This Morning: Dr Chris reveals grapefruit can affect statins
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Statins are a medication which is prescribed to help lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. However, like most medications, it comes with a list of potential side effects.
Some of these side effects are more common than others, however.
According to the NHS, among them are several stomach issues, including passing wind more often than normal.
This possibly embarrassing side effect is among the “most common”, according to Every Day Health.
It states: “Unfortunately, one of the most common side effects is flatulence (the presence of excessive gas in the digestive tract), which occurs in up to five percent of patients taking statins.”
However, there are some ways people can reduce such side effects.
The health website said: “It may help to reduce other sources of extra gas by drinking fewer carbonated beverages and eating smaller portions of food more slowly to reduce swallowed air.”
In addition, taking over-the-counter digestive aids may help.”It adds that “activated charcoal” tablets can also aid symptoms.
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What are statins?
Statins come as tablets to be taken once a day.
They help to reduce LDL cholesterol in the blood.
The NHS said: “LDL cholesterol is often referred to as ‘bad cholesterol’, and statins reduce the production of it inside the liver.”Some statins must be taken in the evening, while others can be taken at any time of day.
Usually, though, statins must be taken at the same time every day.The NHS advised people to check with their doctor whether there’s a particular time of day they should take.
What other side effects can statins cause?
As with most medications, statins can lead to a number of side effects.
However, not all of these are extremely common.
Some of the most common side effects include:
- headache
- dizziness
- feeling sick
- feeling unusually tired or physically weak
- digestive system problems, such as constipation, diarrhoea, indigestion or farting
- muscle painsleep problems
- low blood platelet count
Some less common side effects which may arise include:being sickmemory problemshair losspins and needlesinflammation of the liver (hepatitis), which can cause flu-like symptomsinflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can cause stomach painskin problems, such as acne or an itchy red rashsexual problems, such as loss of libido or erectile dysfunction
Some less common side effects which may arise include:
- being sick
- memory problems
- hair loss
- pins and needles
- inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), which can cause flu-like symptoms
- inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can cause stomach pain
- skin problems, such as acne or an itchy red rash
- sexual problems, such as loss of libido or erectile dysfunction
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