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Living With a Statin Intolerance

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By Editorial Team

Last Updated:

2 min read

Many people take statin drugs to lower their cholesterol. Statins help prevent heart attacks and strokes. But some people cannot tolerate these medicines due to side effects like muscle pain and weakness. This is called statin intolerance.1-3

Muscle problems are the most common issue with statin intolerance. People might feel pain, tenderness, or weakness in their muscles. Some may also experience digestive problems or liver problems.1-3

Impact on daily life

Living with statin intolerance can affect your daily life. Muscle pain can make it hard to do regular activities. It can leave you feeling fatigued. This might impact your ability to work or attend school.4

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A 2024 study found that statin intolerance greatly impacts a person’s quality of life. The research found that those with statin intolerance had increased rates of:4

  • Pain and discomfort
  • Mobility issues
  • Anxiety and depression

The study also found that women were more often and severely affected. They reported worse quality of life, more intense pain, and higher rates of depression. Age, gender, and comorbidities also contributed to the reduced quality of life. This suggests that statin intolerance requires a personalized approach to treatment, particularly for women.4

Alternative treatment options for high cholesterol

If you have statin intolerance, there are other ways to manage your cholesterol, such as:1-3

  • Adjusting the statin dosage
  • Switching to a different type of statin
  • Taking non-statin medicines
  • Making lifestyle changes

If you have tried at least 2 different types of statins and are still having side effects, talk with your doctor. They can prescribe non-statin medicines to help manage your cholesterol. Several new cholesterol-lowering drugs can be used.3

Besides prescription drugs, some people explore natural remedies. Some research suggests that taking a coenzyme Q10 supplement, which is important for muscle function, might help prevent statin side effects, primarily muscle aches. But more research is needed. Talk to your doctor to see if this is right for you.2

Making lifestyle changes

When living with statin intolerance, lifestyle changes are crucial. Eating a healthy diet is key. This means eating less saturated and trans fats and limiting things like red meat, fried foods, and processed snacks. Instead, focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein like chicken, beans, and fish.1-3

Exercise is also important. Try to do at least 30 minutes of some kind of physical activity 5 days a week. This can include things like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Regular physical activity helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL).1-3

Doctors also recommend quitting smoking and limiting alcohol. Both increase the risk of heart disease.1-3

Stay informed and talk to your doctor

If you have high cholesterol, your doctor will monitor your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels with regular blood tests. This helps track your progress and make any necessary changes to your treatment plan.3

Living with statin intolerance requires patience and persistence. Keep learning about cholesterol management and work closely with your healthcare team. You do not have to live with unpleasant side effects to manage your cholesterol. There are other treatments available.3

Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person. This treatment information is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before starting and while taking any treatment.

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