Statins are currently the most commonly used lipid-lowering drugs in clinical practice and are also the basic drugs for preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Statins can not only lower cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but also reduce triglycerides and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. For people at risk of cardiovascular disease, they can also stabilize plaques and prevent plaque rupture. , so it is widely used clinically.

However, any drug has certain risks, and statins are no exception. Statins need to be taken for a long time. Many people say that statins can damage the liver and are "poisons" for the liver. Should they be taken?

1. Abnormal liver function

Transaminase mainly exists in liver cells, so the level of transaminase can reflect the health of the liver. When liver cells are inflamed, poisoned, and necrotic, transaminase levels Will be released into the serum, and serum aminotransferase values ??will increase.

Long-term use of statins may cause liver function abnormalities, so the transaminase level needs to be rechecked in the early stages of medication. If there are no problems, it will also need to be checked every year or six months thereafter. A small number of patients will experience a transient increase in transaminase, which can return to normal after reducing or stopping the medication. Even in some patients, the transaminase will slowly recover without stopping the medication. If the transaminases increase more than 3 times, the drug should be stopped or changed. Generally speaking, fat-soluble statins such as simvastatin and atorvastatin are more likely to cause abnormal liver function. They can be replaced by water-soluble statins such as rosuvastatin and pravastatin, which are safer.

2. Rhabdomyolysis

Long-term use of statins may cause muscle pain. At this time, the creatine kinase value needs to be checked. If it is more than 10 times higher than the normal value, the drug should be discontinued. . If left unchecked in time, continued elevation of creatine kinase may lead to rhabdomyolysis and even affect kidney function.

3. Causes an increase in blood sugar

A small number of patients will have an increase in blood sugar or even develop diabetes after taking statins, but the probability of this happening is relatively small. Long-term medication requires testing of blood sugar levels. If abnormal glucose tolerance or elevated blood sugar is found, the medication must be adjusted under the guidance of a doctor and the medication cannot be stopped at will.

4. Other side effects

The more common ones are gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms, which are generally mild and can disappear on their own after taking the medicine for a period of time. If you really cannot tolerate it, you should make adjustments under the guidance of your doctor.

1. Before taking statins, understand your physical condition, especially liver function. Use with caution if you have liver disease.

2. Start taking the medicine at a small dose. If the effect is not satisfactory, add more medicine gradually to give the body an adaptation process and avoid side effects.

3. Regularly review indicators such as transaminases, creatine kinase, blood sugar, and blood lipids, especially in the early stages of medication. Long-term medication should also be checked at least once a year.

4. If you are taking atorvastatin, simvastatin, or lovastatin, it is best not to eat grapefruit. Grapefruit will affect the metabolism of CYP3A4 enzyme, causing the statin to be unable to be metabolized and accumulated in the body. , causing side effects. Other rebusstatin, pitavastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, etc. are not metabolized by this enzyme, so you can eat grapefruit.

5. Do not drink alcohol and eat lightly while taking the medicine. Although the medicine can lower blood lipids, this is not an excuse for indulgence. Develop a healthy eating habit, and disease treatment will be more effective. Eat more fruits and vegetables at ordinary times. Do more exercise to strengthen your physique and reduce the burden on your liver.