Statin drugs are prescribed for people at a high risk for heart attack. They help lower cholesterol and are believed to help reduce the chances that patients with cardiovascular disease will face strokes or heart attacks. However, there are some side effects to consider.

Statin drugs could cause memory problems. The Federal Drug Administration is investigating reports of confusion and “fuzzy” thinking connected to statin use. At this point, mental side effects are considered rare, and the risk is not high enough to keep patients from taking the drug. However, the FDA recommends talking to your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms while on the medication. The memory problems are also considered completely reversible with discontinued use of the statin.

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There is a slightly increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes while on statin drugs. The FDA recommends blood sugar levels be checked in patients to monitor this potential problem.

Other potential side effects include, fatigue, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain connected with liver damage. Muscle weakness and pain connected to drug interactions may also be side effects that are worth mentioning to a doctor.

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The list of drugs which could cause potential statin conflicts has been updated to include: Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Posaconazole, Erythromycin,Clarithromycin,Telithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, Boceprevir, Telaprevir, Nefazodone, Cyclosporine, Gemfibrozil, Amiodarone. Large amounts of grapefruit juice should also be avoided.

The American Heart Association advises there are several drugs known to help lower cholesterol in addition to statins. Diet and lifestyle choices can improve cholesterol numbers, too. The side effects of statin drugs are generally considered to be mild, and tend to go away as the body adjusts to their use

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