 HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are a group of prescription drugs used to lower cholesterol. They work by slowing down the body’s ability to make cholesterol in the blood. Also known as "the statins," medicines in this class include atorvastatin (brand name Lipitor), fluvastatin (>Lescol), lovastatin (>Mevacor), pravastatin (>Pravachol), and simvastatin (>Zocor). Side effects of the statins are usually mild and some people do not experience any at all. Those who do have side effects commonly report bloating, gas, heartburn, nausea, headache, and dizziness. All of these symptoms tend to go away as drug therapy is continued. There are no real differences in the side effects caused by individual types of statins. A rare, but more serious, side effect of statins is liver damage. Your doctor will most likely do routine blood tests to check for early signs of such problems. Symptoms of liver damage include yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, nausea and vomiting, or loss of appetite. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Muscle aches, tenderness, and weakness are uncommon side effects of statins. These symptoms can be merely bothersome or may be a sign of rare, but severe muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis. Be sure to report all muscle symptoms to your doctor immediately. On August 8, 2001, cerivastatin (Baycol) was withdrawn from the market because of increasing reports of rhabdomyolysis. You should not take statins if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver disease. Sources:
The Johns Hopkins Complete Home Encyclopedia of Drugs. Medletter Associates, Inc., 1998.
Drug Facts and Comparisons, Facts & Comparisons, 2007.
Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach. Appleton & Lange, 1999.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2006.
This answer prepared 8/10/2001.
This information updated 7/6/2007.
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