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What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Cholesterol Lowering Medication?

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Posted on Mon, 20 Jul 2015
Question: What are the side effects of taking medicine to lower cholesterol. Or what are the cons?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Risk of muscle pain and liver damange!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

Statins are know to cause increased liver enzymes due to liver damage. However, the most common side effect is muscle pain. Though these side effects are know, there is no guarantee that you would for sure have them. Many of my clients end up not having them. Also, the benefits of using these drugs clearly outmatch the side effects as excess cholesterol is a perfect recipe for heart disease which is a lot worse.

In addition to drugs, diet can help with poor cholesterol values. Avoid fatty meals, eat much vegetables, fibers and fruits. Please, exercise is very helpful and I will recommend at least 30-45mins of exercise on most days of the week These may even help you control you blood lipids without the need of statins.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 days later)
I have fibromyalgia which makes my muscles ache badly. Will the statin medication make my fibromyalgia worse?
While on the subject, is there something that could help with my fibro? I also have plantar fasciitis and restless legs. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, there are medications that can help with fibromyalgia!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for this follow up precision.

Certainly, there are drugs that can help with fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, they cannot be prescribed online and you will need to ask your doctor for a script. Regular exercise is also a good remedy to fibromyalgia.

There is no guarantee that statins will make your pains worse. There are persons who take this drug with no worries as well as persons who have many side effects. How you would fact to the drug cannot be determined unless you actually take it. If your doctor thinks it is a must, I advice if take it. If any worsening of your pain or other symptoms set in, we will manage accordingly.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. If you have more questions, know I have the right answers for you.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Cholesterol Lowering Medication?

Brief Answer: Risk of muscle pain and liver damange! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. Statins are know to cause increased liver enzymes due to liver damage. However, the most common side effect is muscle pain. Though these side effects are know, there is no guarantee that you would for sure have them. Many of my clients end up not having them. Also, the benefits of using these drugs clearly outmatch the side effects as excess cholesterol is a perfect recipe for heart disease which is a lot worse. In addition to drugs, diet can help with poor cholesterol values. Avoid fatty meals, eat much vegetables, fibers and fruits. Please, exercise is very helpful and I will recommend at least 30-45mins of exercise on most days of the week These may even help you control you blood lipids without the need of statins. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.