![]() ![]() Previous studies have shown that statins are safe and effective at preventing serious health conditions but some patients stop taking or refuse the drug due to reported side effects, potentially increasing their risk of heart attack and stroke in the long-term. The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, is published in the New England Journal of Medicine.ĭr James Howard, cardiologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and clinical research fellow at Imperial College London and, said: “Statins are life-saving treatments that can help prevent the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular disease. The team suggest that doctors should inform patients of the nocebo effect when prescribing statins and manage their expectations of taking them, to help encourage people to stay on or take the medication. The researchers behind the new study suggest that these side effects are mostly caused by the nocebo effect - where people experience side effects from a therapy because they are subconsciously expecting them – rather than the pharmacological effects of statin tablets. Most people tolerate statins but it is estimated that around one fifth of patients stop taking or refuse the drug due to reported side effects such as muscle aches, fatigue or joint pain. Previous studies have shown that, in certain people, statins reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even death from heart disease by about 25-35 per cent. Having a high cholesterol level is potentially dangerous as it can cause hardening and narrowing of the arteries, leading to cardiovascular disease. They help lower cholesterol in the blood. Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the UK, with around seven or eight million adults in the UK taking them. All patients involved had previously been on statins and had stopped the treatment. New research published today has found people taking placebo pills and statins experienced similar side effects.Ī clinical trial of 60 patients at Hammersmith Hospital, led by clinicians at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and researchers at Imperial College London, found the intensity of symptoms when taking the placebo was around 90 per cent of the intensity of symptoms experienced when taking statins. See the Yellow Card Scheme website for more information.Patients taking statins experience similar side effects from placebo It's run by a medicines safety watchdog called the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from any type of medicine you're taking. Once your CK level has returned to normal, your doctor may suggest you start taking the statin again, but at a lower dose. Regular exercise can sometimes lead to a rise in CK, so tell your doctor if you've been exercising a lot. If the CK in your blood is raised, your doctor may advise you to stop taking the statin. Your doctor may carry out a blood test to measure a substance in your blood called creatine kinase (CK), which is released into the blood when your muscles are inflamed or damaged. Speak to your doctor if you have muscle pain, tenderness or weakness that cannot be explained – for example, pain that is not caused by physical work. Statins can rarely cause muscle inflammation (swelling) and damage. tendon problems (tendons are tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones).loss of sensation or tingling in the nerve endings of the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy).sexual problems, such as loss of libido (reduced sex drive) or erectile dysfunction.skin problems, such as acne or an itchy red rash.inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can cause stomach pain.inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), which can cause flu-like symptoms.Uncommon side effects of statins include: digestive system problems, such as constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion or farting.feeling unusually tired or physically weak.Side effects can vary between different statins, but common side effects include: Some of these will not necessarily apply to the specific statin you're taking.įor details of the side effects of a particular statin, check the information leaflet that comes with your medicine. The main side effects of statins are listed here. Your dose may need to be adjusted or you may need a different type of statin. If you are having problems with side effects, talk to the doctor in charge of your care. You should discuss the benefits and risks of taking statins with your doctor before you start taking the medicine. But most people tolerate them well and do not have any problems. Like all medicines, statins can cause side effects. ![]()
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