Side Effects of Cholesterol Lowering Medications

If you're taking cholesterol lowering drugs such as Crestor, Zocor or Lipicor, you may be concerned about possible side effects you may experience. As with most medications, many side effects are generally mild and easily treated. However, there are some more serious side effects that you should be aware of. If you experience these side effects, you need to seek medical attention.

Headaches, itching, and digestive disturbances such as nausea, heartburn, diarrhea and constipation are common side effects of cholesterol lowering drugs. They can usually be treated with over the counter medications such as pain relievers, antihistamines, antacids and anti-diarrheals. However, you should be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking medication for side effects as these can sometimes interact with other medications you are taking. Don't forget to mention any over the counter medications or supplements you take on a regular basis.

For heartburn, you might also consider elevating the head of your bed with a wedge made for such purposes and waiting at least an hour after meals before lying down. This will help reduce the amount of acid that can back up into your esophagus. Be sure to keep hydrated if you are vomiting or have diarrhea. For constipation, increasing your fiber intake and being sure to take in adequate amounts of fluids may also help. If over the counter remedies are not helping your symptoms or they appear to be worsening, you should inform your doctor. It may be necessary to change your dosage or medication.

More serious side effects include swelling in the legs and feet; muscle pain or weakness accompanied by flu-like symptoms and dark colored urine; chest pain; and jaundice, a yellowish tinge in eyes and skin. If you experience any of these side effects, you should immediately cease taking the medication and call your doctor.

Allergic reaction may also occur. If you experience hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling in your face, mouth and throat, you should seek immediate emergency assistance. In some individuals, an allergy to the cholesterol lowering medication can lead to anaphylactic shock, which can result in death in a matter of minutes.

Keep in mind that not all side effects are easily apparent to the eye. While rare, some medications have been linked to kidney and liver damage. Before taking any new medication, ask your doctor about the potential risks. If the medication you are taking has been linked to organ damage or you are susceptible to damage due to other health problems, you may want to request that your doctor check for damage through regular lab tests.

Sources:

http://www.drugs.com

http://www.medicinenet.com/statins/article.htm