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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Foot Cramps After Taking Statin?

I am experiencing severe leg and foot cramps when I take my statin drug after no problem with it for years. I was looking at the contents of my Hansen s soft drink and noticed it has citrus acid in it. Could that cause it since I know they warn agains grapefruit juice and statins
Mon, 31 Jan 2022
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Statins are a class of drugs that is used to lower blood cholesterol levels by blocking the action of liver enzyme which helps produce cholesterol. But, Citric acid may inhibit OATP (Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides) which supports mediate liver uptake and promotes statin metabolism. Statin may stay in the body system for long time due to inhibition of OATP by citric acid and increase your risk of side effects as well as cause some symptoms like leg and foot cramps. Separating consumption of citric acid from statin administration by 4 hours may help to limit such type of side effects.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician,
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What Causes Foot Cramps After Taking Statin?

Hi, Statins are a class of drugs that is used to lower blood cholesterol levels by blocking the action of liver enzyme which helps produce cholesterol. But, Citric acid may inhibit OATP (Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides) which supports mediate liver uptake and promotes statin metabolism. Statin may stay in the body system for long time due to inhibition of OATP by citric acid and increase your risk of side effects as well as cause some symptoms like leg and foot cramps. Separating consumption of citric acid from statin administration by 4 hours may help to limit such type of side effects. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician,