Statin medications are used to lower patients' cholesterol levels, thus helping prevent coronary heart disease, stroke and other deaths related to high cholesterol levels. Statins are effective at lowering cholesterol and protecting against a heart attack and stroke, although they may lead to side effects for some people. Statins cause digestive problems: Mayo Clinic reports statins can cause gas, diarrhea, nausea, and other digestive track troubles. How they can cause insomnia: The most common side effect of all types of statins is muscle pain, which can keep people who take them awake at night and unable to rest. How they can cause insomnia: The most common side effect of all types of statins is muscle pain, which can keep people who take them awake at night and unable to rest. There is limited evidence to prove a cause-effect relationship, but talk to your doctor if you experience memory loss or confusion while taking statins. Statins prevent heart attacks in people with diabetes, so the relevance of the mild increase in sugar values with statins observed in some people is unclear. i take 2x a day 25mg each. Medications that can cause gum swelling and overgrowth (hyperplasia) A condition called gingival overgrowth or hyperplasia (otherwise known as a build-up of gum tissue) can result from taking certain kinds of medications. There has also been evidence that statins may help with brain function — in people with dementia, for example. A "nocebo" effect means people who have negative expectations about a medication report experiencing the potential side effect at higher rates than the drug should cause. order back issues and use the historic Daily Express RELATED: 10 Signs You Could Have a Sinus Infection. Sinusitis can cause breathing problems because of congestion, leading you to breathe with your mouth open. Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers, Cholesterol-lowering supplements may be helpful. AskMayoExpert. Dietary supplements of vitamins as well as alcohol can cause muscle pain which might be confused for statin-induced pain. Anyanwagu U, et al. In this case the patient doesn't necessarily have to quit the statins, just to take other measures to correct deficiencies. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. The benefit of taking statins likely outweighs the small risk to have the blood sugar level go up. Statins work by blocking hydroxy-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), the enzyme in the liver that is responsible for producing cholesterol. The top-selling statins are atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor). The primary symptom that this is a sinus problem and not an eye one is the feeling of pressure behind your eyes. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/About-Cholesterol_UCM_001220_Article.jsp#.VpbEathIiic. Your doctor may be able to come up with an alternative treatment plan that can help you lower your cholesterol without uncomfortable side effects. Some drugs that may interact with statins and increase your risk of side effects include: There are many drugs that may interact with statins, so be sure your doctor is aware of all the medicines you take when being prescribed with statins. More effective than antibiotics, salt can prevent sinus problems in the first place. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Some forums can only be seen by registered members. Statins may cause side effects such as muscle pain, digestive upset and coughing. More Severe Problems. Hypothyroidism: Should I take iodine supplements? A sinus infection can often pass on its own without the need for treatment, however, if dizziness is a symptom, then treatment is warranted. Very rarely, statins can cause life-threatening muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis (rab-doe-my-OL-ih-sis). Statin drugs lower the level of cholesterol in the blood by decreasing the production of cholesterol by the liver. Statins work to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood and can reduce cardiovascular disease, but the drugs remain highly controversial. Don't stop taking your statin medication before talking to your doctor. Very rarely, statins can cause life-threatening muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis (rab-doe-my-OL-ih-sis). © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). The statin may be the "straw that breaks the camel's back" and raises the pain to a noticeable level. American Heart Association. Hypertension: BP meds can sometimes cause sexual problems. Rinse your nasal passages twice a day until the infection clears—or whenever you feel sinus pain starting up again. Talk to your doctor to see if a change of dosage or even a different type of medication might be helpful. Food and Drug Administration. This medicine may cause muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. This happens more often in women, in older adults, or people who … The actual risk of developing muscle pain as a result of taking statins is about 5 percent or less compared with taking a pill that doesn't contain medication (placebo). The risk is small but important enough that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning on statin labels regarding blood glucose levels and diabetes. When it comes to joint pain specifically, arthritis is the most common cause. Accessed Jan. 24, 2019. Treating sinusitis with antibiotics may only make the problem worse. This happens more often in women, in older adults, or people who … Doctors often prescribe statins for people with high cholesterol to lower their total cholesterol and reduce their risk of a heart attack or stroke. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 18, 2019. Combine ½ teaspoon of non-iodized salt (or ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon baking soda) in a cup of lukewarm water and use this mixture in a sterile eyedropper or neti pot. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Controlling cholesterol with statins. We received a signal about this complication long before the FDA acknowledged it could be a problem: RELATED: 10 Signs You Could Have a Sinus Infection 1 of 14 After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads. If you have read about the potential side effects of statins, you may be more likely to blame your symptoms on the medication, whether or not they're truly caused by the drug. Your doctor may listen to the sounds made while you breathe or do tests like an x-ray or a lung function test. Liver problems due to statin rarely happens. For this reason, patients who notice any abdominal symptoms should be evaluated to check for potential liver issues. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Cholesterol can clog the heart's blood vessels, but it can also affect the legs, leading to peripheral arterial disease, or PAD. Rhabdomyolysis can occur when you take statins in combination with certain drugs or if you take a high dose of statins. Urinary incontinence, or the loss of bladder control, can be caused by various health conditions and physical changes, such as childbirth, changes in diet, infection, prostate issues, menopause, and neurological disorders. Statins can cause pain anytime during their course. Sinusitis is found among people who take Lipitor, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 2 - 5 years. It’s a medication commonly used to treat Parkinson’s patients with fatigue and shakiness due to neurons dying off in the brain. Statins: Actions, side effects and administration. But there are also a number of medications can cause urinary incontinence in both men and women in a variety of different ways. The pain can be a mild discomfort, or it can be severe enough to make your daily activities difficult. Remember that statin medications can reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke, and the risk of life-threatening side effects from statins is very low. Occasionally, statin use could cause an increase in the level of enzymes that signal liver inflammation. Adhyaru BB, et al. Nature Reviews Cardiology. Safety and efficacy of statin therapy. Memory loss and muscle problems are now recognized as complications linked to statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs. Statin intolerance. Hypothyroidism symptoms: Can hypothyroidism cause eye problems? If you find certain side effects particularly troublesome, talk to the doctor in charge of your care. Lopez-Jimenez F (expert opinion). However, eye problems rarely cause pressure, not even in glaucoma, which comes from pressure build-up within the eyes. There are many heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) that can cause tachycardia. A sinus headache can … European Heart Journal. But yes it becomes less likely after taking it for that many years. But there are also a number of medications can cause urinary incontinence in both men and women in a variety of different ways. There are other medications that can cause problems if you take them with statins. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Ferri FF. When you have an eye problem, it can lead to eye pain and impaired vision. The heart’s rhythm is regulated by electrical signals controlled by the sinus node, the natural pacemaker present in your heart. The power of a plant-based diet for heart health. (sinus, pain, kidney, infect) User Name: Remember Me: Password : Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Although liver problems are rare, your doctor may order a liver enzyme test before or shortly after you begin to take a statin. Fasting diet: Can it improve my heart health? The top-selling statins are atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor). Accessed Jan. 25, 2019. For instance, it's normal for your heart rate to rise during exercise or as a response to stress, trauma or illness. I'm not expecting an internet diagnosis from you but wondering if you have heard of heart related "issues" from people taking Lipitor. 2018;39:2526. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. 5. Sometimes a congested and runny nose can be … Muscle Pain: Some patients find the muscle pain connected to statin use so extreme that they stop taking the medication. Cholesterol ratio or non-HDL cholesterol: Which is most important? All rights reserved. Adverse effects of statin therapy: Perception vs. the evidence — focus on glucose homeostasis, cognitive, renal and hepatic function, haemorrhagic stroke and cataract. Postnasal drip is a condition where thin nasal secretions drip in the back of the throat, leading to a sore throat, coughing and an upset stomach, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology 1. Here are 13 things that can cause an acute sinus infection (the most common type) and, in some cases, lead to a chronic sinus infection. A 21-year-old female asked: can topamax (topiramate) help for other ha's besides miagranes & can this medication cause high blood pressure or any serous problems? newspaper archive. Not everyone who takes a statin will have side effects, but some people may be at a greater risk than are others. However, taking high doses of statins or taking them with certain other drugs can increase your risk of this condition. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. The health body also lists uncommon side effects: Rare side effects of statins the NHS lists include: Statins are the most commonly prescribed drug in Britain. If the increase is only mild, you can continue to take the drug. Atorvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. But most people tolerate them well and do not have any problems. This can cause the drug to build up in your body and lead to more side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you have unusual fatigue or weakness, loss of appetite, pain in your upper abdomen, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. Statins can cause pain anytime during their course. One of the most common complaints of people taking statins is muscle pain. FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, New Year Special -  40% off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online, Statin side effects Weigh the benefits and risks, Advertising and sponsorship opportunities, Taking multiple medications to lower your cholesterol, Having certain conditions such as hypothyroidism or neuromuscular disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), a medication for irregular heart rhythms, Gemfibrozil (Lopid), another variety of cholesterol drug, HIV treatments called protease inhibitors such as saquinavir (Invirase) and ritonavir (Norvir), Some antibiotic and antifungal medications, such as clarithromycin and itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), Some immunosuppressant medications, such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune). This causes your liver to remove cholesterol from your blood. Like all medicines, statins can cause side effects. Beware of statin drugs! Atorvastatin can cause the breakdown of muscle tissue, which can lead to kidney failure. Your doctor may monitor your liver enzymes before and during treatment with this drug. Statin side effects - THIS food is better than drugs for cholesterol, Statins health alert: Nine common side effects, Statins health alert: Headaches can be a side-effect, Statins health alert: A sore throat can be one of the side-effects, Statins health alert: Statins may also trigger a runny or blocked nose, Dr Demasi claim statistics are manipulated to exaggerate the benefits of stations and underplay the risks, Statins side effects: Cholesterol drugs could trigger muscle pain, Statins users 'genetically predisposed to muscle aches and pains', Statins side effects: THIS could be why you have joint and muscle pain, A runny or blocked nose (non-allergic rhinitis), Problems with the digestive system, such as constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion or flatulence, Dizziness - if you experience this, do not drive or use tools and machinery, Loss of sensation or tingling in the nerve endings of the hands and feet, Blurred vision - if you expense this, do not drive or use tools and machinery, Inflammation of the liver, which can cause flu-like symptoms, Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause stomach pain, Skin problems, such as acne or an itchy red rash, Feeling unusually tired or physically weak, Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). If the increase is not drastic, then you can continue taking statins. *According to the recent recommendations. Having too much cholesterol in your blood increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes. 6. Joint pain and back aches are among the most prevalent health issues out there. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2019. Cholesterol can clog the heart's blood vessels, but it can also affect the legs, leading to peripheral arterial disease, or PAD. Diagnosis and management of statin intolerance. But if your enzymes increase significantly, you may need to try a different kind of statin. If one of these upper back teeth becomes infected, the infection can spread rather easily out of the end of the tooth’s root and spread into the maxillary sinus. Rarely, statins may cause liver damage or liver failure, both of which could trigger abdominal pain. It is relatively uncommon but not rare, talk to your dr. At any rate, I think I have big problems with Statins and I am not being heard by my doctors. We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Mach F, et al. However, studies have found that nearly 30 percent of people stopped taking the pills because of muscle aches even when they were taking a placebo. In rare cases, statin medications can cause rhabdomyolysis, damage to the muscles that can be life-threatening. Even if your side effects are frustrating, don't stop taking your statin medication for any period of time without talking to your doctor first. Rhabdomyolysis not only causes intense muscle pain, but it can also damage the liver and cause kidney failure, which can result in death; however, the risk of developing this condition is rare, as only a handful of cases per million patients have been reported. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, Statin drugs are huge money-makers for the drug companies. Is This an Emergency? Risk factors include: Grapefruit juice contains a chemical that can interfere with the enzymes that break down (metabolize) the statins in your digestive system. Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. Tips. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. The risk of very serious side effects is extremely low, and calculated in a few cases per million people taking statins. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Throat clearing is a normal response to irritation inside the throat. Cholesterol-lowering statins such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) -- can cause certain liver enzymes levels to spike (AFP ref; NEJM ref). Sometimes, a very bad muscle problem may happen that may lead to kidney problems. You may feel this pain as a soreness, tiredness or weakness in your muscles. Memory problems or loss. Fortunately this person realized there may be a connection between the newly prescribed drug and the change in her migraine pattern and sought our help. Electrical impulses travel smoothly through the chambers of the heart, making them contract in a particular order so that blood is pushed through your body. This is still being studied. Here are 13 things that can cause an acute sinus infection (the most common type) and, in some cases, lead to a chronic sinus infection. What causes my sinuses to be infected? Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. High cholesterol treatment: Does cinnamon lower cholesterol? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2018. There are several ways to reduce coughs brought on by statin drugs. The problem with statin drugs is that they address the cholesterol issue in a simplistic manner, by blocking the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase in your liver, which is needed to … Send thanks to the doctor . Before you start taking this medicine may cause muscle pain, tenderness or in. Risks of taking statins could also raise blood sugar like an x-ray or a pharmacist if side effects heart in! Effective than antibiotics, salt can prevent sinus problems and carbohydrates for the drug companies and to. More side effects such as broth, cocoa or tea, to sooth a throat sore from coughing cases! Education and Research ( MFMER ) occasionally, statins can cause memory loss—there are even new warning labels this... About your risk of a heart attack or stroke help you lower cholesterol! During their course the feeling of pressure behind your eyes, nose, frequent cough and pressure! Problems are now recognized as complications linked to statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs clearing can a... 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