on cognitive function, although research in this area is ongoing

Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider are essential for monitoring long-term effects and adjusting treatment as necessary.

In conclusion, while atorvastatin is an effective medication for managing cholesterol levels and reducing cardiovascular risk, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and how to manage them. By staying informed, monitoring your health, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, you can maximize the benefits of atorvastatin while minimizing potential risks. Remember, the decision to start or continue atorvastatin should always be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, taking into account your individual health profile and risk factors.

Statins – Tests & treatments

Statins are a group of medicines that can help lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood.

LDL cholesterol is often referred to as “bad cholesterol”, and statins reduce the production of it inside the liver.

Why have I been offered statins?

Having a high level of LDL cholesterol is potentially dangerous, as it can lead to a hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

CVD is a general term that describes a disease of the heart or blood vessels. It’s the most common cause of death in the UK. The main types of CVD are:

  • coronary heart disease – when the blood supply to the heart becomes restricted
  • angina – sharp chest pain, caused by coronary heart disease
  • heart attacks – when the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked
  • stroke – when the supply of blood to the brain becomes blocked

Your doctor may recommend taking statins if either:

  • you’ve been diagnosed with a form of CVD
  • your personal and family medical history suggests you’re likely to develop CVD at some point over the next 10 years and lifestyle measures (see below) haven’t reduced this risk

Read more about when statins may be recommended.

Taking statins

Statins come as tablets that are taken once a day. The tablets should normally be taken at the same time each day – most people take them just before going to bed.

In most cases, treatment with statins continues for life, as stopping the medication causes your cholesterol to return to a high level within a few weeks.

If you ever forget to take your dose, don’t take an extra one to make up for it. Just take your next dose as usual the following day.

If you accidentally take too many statin tablets (more than your usual daily dose), contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice, or call the NHS 24 111 service.

Cautions and interactions

Statins can sometimes interact with other medicines, increasing the risk of unpleasant side effects, such as muscle damage. Some types of statin can also interact with grapefruit juice.

It’s very important to read the information leaflet that comes with your medication, to check if there are any interactions you should be aware of. If in doubt, contact your GP or pharmacist for advice.

Read more things to consider when taking statins.

Side effects of statins

Many people who take statins experience no or very few side effects. Others experience some troublesome – but usually minor – side effects, such as an upset stomach, headache or feeling sick.

Your doctor should discuss the risks and benefits of taking statins if they’re offered to you.

Cases that involve more serious side effects, such as kidney failure, tend to get a great deal of media coverage, but these are rare. The British Heart Foundation states than just 1 in every 10,000 people who take statins will experience a potentially dangerous side effect.

The risks of any side effects also have to be balanced against the benefits of preventing serious problems. A review of scientific studies into the effectiveness of statins found that around one in every 50 people who take the medication for 5 years will avoid a serious event, such as a heart attack or stroke, as a result.

Read more about the side effects of statins.

Alternatives to statins

If you’re at risk of developing CVD in the near future, your doctor will usually recommend lifestyle measures to reduce this risk before they suggest that you take statins.

Lifestyle measures that can reduce your cholesterol level and CVD risk include:

  • eating a healthy, balanced diet
  • exercising regularly
  • maintaining a healthy weight
  • limiting the amount of alcohol you drink
  • stopping smoking

Statins may be recommended if these measures don’t help.

Read more about:

  • treating high cholesterol
  • cardiovascular disease

Atorvastatin (oral tablets) side effects: Mild to serious

Atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor) is a generic prescription medication approved for use in certain adults and children with:

  • certain risk factors for stroke or heart disease
  • problems with cholesterol

Atorvastatin comes as an oral tablet. As with other drugs, atorvastatin can cause side effects (adverse effects).

If you and your doctor decide that atorvastatin works for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of atorvastatin, including details about its uses, refer to this article. Your doctor can also tell you more about atorvastatin.

Atorvastatin can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took atorvastatin in clinical trials:

  • diarrhea
  • pain in your arms or legs
  • urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • nasopharyngitis (the common cold)*
  • joint pain*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Atorvastatin: Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with atorvastatin use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to atorvastatin’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with atorvastatin include:

  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • pain in your arms or legs
  • urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • indigestion
  • high blood sugar
  • muscle pain*
  • nasopharyngitis (the common cold)*
  • joint pain*
  • mild allergic reaction*

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking atorvastatin and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Atorvastatin: Side effect specifics” below.

Atorvastatin may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to atorvastatin’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking atorvastatin, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • liver damage
  • myopathy (pain, tenderness, or weakness of the muscles) and rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue)
  • severe allergic reaction*

To learn more about these side effects, see the “Atorvastatin: Side effect specifics” section below.

* An allergic reaction is possible after using atorvastatin. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials.

Atorvastatin tablets come in the following strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg. Typically, you’ll take atorvastatin, once daily. (To learn more about atorvastatin’s dosages, see this article.)

In clinical trials of atorvastatin, side effects were more commonly reported with the 20-mg and 40-mg strengths. These included joint pain and muscle pain.

If you have questions about what side effects to expect with the 20-mg or 40-mg dosages, talk with your doctor.

Side effects of other strengths (10 mg and 80 mg)

Side effects of atorvastatin 10 mg are typically less severe than side effects of the higher strengths, such as 80 mg. You may also have an increased risk of serious side effects if you take higher doses of atorvastatin. (For details about these side effects, see the “Atorvastatin: Serious side effects” section above.)

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your atorvastatin dosage and potential side effects.

Older adults taking atorvastatin in clinical trials experienced similar side effects as younger adults. However, people over 65 years old may have an increased risk of myopathy.

Myopathy is a type of muscle problem that causes muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness. If it isn’t treated, this side effect could lead to rhabdomyolysis, a more serious form of muscle damage.

If you’re an older adult, your doctor may not prescribe atorvastatin due to the increased risk of developing these conditions. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this. To learn more about these conditions, see the “Atorvastatin: Side effect specifics” section below.

Learn more about some of the side effects that atorvastatin may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for atorvastatin.

Muscle pain

Muscle pain may occur during atorvastatin treatment. This was not a common side effect reported in clinical trials. However, muscle pain was one of the more common reasons that people stopped taking the drug in trials.

Muscle pain may be a sign of more serious muscle damage, called myopathy. This condition is a potential serious side effect of atorvastatin use. For more information, see “Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis” below.

What you can do

If you have unexplained muscle pain while taking atorvastatin, talk with your doctor right away. This is especially important if you also have a fever or malaise (a general feeling of discomfort).

Your doctor will check to confirm that more serious muscle damage isn’t happening. If they’re concerned about your muscle pain leading to serious side effects, they may recommend you stop taking atorvastatin. They may prescribe a different treatment option for you.

Liver damage

Some people may experience liver damage during atorvastatin treatment. This was a rare, but serious side effect reported in clinical trials of the drug.

Typically, you may not notice any symptoms with liver damage. But they can include:

  • dark urine
  • fatigue
  • lack of appetite
  • pain in the right upper area of your abdomen
  • jaundice

If not treated, liver damage from atorvastatin use can lead to liver failure and in rare cases, even death.

What you can do

Before you start atorvastatin treatment, your doctor will order a blood test to check your liver function. When your liver is damaged or inflamed, certain enzymes (a type of protein) are released into your bloodstream. High levels of liver enzymes may indicate liver damage.

If your levels are within the usual range, your doctor may recommend you take atorvastatin. If your levels are high, or if you have liver disease, they may not prescribe you the drug.

While you are taking atorvastatin, tell your doctor if you have symptoms of liver damage. They’ll order routine blood tests to check your liver health. If your liver enzymes increase, they’ll likely recommend you stop taking atorvastatin temporarily. This is so they can identify the reason for your increased liver enzyme levels. And they’ll determine whether it’s safe for you to continue taking atorvastatin.

Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis

Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis are serious conditions that may occur with atorvastatin treatment. It’s not known how often myopathy occurred in clinical trials. However, rhabdomyolysis was rarely reported.

With myopathy, you have pain, tenderness, or weakness of the muscles. If myopathy is not checked and treated by your doctor, it can progress to a more serious muscle condition. This is called rhabdomyolysis. With rhabdomyolysis, your muscle tissue breaks down into substances that are released into the bloodstream. Some of the substances can damage the kidney, possibly causing kidney failure.

Symptoms of these conditions include muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. They also include fever and malaise (a general feeling of discomfort).

Taking certain medications along with atorvastatin can increase your risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Other risk factors include:

  • being 65 years or older
  • having kidney problems
  • having untreated hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
  • taking high doses of atorvastatin
  • consuming large amounts of grapefruit juice on a regular basis
What you can do

While taking atorvastatin, tell your doctor right away if you have any of the above symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. If your doctor determines that you have one of these conditions, they’ll likely have you stop taking atorvastatin right away.

Before starting atorvastatin, tell your doctor about all prescription medications and over-the-counter supplements or drugs that you take. This will help them determine your risk of developing myopathy with atorvastatin use.

Nasopharyngitis

Nasopharyngitis (the common cold) can occur while taking atorvastatin. This was the most commonly reported side effect in clinical trials of the drug.

Symptoms can include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and coughing. This side effect is typically mild and goes away within a few days.

What you can do

If you have symptoms of nasopharyngitis that bother you, talk with your doctor. They can recommend OTC treatments to relieve your symptoms.

If this side effect does not go away, they can discuss potential alternative treatment options for your condition.

Joint pain

It’s possible to experience joint pain while taking atorvastatin. This was one of the most common side effects reported in atorvastatin’s clinical trials. It’s usually mild and may occur with joint swelling.

What you can do

If you have joint pain that’s bothering you, talk with your doctor. They can recommend options for pain relief, such as OTC ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others).

If this side effect does not go away, they can discuss other treatment options for your condition.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, atorvastatin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking atorvastatin. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Atorvastatin may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Does atorvastatin treatment cause hair loss?

It’s not likely. Hair loss was not reported as a side effect in clinical trials of atorvastatin.

However, in other studies, people taking atorvastatin reported hair loss. But it’s not known how common this was or whether the drug was the cause.

If you’re concerned about hair loss, talk with your doctor about ways to help prevent or treat this condition.

Should I expect dental side effects from taking atorvastatin?

It’s possible that taking atorvastatin can improve your dental health.

Some studies have found that statin drugs, such as atorvastatin, may provide health benefits for your mouth and teeth. These benefits may include improved oral wound and bone healing. However, more research is needed to understand the full effect of statins on dental health.

If you have questions about your dental health while taking atorvastatin, talk with your doctor or dentist.

Can stopping atorvastatin treatment cause withdrawal symptoms?

No. Atorvastatin is not known to cause withdrawal symptoms. (With withdrawal symptoms, you experience uncomfortable side effects after you stop taking a substance.) Withdrawal symptoms were not reported in clinical trials of people taking and then stopping atorvastatin treatment.

However, one study suggests that the risk of cardiovascular events may increase after stopping statin drugs. These events include heart attack or stroke. More research is needed to determine what the actual risk might be.

If you’d like to stop your atorvastatin treatment, be sure to talk with your doctor.

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take atorvastatin. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Liver problems. Atorvastatin can cause liver problems or liver damage. If you already have liver problems, you may have an increased risk of serious liver disease or liver failure. Talk with your doctor about whether atorvastatin is safe for you to take if you have liver problems.

Kidney problems. Kidney problems can increase your risk of muscle-related side effects from atorvastatin. (For more details, see the “Atorvastatin: Side effect specifics” section above.) Talk with your doctor to learn whether atorvastatin is safe for you to take if you have kidney problems.

Recent stroke. If you’ve recently had a stroke or transient ischemic attack, you may have an increased risk of another stroke. This is if you take high doses of atorvastatin. (To learn more about atorvastatin’s dosages, see this article.)Talk with your doctor about whether atorvastatin is safe for you to take if you’ve had a stroke.

Diabetes. Atorvastatin may not be right for you if you have diabetes. This is because the drug can increase your blood sugar. If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor to learn whether you can safely take atorvastatin.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to atorvastatin or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe atorvastatin. Taking atorvastatin could cause you to have another allergic reaction. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Atorvastatin is not safe for people who are pregnant. And it’s not recommended for people who are breastfeeding. For more information, see “Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking atorvastatin” below.

Alcohol with atorvastatin

Alcohol is not known to interact with atorvastatin. However, it may not be safe to consume alcohol while taking the drug.

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to liver damage. And atorvastatin can also cause liver damage as a side effect. So, drinking a lot of alcohol while taking atorvastatin can further increase your risk of liver damage.

Talk with your doctor to learn whether alcohol is safe for you to drink while taking atorvastatin.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking atorvastatin

Atorvastatin is not safe to take if you’re pregnant. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your doctor will likely not prescribe this drug. They’ll recommend you use effective birth control while taking atorvastatin.

It’s unknown whether it’s safe to breastfeed while taking atorvastatin. Drugs similar to atorvastatin are known to pass into breast milk. This has the potential to cause side effects in a breastfed child

Your doctor will likely not recommend the drug if you’re breastfeeding. If you’re considering breastfeeding during atorvastatin treatment, talk with your doctor.

Atorvastatin’s common side effects are generally mild. However, there are rare but serious side effects to watch for. This includes muscle damage and liver problems. For more information about these side effects, see the “Atorvastatin: Serious side effects” section above.

If you’d like to learn more about atorvastatin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug. You can also ask them about Lipitor, the brand-name version of atorvastatin.

A generic drug and its brand-name version contain the same active ingredient, so they’re expected to have the same side effects. Referring to the following articles about atorvastatin and Lipitor can provide you with additional information:

  • More information about atorvastatin. Learn about other aspects of atorvastatin and Lipitor.
  • Drug comparison. To learn how atorvastatin compares with simvastatin, read this article. You can also learn how Lipitor compares with Crestor and Zocor.
  • Cost. If you’d like to learn about atorvastatin and cost, see this article.
  • Dosage. For information about the dosage of Lipitor, view this article.
  • Interactions. To find out about the interactions of Lipitor, see this article.
  • A look at your condition. For details about your condition, see our cholesterol hub and cardiovascular hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Statins – benefits and harms

Currently, more and more attention is paid to human health. Various programs are being developed to identify hidden courses of diseases, medical examinations of the population are being carried out, in which special attention is paid to the level of cholesterol in the blood, an increase in which leads to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, the development of atherosclerosis, the formation of blood clots and, as a result, severe cardiovascular illness and even death.

According to statistics, mortality from cardiovascular diseases is in first place worldwide. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the importance and frequency of medical examinations, because the disease is better to prevent than to treat, and if we talk about cholesterol, then the deviation from the norm at an early stage is not physically felt and does not manifest itself, but the consequences to which this can lead are irreversible.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol (cholesterol) is an organic compound, a component of lipid (fat) metabolism, contained in the cells of all living organisms – about 20-30% of which enters the body with food, the remaining 80% is produced by the body.

Fats themselves do not dissolve in the blood, this function is performed by a special class of proteins – lipoproteins. The body secretes total cholesterol, “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins that transfer cholesterol to the liver) and “bad” (low-density lipoproteins – vice versa from the liver to tissues), therefore, when prescribing treatment, one should understand the change in the rate of which cholesterol led to the disease .

Cholesterol is one of the main structural elements of the cell, as it provides its strength and membrane permeability, and is also involved in the production of both sex hormones and adrenal hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids. It is necessary to control its level, because fears are caused not only by an increase in cholesterol in the blood, but also by its decrease. This can cause: indigestion and digestibility of fats, depression, fatigue, disruption of the brain, bone fragility, in women – early menopause or amenorrhea, in men – impotence, the risk of developing cancer due to the weakening of the protective functions of the body.

The norm of cholesterol in the elderly

The norms of cholesterol in the blood vary depending on age and gender, lifestyle and nutrition, but you should always remember that maintaining its level within the normal range is the key to healthy blood vessels. The normal level of cholesterol in the blood is considered to be an indicator not exceeding 5. 0 mmol / l, acceptable (borderline) – 6.5 mmol / l, and the numbers above indicate the development and progression of the disease.

Statins: what are they

A group of drugs called to fight high cholesterol – statins (from the Latin “able to stop”) – they reduce the production of cholesterol in the liver and lower its level in the blood by blocking the production of an enzyme involved in the formation of cholesterol, and they also help stabilize the growth of plaques on the vessels, reduce the risk of blood clots and the development of ischemic organ damage.

The indication for the appointment of this group of drugs is a significant excess of cholesterol levels, prevention of stroke and heart attack, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis (a disease in which plaques form on the surface of blood vessels that impede blood circulation in the organs).

Today, statins are one of the most popular drugs that are prescribed not only for the treatment of diseases, but also for the prevention of vascular diseases, if indicated.

Statin groups

  • Preparations of the statin group, depending on the active substance, the degree of exposure to a person, as well as the time spent on the pharmaceutical market, are divided into:

  • 1st generation drugs – lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin – they are also called natural, they are well effective, but have a large number of side effects and are poorly tolerated by the body;

  • The 2nd generation drugs – fluvastatin – are well absorbed by the body and reduce the possibility of side effects, therefore, increased dosages of these drugs are prescribed, which cannot but affect the body;

  • 3rd generation drugs – atorvastatin – more modern drugs with a stable effect, used for any age category, in addition to the main action, they also increase “good” cholesterol, they are mainly prescribed to older people because of better tolerance and availability;

  • 4th generation drugs – the latest drugs with high efficiency and safety, as well as minimal risks of side effects – rosuvastatin, pitavastatin.

Statins: benefits and harms

There is an opinion that statins are less useful than it is believed, they reduce cholesterol, but at the same time they have a negative effect on the body. Of course, we can agree with this, since they have side effects that are described in detail in the instructions for a particular drug.

Side effects of statins:

  • decreased hormone levels,
  • memory problems occur,
  • maximum reduction in cholesterol levels, which can lead to cancer due to a decrease in the protective functions of the body,
  • development of diabetes,
  • allergic reactions,
  • muscle weakness,
  • convulsions,
  • neuritis of the facial nerve and others.
  • Overdose of drugs also leads to negative consequences typical of intoxication of the body – disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, allergies, sweating, etc.

With properly prescribed treatment and strict adherence to the schedule of taking drugs, without gaps, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body, the risk of side effects is significantly reduced, and its effectiveness is increased.

Benefits of statins

Statins, in addition to their main function, also have anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties, antioxidant and antithrombotic effects.

The effectiveness of the use of statins in the secondary prevention of diseases has been proven – this is when a drug of this group is prescribed to a patient after a heart attack or stroke, in order to prevent it again.

Statins are a prescription drug, so only the doctor prescribes or cancels these drugs, determines the required dosage and duration of its administration (it is better to take them in the evening), since statins are not always combined with other drugs that the patient may take due to the presence of chronic diseases.

The incompatibility of statins with other drugs can lead to serious consequences, so the attending physician must be aware of all the drugs taken. As a rule, in order to achieve a positive and sustainable result, statins are prescribed for a long time, and sometimes for life, since they have a cumulative effect and one can speak about their effect on the body only 3-4 weeks after the start of administration. It is also possible to cancel the drug (temporarily or permanently), but not on its own, but for medical reasons and under the supervision of a doctor.

Statin treatment is prescribed, especially for the elderly, only after a long and ineffective diet aimed at lowering cholesterol levels (a strict special lipid-correcting diet can reduce cholesterol levels by 15-20%), lifestyle changes (giving up bad habits and unhealthy snacks, increasing physical activity). activity) and in each specific case, taking into account the presence of concomitant diseases in the patient, his age, compatibility with other drugs. Throughout the treatment process, cholesterol levels should be monitored periodically by conducting tests.

In addition to the elderly, statins are prescribed with extreme caution to people with diseases of the liver, kidneys, organs of vision, diabetes mellitus. Absolute contraindications for the appointment of statins include severe liver disease, individual intolerance (may provoke allergic reactions), renal failure, pregnancy, and childhood.

Natural statins

In nature and folk medicine, there are many remedies that help lower cholesterol for those who, due to contraindications or side effects, cannot take medications – blackcurrant, mountain ash, rose hips, blackberry leaves, linden, flax seeds, pumpkin, in the form of decoctions and tinctures.

Natural statins include foods such as fresh vegetables (carrots, tomatoes) and fruits, nuts (regardless of type), garlic, cereals, fatty fish, chicory, green tea. Herbal statins, of course, can lower the level of cholesterol in the blood, but with an advanced form of the disease, it is necessary to connect medications.

To reduce cholesterol without the use of medicines, a balanced diet with a limited amount of fats (you should not completely exclude them), normalization of weight (in case of obesity), a healthy good sleep, giving up bad habits – alcohol, smoking, moderate physical activity helps.

Should I take statins?

There is also such a theory, most likely expressed by persons without a medical education, that “with age, the level of cholesterol in the body increases and after 60 years it stabilizes, respectively, all centenarians have high cholesterol, and an artificial lowering of its level leads to memory deterioration, development many deadly diseases. Cholesterol is an indicator of age, just like wrinkles.”

Having read articles on the Internet or the media, reviews about the dangers of statins on the body, people are afraid to take them and are skeptical about doctors’ prescriptions, although in some cases they are vital.

Despite the long-term use and stable position in cardiology, statins are still being carefully studied all over the world and unequivocal conclusions on them have not yet been made, but today we have confirmation of the negative effects of statins on the body and evidence of a decrease in the risks of developing heart attacks and strokes, especially in people prone to these diseases, as well as a decrease in the mortality rate from these diseases.

In any case, if there are indications for prescribing this group of medications, the decision in the direction of the necessary treatment will be made by the doctor, taking into account the concomitant factors and control the process of recovery or steady state throughout the treatment. If at the beginning of treatment you feel the slightest change in your health condition, you should inform your doctor about this, since it should be borne in mind that statins are serious drugs and can not only help improve your health condition, but also aggravate it.

Summing up all of the above, we can conclude that even with a large number of side effects, statins are the most common and effective drugs in the fight against high cholesterol.

Remember that the “baggage” of diseases accumulated over the years will not be cured even by long-term use of statins without an integrated approach and additional efforts of the patient himself, associated with changing his lifestyle, increasing physical activity (swimming, running, walking), maintaining a diet, possibly using auxiliary medicines.

Side effects of statin drugs – AMO