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  • Statins are a class of prescription drugs that include medications like simvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin and rosuvastatin. Despite their effectiveness at lowering cholesterol levels, statins pose a risk for some patients.

    Types

    In general, the side effects of statins pose little danger for long-term health complications and include muscle and joint aches, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

    Risks

    Statins pose a risk for rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition in which muscle fibers break down and begin to damage kidneys. Statins also might change the amount of enzymes or proteins in the liver, which can lead to liver damage.

    Warning

    Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis from statins that require emergency medical attention include dark yellow or brown urine, decreased urine production or difficulty urinating, fever, severe muscle cramps or pain and fatigue. Liver damage from statins causes symptoms that include fatigue, skin rashes or itching and yellowing of the skin or eyes.

    Interactions

    Certain medications increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis or liver damage from statin drugs, including the cholesterol medicine gemfibrozil, the antibiotic erythromycin, antifungal medications like ketoconazole, the antidepressant nefazodone, the immuno-suppressant cyclosporine and the mineral niacin. The herb St. John's Wort and large amounts of grapefruit juice also increase risk.

    Considerations

    Because they might interfere with fetal development, statins are not safe for use during pregnancy, cautions the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

    Source:

    Mayo Clinic: Statins-Are these cholesterol-lowering drugs right for you?

    Catholic Stroke Services Network: Statin Medications

    U.S. National Library of Medicine: LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablet, film coated

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