Common And Serious Side Effects Of Statins

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain has been observed in many individuals who take statins. Patients could experience stomach cramps, and they might also notice constipation or diarrhea. Rarely, statins may cause liver damage or liver failure, both of which could trigger abdominal pain. For this reason, patients who notice any abdominal symptoms should be evaluated to check for potential liver issues. Doctors typically order liver function tests before starting a patient on a statin, and these tests are repeated if the patient shows signs of possible liver issues during treatment. To determine the underlying cause of abdominal pain and the potential for liver involvement, the doctor will ask the patient about his or her symptoms. Next, they will check the patient's skin and eyes for signs of jaundice, and an abdominal examination will be performed to check for any pain over the area of the liver. The physician might also estimate the size of the liver. If the doctor suspects the patient's abdominal pain might be caused by liver issues, further tests may be necessary, and the patient could be switched to another drug.

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