More On Dangerous Side Effects Of STATIN DRUGS

As mentioned previously in these posts, I USED to be on both LIPITOR and TRICOR years ago until I read several articles about the deadly combination of statins in general and those two drugs often issued in combination specifically.

https://www.statineffects.com/info/adverse_effects.htm

EXCERPTS:

WELL-KNOWN SIDE EFFECTS: LIVER AND MUSCLE

The side effects that your doctor will be most familiar with are:

1. Liver: Changes in liver function occur in a small fraction of people; your doctor will probably monitor blood tests to check that your liver continues to function well. If the liver function becomes too abnormal, your doctor will stop the drug. The liver is expected to return to normal function.
2. Muscle: Muscle symptoms are common with statin drugs. “Myopathy," involving actual damage to muscle tissue, can be very serious. For this reason, if you develop new muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness on the drugs you should inform your doctor immediately. Very rarely, if myopathy occurs and the drugs are not stopped, a very dangerous condition, called “rhabdomyolysis”, can occur that can sometimes be fatal. Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis are more common if people are on other cholesterol lowering drugs, particularly niacin or gemfibrozil (or other “fibrates”), as well as a statin. Certain other classes of drugs in combination with statins can also increase the risk of problems.

(MORE TO BE AWARE OF):

If you get an infection and are put on antibiotics or anti fungal agents, make sure the prescribing doctor knows you are on statins, because several antibiotics and anti fungal drugs can interact with the statin drugs to cause problems. In fact, it is a good idea with each new drug you are started on to be sure the doctor is familiar with the rest of your drug list. Also, if you become seriously ill or are scheduled for surgery, you should talk to your doctor about stopping your statin drug until you are better, or well on the road to recovery.

You should be aware that grapefruit juice affects metabolism of most statins (but not pravastatin) and can markedly increase blood levels, so grapefruit juice may be best avoided while you are on statins. This is not true for other citrus juices.

Memory, Thinking and Concentration

Some people report changes in memory, attention, or concentration on statins. They may have trouble finding the right word; may forget tasks they started to do; and may have trouble following conversations. Some people describe "holes in their memory." Some people worry that they are developing Alzheimer's. Of course, since people on statin drugs are often older, and may be experiencing age-related loss of memory, it makes it difficult to know whether the drugs are responsible. Many people report improvement in memory and thinking when they stop the drug; or improvement if they go on a lower dose. These findings suggest that the drug is responsible.

Depression and Irritability

Some people report changes in mood on statins. These include loss of interest in activities and loss of interest in social involvement. Some people report frank depression, but it is not known if these effects are more common in people on statins than in people who are not. However, some people reliably become down when on the drugs, and better when off, so that for these people there appears to be a relationship. It is possible that some people may also get a boost to their mood with low cholesterol, although this is less commonly reported. In some cases violence, psychosis, and suicide have been reported. We have published a small case series describing several instances of severe irritability arising on statins, resolving when statins were stopped, and returning when statin use was resumed.

Pain

Although muscle pain is a well-recognized side effect of these drugs (and one that should be reported, so tests can be done), other pain effects have been reported by many people on statins, but have not been studied extensively include headaches, joint pains, and abdominal pain.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Studies have confirmed that peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness or burning pain) may occur with statins.

Other Side Effects

Sleep problems, sexual function problems, fatigue, dizziness and a sense of detachment are also reported with these drugs. Additionally, people have mentioned experiencing swelling, shortness of breath, vision changes, changes in temperature regulation, weight change, hunger, breast enlargement, blood sugar changes, dry skin, rashes, blood pressure changes, nausea, upset stomach, bleeding, and ringing in ears or other noises.

(MY INPUT) You simply MUST study side effects not only of statins but of ALL prescription drugs you are taking. Don't be afraid to report your symptoms and discuss synergism between drugs you are taking and certain things to avoid such as "Grapefruit juice" or eating grapefruits. No one is going to do this for you and if you do not study side effects on your own, HOW THEN ARE YOU GOING TO KNOW IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A SIDE EFFECT OR SYNERGISM BETWEEN DRUGS OR CERTAIN FOODS ETC.?

Dan

Psalm 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous:
but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

Psalm 103:3
Who forgives all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;