Side Effects of Cholesterol-Lowering Medicine

High cholesterol can be controlled with diet and exercise, but other interventions are necessary in cases of genetic high cholesterol, or cholesterol levels that are difficult to treat. Medicines that lower cholesterol levels in order to prevent heart disease are prescribed in these cases. Side effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs are usually mild and subside as the body adjusts to the medication.

Types of Cholesterol Medication

• Four classes of medication affect cholesterol. Statins block the chemical used by the body to make cholesterol and help reduce cholesterol that has already built up in arteries. Selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors prevent absorprtion of cholesterol, and are a newer class of drugs. Fibrates lower triglycerides and increase HDL, the good cholesterol, but don't lower the bad cholesterol, LDL. Niacin affects blood fats by lowering triglycerides and LDL, while increasing HDL.

Statin Side Effects

• Side effects of statins include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, rashes, muscle pain and weakness. Statins have rarely been reported as causing liver failure and rhabdomyolysis, which causes deterioration of muscle cells and leads to kidney failure and death.

Selective Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors Side Effects

• Side effects of selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors include gas, headache, stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, constipation, fatigue and runny nose. Muscle pain and weakness are less common but more serious side effects.

Side Effects of Fibrates

• The side effects of fibrates include nausea, diarrhea, liver inflammation, gallstones, increased effectiveness of blood thinners and, in rare instances, muscle pain and damage.

Side Effects of Niacin

• Niacin side effects include flushing, itching, nausea, mild dizziness and headache. Niacin can also worsen liver disease, gout, diabetes and stomach ulcers.