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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Are very high on a lower dose, you might need to make some more lifestyle changes or add another kind of cholesterol medication.Switch to another drug. Your symptoms might get better if you take a different statin. If your muscle aches continue once you are on a different statin, there are some other cholesterol-lowering drugs you can try.If none of the above strategies work, ask your doctor about non-statin medications, such as:EzetimibeBile acid sequestrantsPCSK9 inhibitorsAdenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitorsCheck for interactions. Talk to your doctor about all the drugs, herbs, or supplements you take. Certain chemicals can mix with statins to raise your odds of side effects. Statins might cause side effects when mixed with the following:Grapefruit juiceCalcium channel blockersHeart rhythm drugsImmunosuppressantsAntibiotics that end in -mycinAntifungals that end in -azoleCertain antidepressantsSome hormone treatments Get moving. It’s normal to feel some soreness after a workout. But research on animals and people show that moderate exercise may guard against some of the statin-related side effects on your muscles. If you’re new to exercise, talk to your doctor about what’s safe.Ask about long or intense exercise. Your muscle pain might go up if you do lots of physical activity. In some cases, your doctor might suggest you skip your statin a day or two before you do serious exercise, such as a marathon.Get your thyroid checked. Muscle pain and weakness can be a sign of hypothyroidism. Your doctor can run a simple blood test to check your thyroid levels to see if you need treatment.Make lifestyle changes. A heart-healthy diet high in fiber and low in saturated and trans fats can lower your “bad” cholesterol (LDL). Regular physical activity -- 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week -- can boost your “good” levels (HDL). If you smoke, quit. These changes can sometimes lower the dose you need to take.Most statin-related aches aren’t harmful. But rarely, statins can cause serious muscle damage. You could get a life-threatening condition called rhabdomyolysis. This only happens to a few people out of every million who take these drugs. Your odds go up if you take a high dose of a statin or take other drugs at the same time.Your doctor can run tests on your blood and urine to check for this condition. Tell them right away if you have a mix of the following symptoms:Serious muscle painRed or brown peeWeak muscles
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