Statins work by reducing the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in your blood. LDL cholesterol is a waxy substance that builds up on the walls of your arteries, a process called atherosclerosis. By reducing LDL cholesterol, you can reduce this buildup and ward off the threat of cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as a heart attack or stroke.
Statins provide tangible health benefits, but their use can cause an adverse reaction in some people.
According to Bupa, this could happen to one in 1,000 people taking statins.
One serious side effect is blisters and swelling on the skin of your genitals, mouth or eyes, warns the health body.
Other serious side effects include:
- Allergic reaction that causes your face, tongue and throat to swell and make it difficult to breathe
- Pain, weakness and tenderness in your muscles with high temperature and general feeling of malaise; it may be a sign of muscle damage.
READ MORE: Statin warning: grapefruit juice may 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, Bupa recommends.
Am I at risk of side effects?
Not everyone who takes statins has side effects, but some people are at greater risk than others.
According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors include:
- Take various medications to lower your cholesterol
- Be female
- With a smaller body frame
- 80 years or older
- With kidney or liver disease
- Drink too much alcohol
- With certain conditions such as hypothyroidism or neuromuscular disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
It is important to note that interactions with your certain medications and dietary decisions can also cause adverse reactions.
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Grapefruit juice is one of the more surprising dietary decisions that can cause serious side effects.
According to the Mayo Clinic, grapefruit juice contains a chemical that can interfere with the enzymes that break down (metabolize) the statins in your digestive system.
“Although your grapefruit does not have to be completely removed from your diet, your doctor will ask you how much grapefruit you can have,” says the health authority.
Some medicines that may interact with statins and increase the risk of side effects include:
- Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), a medication for irregular heart rhythms
- Gemfibrozil (Lopid), another variety of cholesterol drugs
- HIV treatments are called protease inhibitors, such as saquinavir (Invirase) and ritonavir (Norvir)
- Some antibiotics and antifungal medicines, such as clarithromycin and itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)
- Some immunosuppressive drugs, such as cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune).
Instead, opt for foods high in unsaturated fats, such as oily fish, brown rice, nuts and seeds.
Many of these components occur naturally in a Mediterranean diet.
In addition to eating healthy, regular exercise can also help lower harmful cholesterol levels.
“Imagine doing at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of exercise a week,” the NHS advises.