Is apoB More Important to Measure than Cholesterol? Rhabdomyolysis, or the breakdown of muscle tissue, is a rare side effect of statins that can also cause muscle pain. Its a good idea to keep VLDL levels low, which may prevent cardiovascular diseases. This is a result of an overactive immune system. Unfortunately, it seems a lot of heart medications can be responsible for both hair loss and itching. This content is provided "as is" and is subject to change or removal at any time. It's important to remember that lowering CRP levels with statins is not enough by itself to prevent cardiovascular disease. Atorvastatin Side Effects Important heart disease risk factors include highblood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking or a family history of heart disease. Doctors typically order liver function tests before starting a patient on a statin, and these tests are repeated if the patient shows signs of possible liver issues during treatment. Studies of patients undergoing angioplasty with stenting show that those who were taking statins prior to the procedure had lower levels of CRP afterward and were less likely to have a heart attack or die in the year after the procedure. Since Lipitor was approved, there have been a few reports of people having memory loss. In the case of patients who undergo certain heart proceduresincluding angioplasty, stent placement, and coronary artery bypassand those who haveheart-related chest painstable angina or unstable anginathese high CRP levels have been linked to an increased risk for heart attack or stroke and a greater likelihood of death. Researchers arent yet sure why that is. Itchy red rash Some side effects are more common with one medication than with the other, though. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. Statins are a type of medication that doctors prescribe to lower levels of 'bad' cholesterol and reduce the risks of heart attack and stroke. If youre able to become pregnant, youll need to use effective birth control while taking Lipitor. Applies to atorvastatin: oral suspension, oral tablet. And the same goes for the itching problems you are experiencing. Other side effects include: urinary tract infection, insomnia, limb pain, muscle spasm, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, and nausea. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. They can help determine whats causing your symptoms. Anecdotal evidence suggests flushed skin on the face due to statins could look like a sunburn. Shah N, et al. Normally, the majority of muscle pain associated with statins occurs in Rosuvastatin (Oral Route) Side Effects Atorvastatin Side Effects Although rare, muscle inflammation is a serious side effect that could develop from the use of statins. Statins For a general overview of Lipitor, including details about its uses, see this article. Lipitor side effects: What Webyou get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin; you're wheezing; you get tightness in the chest or throat; you have trouble breathing or talking; your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling; You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital. If youre an older adult and youd like to know more about Lipitors side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Patients who take statins along with fibrates are at a higher risk of experiencing this side effect compared to patients who take statins without fibrates or other cholesterol-reducing medication. There are a few categories of xanthoma: Xanthelasma is the most common type of planar xanthoma. Its possible that youll have muscle pain or weakness with Lipitor. Oily skin, spots and painful skin can affect several body parts, though it is most common on the face, back and chest. Fibrates, in fact, can cause liver and kidney damage. This was compared with people taking the highest dose of 80 mg. Additionally, joint pain was most commonly reported by people taking a 40-mg dose. I. attack and one stent implanted I've had 2 different statins simvastatin Lipitor and currently smoker) and he did take statins - died of a heart attack! WebUncommon side effects of statins include: being sick; memory problems; hair loss; pins and needles; inflammation of the liver , which can cause flu-like symptoms; inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can cause stomach Cancer breakthrough as drug shown to slash the risk of death by 32%, High cholesterol: Three hand symptoms to spot, Statins side effects - the key side effects in your skin you should never ignore, Statins side effects - there are 5 statins which are widely prescribed in the UK, Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms - 3 unusual signs your diet lacks B12, Statins side effects - high cholesterol can be managed through a healthier diet, Statins side effects - cholesterol is essential but too much can be dangerous for your heart, Covid vaccine: Woman dies from sudden side effect, Statins: 'Common' side effects could include bleed in the brain, Statins side effects: Statin users at greater risk of nerve damage, Weight loss: Why you should count chemicals and not calories, Four drinks that could make supplements and antibiotics ineffective, Blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin. Many things can cause the pattern, including cholesterol embolism. NHS advice states that you should always discuss the benefits and risks of taking statins with your doctor before you start taking the medicine. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Sajjan VV, et al. Continue reading to reveal more potential side effects of statins now. Headaches are a fairly unusual side effect associated with statins. If it's localised - I used to get a lot of itching on my lower legs - I found E45 Itch Relief cream to be very effective. Could an experimental probiotic help detoxify mercury from diet? For more information, you can refer to Lipitors patient information. (I can't remember which one causes itchiness, but I know at least one of them does!) As with most drugs, Lipitor can cause an allergic reaction in some people. My body and scalp. * HealthPrep does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Learn, High cholesterol does not usually cause obvious symptoms. medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cholesterol-levels/, nlaresourcecenter.lipidjournal.com/Content/PDFs/6-Debarber-Tuberous.pdf, aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/heart-disease-warning-signs, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5402595/#R1, tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20009666.2019.1650591, heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4439653/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4594389/, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4677465/, aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-arcus-senilis, aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/skin-overall-health, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, The Latest Guidelines on Statins for High Cholesterol, Ask the Expert: Complications of High Cholesterol and How to Avoid Them, Intense Exercise Could Raise Stroke Risk for People With Blocked Arteries, For People Who Can't Take Statins This New Alternative Can Help, Bempedoic Acid: Statin Alternative Helped Reduce Bad Cholesterol By 21%, VLDL: A Key Player in Cholesterol Metabolism and Heart Health. WebSimvastatin is generally well-tolerated and side effects are rare. What your skin can tell you about your overall health. Treatment for rhabdomyolysis typically includes intravenous diuretics such as mannitol, and patients may also need to undergo dialysis. Other side effects include: urinary tract infection, insomnia, limb pain, muscle spasm, musculoskeletal pain, myalgia, and nausea. If the doctor suspects the patient's abdominal pain might be caused by liver issues, further tests may be necessary, and the patient could be switched to another drug. Have a lovely day. If you notice symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, immediately call your doctor or seek emergency medical help. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Statins, one of the most extensively studied drugs on the planet, taken by tens of millions of Americans alone, have long had a perplexing side effect. The unexplained itching is especially worrisome, as it might suggest that your liver is having problems metabolizing the fibrates. Inflammation occurs when the immune system sends in specialized white blood cells to a damaged area. Uncover more side effects of statins now. My GP is ringing me today so I think firstly I'll ask to change my statin to rosuvastatin?? But high levels of circulating fats (cholesterol and triglycerides) can sometimes lead to noticeable skin changes. Atorvastatin: More common side effects Atorvastatin can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. Medication Side Effects and Fibrates, Statins, Itching This can block the flow of blood to that area, causing damage and skin symptoms such as: Livedo reticularis is a bluish-red mottling of the skin in a netlike pattern. Last medically reviewed on August 12, 2022. On the other hand, preventing inflammation helps people at risk for heart disease. When you get a minor injury (an abrasion or cut), the area around it generally reddens and swells slightly. (One Harvard study, for example, found that the combination of a statin and a fibrate increases the risk of muscle damage more than sixfold.) Hi Sandybrown. Its common after middle age, but if you develop it before age 45, it might be a sign of high cholesterol or familial hypercholesterolemia. Your doctor can help determine whether treatment with Lipitor is safe for you. Read our, The Role of LDL Cholesterol in Inflammation, What It Means to Have High C-Reactive Protein Levels, How High Cholesterol Levels Increase Stroke Risk. In clinical trials, a very small number of people taking the drug had blurry vision as a side effect. Triglycerides are a type of fat. The physician might also estimate the size of the liver. Investigating the power of music for dementia. In addition, inflammation in the heart and blood vessels causes blood vessel walls to become "sticky" and prone to attract additional blood cells and cholesterol, which forms plaque, or piles onto the plaque deposits that already exist. High cholesterol is a fairly common condition in which too much cholesterol is circulating in your blood. Higher-intensity statins include drugs known as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin. The nature of the rashes vary widely from simple macular skin discoloration to papular eruptions with and without itching. Major side effects include abdominal pain or cramps, blurred vision, dizziness, easy bruising or bleeding, itching, muscle pain or cramps, rash, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. (n.d.). By Heather M. Ross What are the effects of high cholesterol? This is a result of an overactive immune system. Significance of corneal arcus. Commonly reported side effects of atorvastatin include: arthralgia, diarrhea, and nasopharyngitis. Scientists believe rashes and skin flushing could be a sign of hypersensitivity to statins, and patients taking these medications should have skin changes evaluated promptly. However, adults ages 65 years and older may have a higher risk of muscle problems from Lipitor. Lipitor side effects: What Some patients have found adopting a lactose-free diet reduces their bloating and gas, and it can also be helpful to eat all meals and snacks at a slow pace. My diet I have changed. You can also manage your communication preferences by updating your account at anytime. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. A Pilot Case-Referent Study. I have read that this is a fairly new statin and doesn't seem to cause any hair loss. Statins Side Effects Studies have shown that statin drugs, such as Lipitor, can harm a pregnancy. In some cases, your doctor may recommend you stop taking Lipitor and use another drug for your condition. I live in the US and despite weight loss, exercise and healthy diet still had very high cholesterol.