Discussing The Safeness Of Statins

health

Discussing The Safeness Of Statins

By Alpro Pharmacy

April 24, 2024

Many older adults regularly take medicines for ongoing health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Thankfully, modern medicine has made it much easier to keep these issues under control – provided that people take their medicines as per their healthcare professional’s instructions. However, there is a hitch: sometimes, people don’t take their medicines because they’re worried about side effects, or some may adjust the dosage without consulting their healthcare providers. This fear can get in the way of them complying with their treatment and staying on top of their health. Today, we will clear up some myths and misunderstandings about a group of common anti-cholesterol medicines, namely statins.

Statins are one of the commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of high cholesterol. Before we start, you can rest assured that statins are indeed effective in managing cholesterol levels and are generally safe. The likelihood of these effects is extremely rare—most of the time, they occur due to factors such as drug interaction. In this article, we will discuss the need to comply with statins as a treatment, why the adverse effects happen, and the steps that should be taken if one experiences them.

What Are Statins?

Statins are lipid-lowering agents responsible for reducing the cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. From a pharmacological perspective, they block the HMG-CoA reductase enzymes, which are responsible for the production of cholesterol.

Examples of commonly prescribed statins include, but are not limited to, Simvastatin, Atorvastatin, Pravastatin and Rosuvastatin.

What Are The Dangers of High Levels of Cholesterol?

High cholesterol levels are the leading cause of atherosclerosis. It is a condition in which cholesterol deposits form at the walls of the arteries, leading to the formation of plaque. Over time, plaque builds up and causes the narrowing of the arteries, which, in turn, could cause coronary heart disease (CAD), leading to a heart attack – the symptoms of which include chest pain and shortness of breath.

While lifestyle modification, including physical activity, diet control and supplementation, can be beneficial in reducing cholesterol levels, they may not be sufficient. Hence, to prevent heart attacks, medical practitioners would resort to prescribing statins.

Possible Adverse Effects of Statins and Why They Happen

Now that we know the role of statins in lowering cholesterol levels, do you know what some of their adverse effects might be?

Before we elaborate on them, please be duly informed that the likelihood of their occurring is extremely low. If you experience any of the symptoms, the correct course of action is to seek a doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice – this would warrant thorough examinations. Never stop taking your statins, and never make any amendments to your dosages without any proper consultation with your healthcare professionals.

Within the recommended dosages, statins are safe for patients. While statins have been shown to reduce the risk of CAD, there are a few adverse effects to always look out for. Some of them are as follows.

When reviewing the signs and symptoms, your practitioner may also compile and run through your medication history to look out for any possible drug interactions (especially if you are on a lot of medications). Therefore, it is always good to have at hand a list of medicines that you are being prescribed.

Drug Interactions with Statins

In this article, we will focus mainly on rhabdomyolysis as a form of adverse effect of statins, which is primarily due to its interaction with other drugs. Rhabdomyolysis may be caused by major drug interactions with some statins. Therefore, you should remember the name of the statin that you are being prescribed so that your doctor is well-informed of your medication history.

Some of the most prescribed medications that may cause rhabdomyolysis upon interacting with statins include:

Clarithromycin – a type of antibiotic.
Erythromycin – a type of antibiotic.
Gemfibrozil – another class of lipid-lowering drug.

These drugs have been known to increase the levels or effects of statins in the body system, potentially leading to adverse events.

Supplementation to Take While on Statins

On another note, it has been documented that the consumption of certain statins may lead to the reduction of CoQ10 levels in the body, which, in turn, may lead to the occurrence of myalgia (muscle pain). Thus, to counteract this particular adverse effect of statins (and to reduce the severity of muscle aches), it is recommended that CoQ10 supplementation be initiated.

“Can I Stop Taking My Statins Once My Cholesterol Levels Become Normal?”

Many people frequently ask if they can discontinue their statins once their cholesterol levels have reduced to the normal range.

We strongly advise statin users to keep taking their medicine unless told otherwise by their doctors. Statins have been proven to stabilise plaques formed in the arteries, stopping them from growing further – they serve as a form of “protection” in the long run. Hence, for the ongoing preventative effect, never halt or alter the dosages of your cholesterol treatment.

Managing your health conditions with medication does not have to be a source of anxiety. While concerns about side effects are valid, they should not overshadow the significant benefits these medications can provide when taken responsibly.

Remember, knowledge is the key to confidence, and with the right information and support, you can navigate your health journey with assurance. Talk to your healthcare provider about concerns and actively participate in your treatment plan. Together, you can work towards a healthier and happier life.

Need More Information? Talk to Our Expert!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Alpro ePharmacy or visit the nearest Alpro Pharmacy. Our team, consisting of pharmacists, doctors, physiotherapists, nutritionists, audiologists and dietitians, is ready to assist and provide support.