Articles
Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks
What causes statin side effects?
Drugs and food that interact with statins
Statins lower cholesterol and protect against heart attack and stroke. But they may lead to side effects in some people.
Content
What are statin side effects?
Muscle pain and damage
Liver damage
Increased blood sugar or type 2 diabetes
Neurological side effects
Who's at risk of developing statin side effects?
Foods and medicines that interact with statins
How to relieve statin side effects
Weigh the risks and benefits
Drugs and food that interact with statins
Statins lower cholesterol and protect against heart attack and stroke. But they may lead to side effects in some people.
Content
What are statin side effects?
Muscle pain and damage
Liver damage
Increased blood sugar or type 2 diabetes
Neurological side effects
Who's at risk of developing statin side effects?
Foods and medicines that interact with statins
How to relieve statin side effects
Weigh the risks and benefits
Liver damage
Sometimes, statin use could cause an increase in the level of enzymes in the liver. These enzymes signal inflammation. If the increase is only mild, you can continue to take the statin. Rarely, if the increase is severe, you may need to try a different statin.
Although liver problems are rare, your healthcare team may order a liver enzyme test before or shortly after you begin to take a statin. You won't need any further liver enzyme tests unless you begin to have signs of trouble with your liver.
Contact your healthcare professional right away if you have unusual fatigue or weakness, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.