Question 1

took statin drugs 9 years side effects made me stop the drug will the 9 years i was on statins be a credit when i get into my 70s and 80's?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol karma: Lets start by saying statins simply control a risk factor (hypercholesterolemia). There is no evidence that they extend your life. The more important question would be, what are your current risk factors? Are you eating right? Exercising?  Whats your bmi. What's your blood pressure? What's your cholesterol now? Talk to your doc. They can assess your risks and set you on the right course if action.

Question 2

what's the cheapest effective statin drug?

Accepted Answer

Walmart: Lovastatin (mevacor), and pravastatin (pravachol) are available from walmart and many other pharmacies for $4 (for a month's supply). Simvastatin (zocor) is available generically but costs about $30 for a month's supply (20 mg). Atorvastatin  (lipitor) has also become generic but i don't have access to the price. A double strength pill of any of the above  cut in half  will cut your cost in half.

Question 3

is it necessary for a relatively healthy 29-year-old to take a statin drug?

Accepted Answer

Generally not: Check with your doctor.  A healthy 29 year old without significant risk factors and a normal cholesterol level does not need a statin.  If you have unusually high cholesterol (usually inherited type), or significant risk factors, then it may be appropriate.  Check with your doctor.

Question 4

given the dangers of using statins is there a safer substitute for that medication?

Accepted Answer

you are mistaken: It's an unfortunate misconception to avoid statins because of their "danger." no other medication class has shown the magnitude of benefit as statins. Not taking them is like never driving your car because of the possibility of an accident. Serious side effects are exceptionally rare, around 1 in 100, 000.  Minor side effects are common (1 in 10) but are dose related - avoided with lower dose.

Question 5

why do statin drugs make me nauseous?

Accepted Answer

Hard to say: Any medications can make people feel nauseous but we also encourage people to take this at bedtime to prove absorption.  Please discuss possible strategies to avoid this with your physician.

Question 6

what are the side effects of statin drugs?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Can cause myalgia, hd, abdominal pain and nausea.

Question 7

can statin drugs increase creatinine level?

Accepted Answer

Yes: While very uncommon, all of the statin drugs have been known to cause muscle injury. The release from injured muscle of a substance called myoglobin can plug up the kidneys and cause the creatinine to rise. However, under those circumstances there is usually significant muscle pain or weakness and often the urine has a reddish appearance. Also a muscle enzyme (CPK) will be strikingly elevated.

Question 8

statin drugs are everywhere. any side effects?

Accepted Answer

Liver and myalgias: Statins are beneficial in both primary and secondary prevention of CAD in high risk patients including diabetics.  The biggest concern with using them involve a 5-10% incidence of myalgia.  Liver enzyme elevation ( >3x normal) occurs 1% of the time.  These side effects reverse with cessation of the statin.Dangerous side effects like rhabdomyolisis are rare (1 in several thousand patients).

Question 9

do statin drugs do anything to keep cholesteral down?

Accepted Answer

Statin keep choleste: Yes thses drugs called statins are used to keep the cholesterol down
these drugs work block the action of chemical in the liver which is needed to make cholesterol.

Question 10

what are the risks of takingi statin drugs, long term?

Accepted Answer

Pros and Cons: Statins have been known to reduce the risk for coronary artery disease and cerebral vascular accidents (stroke). There are always side effects with pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals, and vitamins. It is always wise to be monitored by your physician. Some side effects commonly associated with statins would be rhabdomyolsis, myalgias, fatigue, elevated liver function, diarrhea, and dark urine.

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Doctor answers about:

Dangers of statin drugs

A member asked:

Took statin drugs 9 years side effects made me stop the drug will the 9 years i was on statins be a credit when i get into my 70s and 80's?

A member asked:

What's the cheapest effective statin drug?

A member asked:

Is it necessary for a relatively healthy 29-year-old to take a statin drug?

A member asked:

Given the dangers of using statins is there a safer substitute for that medication?

A member asked:

Why do statin drugs make me nauseous?

A member asked:

What are the side effects of statin drugs?

A member asked:

Can statin drugs increase creatinine level?

A member asked:

Statin drugs are everywhere. any side effects?

A member asked:

Do statin drugs do anything to keep cholesteral down?

A member asked:

What are the risks of takingi statin drugs, long term?

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