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Statin Adverse Effects |
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Most people tolerate these drugs very well. However, as is true with all drugs, some people develop side effects.
WELL-KNOWN SIDE EFFECTS: LIVER AND MUSCLEThe side effects that your doctor will be most familiar with are:
Things You Should Know If you get an infection and are put on antibiotics or antifungal agents, make sure the prescribing doctor knows you are on statins, because several antibiotics and antifungal drugs can interact with the statin drugs to cause problems. In fact, it is a good idea with each new drug you are started on to be sure the doctor is familiar with the rest of your drug list. Also, if you become seriously ill or are scheduled for surgery, you should talk to your doctor about stopping your statin drug until you are better, or well on the road to recovery. You should be aware that grapefruit juice affects metabolism of most statins (but not pravastatin) and can markedly increase blood levels, so grapefruit juice may be best avoided while you are on statins. This is not true for other citrus juices. LESSER-KNOWN SIDE EFFECTSMemory, Thinking and Concentration Some people report changes in memory, attention, or concentration on statins. They may have trouble finding the right word; may forget tasks they started to do; and may have trouble following conversations. Some people describe "holes in their memory." Some people worry that they are developing Alzheimer's. Of course, since people on statin drugs are often older, and may be experiencing age-related loss of memory, it makes it difficult to know whether the drugs are responsible. Many people report improvement in memory and thinking when they stop the drug; or improvement if they go on a lower dose. These findings suggest that the drug is responsible. As of now there there are two randomized controlled trials that have looked at thinking on these drugs. One was published in May 2000 in the journal called American Journal of Medicine. Dr. Matthew Muldoon, at the University of Pittsburgh, showed that statin drugs on average reduces “cognition,” that is to say, people who were on a statin drug did worse on tests of thinking and memory ability, even though they started out the same as those who were put on a placebo pill. These effects were “significant” statistically. On average the effects were considered to be small, but of course some people have no alteration, while others have bigger losses in memory and thinking. A second study by Dr. Muldoon shared similar findings. However, in another statin trial, no effect was seen on cognitive function. That study, in persons over 70, was not expressly designed to assess the effect of statins on thinking, but it did assess cognitive function. Depression and Irritability Some people report changes in mood on statins. These include loss of interest in activities and loss of interest in social involvement. Some people report frank depression, but it is not known if these effects are more common in people on statins than in people who are not. However, some people reliably become down when on the drugs, and better when off, so that for these people there appears to be a relationship. It is possible that some people may also get a boost to their mood with low cholesterol, although this is less commonly reported. In some cases violence, psychosis, and suicide have been reported. We have published a small case series describing several instances of severe irritability arising on statins, resolving when statins were stopped, and returning when statin use was resumed. Pain Although muscle pain is a well-recognized side effect of these drugs (and one that should be reported, so tests can be done), other pain effects have been reported by many people on statins, but have not been studied extensively include headaches, joint pains, and abdominal pain. Peripheral Neuropathy Studies have confirmed that peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness or burning pain) may occur with statins. Other Side Effects Sleep problems, sexual function problems, fatigue, dizziness and a sense of detachment are also reported with these drugs. Additionally, people have mentioned experiencing swelling, shortness of breath, vision changes, changes in temperature regulation, weight change, hunger, breast enlargement, blood sugar changes, dry skin, rashes, blood pressure changes, nausea, upset stomach, bleeding, and ringing in ears or other noises. STATINS AND CoQ10 Although symptoms usually resolve on stopping the drug, for a proportion of those who have contacted us, muscle symptoms – pain or weakness – or peripheral neuropathy may persist when the drugs are discontinued. There is published scientific evidence that statins lower coQ10 levels in a dose-dependent fashion; that low levels of coQ10 relate to muscle and brain pathology; and that restoration of coQ10 may lead to diminution of symptoms in those with muscle or cognitive problems. We have received a number of anecdotal reports from statin users who developed muscle problems who report benefit from adequate doses (which vary from person to person) of coenzyme Q10 supplements, which are available over the counter. There is also one small controlled study that reported benefit of coQ10 to statin muscle symptoms. There are also controlled studies showing benefit of coenzyme Q10 supplementation in persons who have low levels of this biochemical not necessarily related to statin use. Coenzyme Q10 should be in gelcaps, in an oil or vitamin-E base to be absorbed. WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU ARE HAVING AN ADVERSE EFFECT
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Users of this website agree to the legal notice as stated. Please email The UCSD Statin Study for any questions regarding this website. Last updated 05/08/07.
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