Common And Serious Side Effects Of Statins

Muscle Inflammation

Although rare, muscle inflammation is a serious side effect that could develop from the use of statins. Patients who take statins along with fibrates are at a higher risk of experiencing this side effect compared to patients who take statins without fibrates or other cholesterol-reducing medication. Rhabdomyolysis, an extreme and potentially life-threatening form of muscle inflammation, has been reported in 0.1 percent of patients who take statins. This condition causes widespread muscle pain and weakness, and it can lead to kidney failure. Patients who notice they suddenly begin having darker urine than normal should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Treatment for rhabdomyolysis typically includes intravenous diuretics such as mannitol, and patients may also need to undergo dialysis.

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Dizziness

Although it is rare, patients who take statins could experience occasional dizziness, and the risk of this side effect may be greater for women over sixty years old. Taking Aspirin along with a statin could lead to increased dizziness, and dizziness tends to occur most often in those who have been taking statins for less than a month. Dizziness can increase the risk of falls and subsequent injuries. During an episode of dizziness, individuals should try to sit down as soon as possible. If a chair is not available, patients might wish to hold on to a table or another piece of furniture to steady themselves. Statins may lower blood pressure in some patients, and reductions in blood pressure could stimulate dizziness. It may help to monitor blood pressure regularly while on statins, and this should be done at home and the doctor's office. Patients will need to be particularly careful when getting out of bed in the morning. Ideally, they should sit up in bed for a few minutes and rest their feet on the floor before gradually transitioning to a standing position. Individuals who experience dizziness should mention this side effect to their physician. Further tests may be needed, and it might be possible to switch to another drug that does not cause this effect.

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