Dr. Phan Thi My Hanh, a specialist in cardiology at Tam Anh District 7 General Clinic, states that cholesterol-lowering medication plays an important role in controlling cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular events. These drugs are typically prescribed when patients have adopted a scientific lifestyle, but their blood lipid levels have not improved effectively. Depending on blood lipid levels, physical condition, and co-existing medical conditions, doctors may prescribe one or a combination of drugs such as statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants, or bempedoic acid. Statins are the most commonly prescribed group of drugs.

Like many other medications, cholesterol-lowering drugs can cause several undesirable side effects. The most common of these include muscle pain and fatigue. Patients may experience aches and pains during strenuous activity, often appearing in the thigh, calf, or arm muscles.

Occasionally, cholesterol medication can cause a mild increase in liver enzymes, leading to fatigue, jaundice, or nausea. However, most cases are not serious and present no symptoms. The medication can also affect glucose metabolism in the body, causing a slight increase in blood sugar. This increase is usually small, not dangerous, and can be managed through diet, exercise, and regular monitoring.

Symptoms of digestive disorders such as bloating, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation are also common during the initial period of taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. Some individuals may experience headaches and dizziness as their bodies adapt to the medication. Most of these side effects are not serious and tend to diminish over time. Rarely, patients may experience severe side effects including rhabdomyolysis, liver failure, liver damage, type 2 diabetes, or allergic reactions, which can impact health if not managed promptly.

Dr. Hanh advises patients to be aware of the following to reduce the risk of side effects when taking cholesterol medication:

Avoid use if you have liver or kidney damage: When the function of these organs is impaired, taking cholesterol medication can cause the drug to accumulate longer in the body, increasing toxicity to the liver and kidneys. Therefore, patients should undergo diagnostic tests to check liver and kidney function before starting medication.

Do not consume alcohol while on medication: Alcohol abuse increases the burden on the liver. If cholesterol medication is taken at this time, it further increases the risk of liver failure.

Avoid concurrent use with other medications: Some drugs, such as macrolide antibiotics, azole antifungals, and immunosuppressants, can interact with cholesterol medication, altering drug concentrations in the blood. Patients should inform their doctor about all medications they are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, so the doctor can assess potential interactions with cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Use medication correctly and at the right dosage: Patients must adhere to their doctor's prescribed cholesterol medication regimen and should not arbitrarily change dosages or stop taking the drug suddenly.

Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled: Doctors monitor liver and kidney function, blood sugar levels, and other parameters to detect abnormalities early and provide timely treatment. This also helps track drug response and treatment effectiveness, allowing for adjustments if necessary.

Exercise caution if you are in a high-risk group for side effects: Cholesterol medication should be used carefully if a patient is prone to side effects. Factors that increase this risk include patients over 70 years old with high cholesterol, individuals with a history of liver disease, a history of muscle-related side effects when using statins or fibrates (another type of cholesterol-lowering drug), a family history of muscle weakness or rhabdomyolysis, and patients with hypothyroidism.

Thu Ha