Be Careful While Using Statins
October 5, 2009
Statin is the drug which is present in medicines that are used to reduce the cholesterol in the body. This drug stops the production of cholesterol by the liver by blocking the enzyme that is responsible for the production of cholesterol.
As we all know that the increased level of cholesterol is very bad for our health. It can get deposited in the arteries blocking the blood flow which in turn may lead to stroke or heart problem. Hence consumption of statin helps to reduce the increased cholesterol and also helps to maintain the normal levels of cholesterol by restricting its production. Therefore the patients are put on statins to reduce the cholesterol which is easier than treating any heart alignment.
Types
There are different types of statins and they are given to the patient as required. The most widely used are lipitor and crestor. They are used more because they do not interfere with the other medicines being used.
Side Effects
Some of the side effects of taking statins could be headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, general weakness, muscle pain and some can have constipation also. The two most serious side effects include liver failure and rhabdomysolysis.
Rhabdomysolysis is a condition which first causes muscle pain and then reduces the muscles cells and later on kidney failure is caused which ultimately leads to death of the person. So, if you have any joint pain or muscle pain while taking statins then you should tell your doctor about it.
Statins should also not be used in pregnancy as they can effect the growing embryo. Also if you are taking some medication you must tell you doctor before staring any treatment.
Drug Interaction
The drugs that interact with statins and cause harmful effects are protease inhibitors that are used to treat AIDS. Others are erythromycin, etraconazole, biaxin, diltiazem and also grape fruit juice.
Summary
In short statins should be taken very carefully and with proper consultation of your doctor and any effect being caused by taking this should be told to the doctor.
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