Statins and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Cholesterol-lowering medications, collectively known as the statin group of drugs (Lipitor, Simvastatin) are one of the most commonly prescribed medications taken by middleaged men on a daily basis.

Other common side-effects of statin drugs may include gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, muscle cramps, itchiness, alopecia, gynaecomastia (abnormal growth of the mammary glands in males), memory impairment, acute muscle pain after exercise, depression and sexual dysfunction (inability to orgasm).

Now, more startling news regarding the use of these very commonly prescribed drugs. In a study reported in the Annals of the Rheumatic diseases, people taking statins were found to have an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). People with RA were more likely than those without the disease to take statins: 16 per cent versus 9 per cent.
Researchers found use of statin drugs was linked to 1.7 times increased risk of RA. Statins influence the immune system, which may potentially trigger immulogical diseases such as RA.

Many of you will know that I commonly use a red rice yeast extract in the clinic to successfully reduce cholesterol levels. Dietary modification, exercise, herbal medicine, fish oils also help to reduce cholesterol. So best to think of more natural ways for cholesterol management if you are already taking a statin, or to consider other options if offered a quick pharmaceutical fix.