Side effects don't have to stop statin users
The study looked at more than 100,000 people who'd been prescribed at least one statin drug. More than half of these people stopped taking their medicine at least once, often because of side effects. Yet of those who were restarted on the same or a different statin, more than 90% were still taking the drug a year later. Few of them had another side effect. This study was performed only at one university health system, and therefore its conclusions may be limited. However, it does provide some good news to women with heart disease, because statin drugs can help reduce their risk of a heart attack. If you're experiencing adverse effects from a statin drug, your doctor can help you decide whether you should continue taking it.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.