Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Concerns of Statins for Women?

J. Gonzalez
J. Gonzalez

Medications known as statins are among the most commonly prescribed medications in use. Statin drugs are commonly prescribed for patients with high cholesterol, and have been used to lessen the risk of cardiac troubles in patients with various forms of heart disease. While sometimes medications are necessary for treatment of this condition, side effects are a risk for anyone ingesting a drug; women may experience different side effects or reactions than men do. Some potential side effects of prescribing statins for women are the risk of developing digestive upsets, muscle pain and weakness, diabetes, and kidney failure, just to name a few.

When doctors prescribe statins for women, stomach upset and discomfort sometimes occur. Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, gas, and bloating are all common among women taking statin medication. If one experiences stomach discomfort while taking a statin medication, eating a small snack or meal before the dosage is taken can help to lessen the uncomfortable feeling caused by taking the medication. Eating heavy foods, or foods that contain a large amount of grease before taking medications can also aid in the feelings of digestive discomfort.

Statins may disrupt the digestive system in some women.
Statins may disrupt the digestive system in some women.

Muscle pain and feelings of weakness can also be felt in a patient when a doctor has prescribed statins for women. Studies have shown that when taking a statin medication, about 32 percent of people experienced some degree of muscle pain and weakness. In more serious cases that are often seen in patients taking a higher dose of statins, this muscle weakness developed into rhabdomyolysis, which is a life threatening condition. Aside from death, rhabdomyolysis can also cause kidney failure, and the risk of the patient falling into a coma.

Patients who suffer from heart attacks are often prescribed statins to help decrease the risk of future heart attacks.
Patients who suffer from heart attacks are often prescribed statins to help decrease the risk of future heart attacks.

Statins for women can also cause a slight increase in the risk of developing diabetes. When taking these medications, ones risk of developing diabetes increased by about nine percent, compared to the risk of those that do not take a statin medication. Although this risk is low, diabetes can lead to other health concerns such as an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke, which in turn can lead to various other health complications.

Those who take statins should check with their doctors to see if it's safe to drink grapefruit juice, which can interact with the drugs.
Those who take statins should check with their doctors to see if it's safe to drink grapefruit juice, which can interact with the drugs.

A doctor who is prescribing statins for women should warn them about the possibility of acute kidney failure. Kidney failure may be reversible, but acute kidney failure — which can be caused by taking statins — requires emergency treatment; otherwise the condition can prove to be fatal. Since there are good reasons for a woman to consume statins, one should always be sure to speak with a medical professional to weigh the pros and cons of taking any prescription medication.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Statins may disrupt the digestive system in some women.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Statins may disrupt the digestive system in some women.
    • Patients who suffer from heart attacks are often prescribed statins to help decrease the risk of future heart attacks.
      By: Dan Kosmayer
      Patients who suffer from heart attacks are often prescribed statins to help decrease the risk of future heart attacks.
    • Those who take statins should check with their doctors to see if it's safe to drink grapefruit juice, which can interact with the drugs.
      By: tashka2000
      Those who take statins should check with their doctors to see if it's safe to drink grapefruit juice, which can interact with the drugs.
    • Constipation and nausea are common among women taking statin medication.
      By: Africa Studio
      Constipation and nausea are common among women taking statin medication.