Dangers of Statin
Statin drugs that help lower cholesterol are a treatment option for millions of people with high cholesterol at risk of developing heart disease. Statin drugs sold under brand names like Lipitor and Zocor can do a lot of good but can also generate side effects that should be understood before taking the drugs.
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What Statins Do
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Statins are a class of drugs that inhibit the action of a liver enzyme that is a key building block for "bad cholesterol," which can cause plaque to build up in the veins and arteries and can lead to a stroke or heart attack when they become blocked. Statins work by attacking the source of bad cholesterol and limiting its production. It is estimated that statins can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by 25 to 40 percent.
Side Effects
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Most people who take statin drugs do not experience significant side effects, though mild ones are fairly common. The list of mild side effects includes headache, difficulty sleeping, muscle aches, drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, cramps and bloating. There are also more serious side effects that can require medical treatment and, in rare cases, cause serious damage to muscles and vital organs.
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Myositis
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Myositis, a condition that causes muscle inflammation, can occur with statin use. The inflammation can cause discomfort and usually isn't serious if a person is taking statins alone. But serious muscle damage can occur if statins are taken in conjunction with other medications including fibrates, another type of cholesterol-reducing drug.
Elevated CPK Levels
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In some cases, statins have been known to spur an increase in the level of a muscle enzyme called creatine phosphokinase, or CPK. Elevated CPK levels can produce a range of effects including muscle weakness, aches and inflammation. This condition is rare and usually not serious but can take a considerable amount of time to reverse when it does occur.
Rhabdomyolysis
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Rhabdomyolysis, a breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, is the rarest and most severe side effect of statins. The condition is accompanied by extremely elevated CPK levels and severe muscle aches and inflammation. It causes the damaged muscles to release proteins into the blood that are difficult for the kidneys to filter out, causing potentially long-term kidney damage or even kidney failure. Fortunately, this condition occurs only once in every 10,000 cases and can be treated effectively if it's not allowed to progress.
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