Is the statin drug causing my muscle pain?
The Medicine Cabinet: Ask the Harvard Experts Q: I take simvastatin to lower my cholesterol. I have been on the same dose for more than two years. Recently I am experiencing more muscle aches and pains. Is it the simvastatin? A: Indeed, statins do cause muscle related problems in about 15% of people who take […]
Genetic testing to predict medication side effects
Medication side effects are a big problem. It’s estimated that about half of filled prescriptions are not taken as directed, and a major reason for this is side effects. If you’ve ever had diarrhea, felt sleepy, or developed a rash after taking a new medication, you know how unpleasant side effects can be. And sometimes […]
Statin use doesn’t always mean a coenzyme Q10 supplement is needed
Mayo Clinic Q&A DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have heard that taking coenzyme Q10 is good for people who take statins. There are so many commercials and ads about it. But is it really necessary to take this supplement? How do I know if I need it? And is liquid better than pill form? How much […]
Many ways to lower cholesterol will reduce heart disease risk
Harvard Health Blog Several contemporary clinical trials have shown that cholesterol-lowering statin drugs reduce the risk of heart attacks in patients with coronary artery disease. This compelling body of evidence has led to the question of whether other drugs that lower cholesterol also reduce heart attacks. Older studies had certainly shown this, though these studies […]
The Medicine Cabinet-Ask the Harvard Experts: Statins likely help, not cause, fatty liver
By Howard LeWine, M.D., Tribune Content Agency Q: Is a fatty liver a result or side effect of being on the statin Crestor? A: It’s very unlikely that fatty liver is caused by rosuvastatin (Crestor) or any of the other statin drugs. In fact, some studies suggest that low to moderate doses of a statin […]
