Statins work by reducing the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol is a waxy substance that accumulates on the walls of arteries, a process known as atherosclerosis. By lowering LDL cholesterol, you can reduce this buildup and avoid the threat of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Statins offer tangible health benefits, but taking them can cause an adverse reaction in some people.
According to Bupa, this can happen to one person in every 1,000 who takes statins.
A serious side effect is blistering and swelling on the skin of Organs genitals, mouth or eyes, the health body warns.
Other serious side effects include:
- Allergic reaction that causes swelling in the face, tongue and throat and makes it difficult to breathe
- Pain, weakness and tenderness in muscles with high temperature and feeling of general indisposition; this can be a sign of muscle damage.
READ MORE: Statins warning: grapefruit juice can interact with treatment – what else to avoid
If any of the above reactions happen to you, stop taking the statin and contact your doctor immediately, reports Bupa.
Am I at risk for side effects?
Not everyone who takes a statin will experience side effects, but some people may be at greater risk than others.
According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors include:
- Taking various cholesterol-lowering drugs
- Be woman
- Have a smaller body structure
- Be 80 years or older
- Having kidney or liver disease
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Having certain conditions, such as hypothyroidism or neuromuscular disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
It is important to note that interactions with certain medications and dietary decisions can also cause adverse reactions.
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Grapefruit juice is one of the most surprising dietary decisions that can trigger serious side effects.
According to the Mayo Clinic, grapefruit juice contains a chemical that can interfere with enzymes that break down (metabolize) statins in the digestive system.
“Although you do not need to completely eliminate grapefruit from your diet, ask your doctor how much grapefruit you can eat,” says the health agency.
Some medications that can interact with statins and increase the risk of side effects include:
- Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), a medicine for irregular heart rhythms
- Gemfibrozil (Lopid), another variety of cholesterol medication
- HIV treatments called protease inhibitors, such as saquinavir (Invirase) and ritonavir (Norvir)
- Some antibiotic and antifungal drugs, such as clarithromycin and itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)
- Some immunosuppressive drugs, such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune).
Instead, you should opt for foods high in unsaturated fat, such as oily fish, brown rice, nuts and seeds.
Many of these components are found naturally in a Mediterranean-style diet.
In addition to healthy eating, regular exercise can help to reduce harmful cholesterol levels.
“Try to do at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of exercise a week”, advises the NHS.