This Morning: Dr Chris reveals grapefruit can affect statins
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If they have a family medical history that suggests they’re likely to develop a heart related disease or if they have a heart related disease, they are likely to be prescribed statins.
Statins are normally taken once a day.
Each statin is different and therefore each may have to be taken in a different way, at different times of the day and at a different dose.
The differences don’t stop there; each statin can result in its own set of potential side effects.
What side effects to expect will be available on the information leaflet that comes with the medication.
Common side effects of statins include tenderness or pain around the eyes or cheekbones.
A headache, hoarseness, lower back, or side pain, painful or difficult urination, and a stuffy or runny nose are also potential experiences one may have after taking statins.
There are some less common side effects to statins too.
Belching or excessive rectal wind may be experienced.
So too may constipation and a general feeling of discomfort or illness.
It is also possible to experience heartburn, stomach discomfort or indigestion after taking statins.
A lack or loss of strength, loss of appetite, nausea, shivering, stomach pain, sweating, trouble sleeping, and vomiting are other, less common, side effects.
It should be noted that even if these are experienced after taking a statin, they may not be caused by the statin you have just taken.
Once a person start’s taking the medication, they normally have to have them for the rest of their life.
The NHS advises that if you miss one dose that you shouldn’t take an extra pill the next day to compensate.
Sometimes statins, when mixed with other medications in the stomach, can exacerbate the side effects; these are known as interactions.
The leaflet that comes with each packet of statins will give you a list of interactions that you should be aware of.
Avoiding these interactions can help to reduce the impact of the side effects.
Alternatives to statins include lifestyle changes.
Any questions about statins should be directed to your GP or the NHS.
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