What You Need to Know About Statins
by Jennifer Bunn, RNStatins are drugs that help to lower cholesterol in humans. They work by lowering an enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) in the liver, the end result of which is the increased clearance of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) in the blood. When taken regularly, they start to work in approximately one week, with peak effect seen in 4 to 6 weeks. Drugs in this class include Pravachol, Crestor and Lipitor, to name a few.
Statins are widely prescribed to people with high cholesterol to decrease their risk of heart attack and stroke. However, their use is not without risk. There are several side effects attributed to statins, including:
- Muscle pain
- Liver damage
- Headache
- GI upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Rash
- Headache
By far, the most serious side effects of statins are liver damage and muscle pain, which may indicate rhabdomyolysis, a rare but deadly condition which results in muscle cell death and can lead to kidney failure. Persons who are taking statins should report muscle pain to their physician; as well, liver function should be assessed through blood tests periodically to ensure the liver is functioning normally.
