Long-term use can result in dry, itchy skin. Decision Support System. Given that statins are often prescribed at a time in someone's life when they might feasibly be starting to experience some of the 'symptoms' of aging, it can be hard to tease out whether such. People taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs often report muscle pain, but the pain may be the same when they take a look-alike placebo pill. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology. This means reducing the intake of foods that are high in these fats, which include: Instead, the AHA suggest focusing on eating a heart-healthy diet that is high in: Many diets for general health, such as the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, have these qualities. Type 2 diabetes or high blood sugar. Medication that causes dry skin Other than statins, one drug that may also have a drying effect on your skin is isotretinoin (Accutane), an acne medication. Statin side effects: How common are they? - Harvard Health But one of the most worrisome among . IBD and LGBTQ+: How it can affect sexual health, Mud runs: Dirty, challenging, next-level fun, Wildfires: How to cope when smoke affects air quality and health. Mayo Clinic; 2017. Statins work by blocking an enzyme that tells the liver to produce more cholesterol. Do statins cause facial wrinkles? Statins is the short name for cholesterol-lowering medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil). Whether statins are responsible for the muscle pain, however, remains uncertain. However, side effects are the primary reason that people stop taking statins. Do Statins Cause Diabetes? Numerous prescription drugs and even over-the-counter treatments may bring unexpected skin changes, says Dr. Suzanne Olbricht, an associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School. According to the research article in the journal Medicina Clnica, over the course of 5 years, about 0.5% to 1% of people taking statins experience side effects. They might also be getting an added anti-cancer benefit, a growing body of evidence suggests. Topical tretinoin (topical all-trans retinoic acid): Patient drug information. I was prescribed Liptior and felt tightness in my liver, muscle fatigue, lethargy, depression and aggression almost immediatley, so I stopped taking them and started finding out that many doctors think they are too dangerous to take for the very small amount they will reduce the risk of a heart attack, especially since they increase the risk of cancer, alzheimers, and decrease virility and muscle function. Can statin drugs cause dermatomyositis? - Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center Thank you for your assistance. Other than statins, one drug that may also have a drying effect on your skin is isotretinoin (Accutane), an acne medication. I noticed a lot more facial wrinkles since I started taking statins. Some lifestyle changes a person can make that may help lower cholesterol include: There are some medications besides statins that doctors may offer to help lower cholesterol. A recent article challenges the conventional cardiology consensus that almost everyone benefits from statins. People can lower their cholesterol levels by making lasting changes to their diet and lifestyle. Next review due: 03 October 2025, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), feeling unusually tired or physically weak, loss of sensation or tingling in the nerve endings of the hands and feet, tendon problems (tendons are tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones). Accessed Oct. 21, 2019. FDA authority over cosmetics: How cosmetics are not FDA-approved, but are FDA-regulated. If you are taking a statin and are having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor. Dr. Uddoh says that sometimes, patients might have to talk to their doctors about changing medications if dry skinor any other side effectbecomes unmanageable. (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0115/od1.html), (https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia/cholesterol-medications), (https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/cholesterol-and-statins-infographic), Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (Miller Family), Have high cholesterol (LDL above 190 mg/dL) that. https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/non-ablative-laser-resurfacing-for-wrinkles. More than 40 million adults take them. 3 Myths About Cholesterol-Lowering Statin Drugs Do statins cause facial wrinkles? A doctor can help with deciding if they are the right option for a person based on: People may need to consider options other than statins if they have prediabetes, have impaired liver or kidney function, or take medications that interact with statins. Very rarely, statins can cause life-threatening muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis (rab-doe-my-OL-ih-sis). Medications to look out for include the following. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Rhabdomyolysis can cause extreme muscle pain, liver damage, kidney failure and death. What are the side effects of statins? - Drugs.com If you haven't tried a hydrophilic statin . This randomized . If youre still unable to tolerate any statins at all, ask about switching to exetimibe (Zetia), which can lower LDL by 15%, or a PCSK9 inhibitor. Side effects can vary between different statins, but common side effects include: Uncommon side effects of statins include: Statins can rarely cause muscle inflammation (swelling) and damage. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. My guess would be that she hasn't made the connection between the wrinkles and the statins. Edmonson KG, et al., eds. In fact, colloidal silver is not recommended as a treatment for any health condition, and it may be dangerous, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Chien AL, et al. But this isnt the first statin side effect to be discovered long after these drugs were introduced. Dry lips are the most common side effect seen with Accutane, likely seen in 100% of patients, says Dr. Evans. The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from any type of medicine you're taking. Vasodilators, a common class of blood pressure medications that open up the blood vessels, have been linked with increases in acne and rosacea, although there's no scientific consensus. Doctors regularly check liver and kidney function in people taking statins. We would like to learn from you. joint pain. In some, , statins have been known to cause a dry skin rash and flaky skin that mimics eczema. If I brought it up, she'd get insulted, and then probably just justify her wrinkles to the fact that she's older, and that would make her feel worse. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Yes, I've been trying to bring this up to her for a long time. May 10, 2021. Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks - Mayo Clinic Taking a Statin After a Heart Attack? Your provider will also consider your age, sex and race when deciding if you need a statin. 3 Top Statin Myths Debunked - AARP Drinks a glass of wine every night. AskMayoExpert. Wrinkles, a natural part of aging, are most prominent on sun-exposed skin, such as the face, neck, hands and forearms. We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options. If that doesnt I noticed a lot more facial wrinkles since I started taking statins. These spots typically occur in areas where skin was injured or inflamed, such as healed acne spots or burns. All Rights Reserved. CONCERN: Statins cause diabetes. If you think you cant take statins, ask your doctor about trying Some wrinkles can become deep crevices or furrows and may be especially noticeable around your eyes, mouth and neck. LDL is bad because it builds up inside your arteries. You don't need to treat wrinkles unless you want to change how they appear on your skin by using over-the-counter products, outpatient procedures or surgery to remove layers of your skin. The label on your medicine bottle will tell you if you need to take your statin at a certain time of day and if you need to take it with food. These include: These medications do not directly replace statins, as they do not work in the same way. Statins may only reduce cholesterol for as long as the person takes them. Antihistamines can slow skins oil production, making it dryer in the process. 1. red skin lesions, often with a purple center sore. Mayo Clinic; 2019. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. "People with normal blood sugar do not develop diabetes because you put them on a statin. The study found no differences between the statin and placebo periods in either muscle pain or reports on daily life activities and moods. For a year, each patient randomly took either a statin or a placebo pill over six two-month periods. These include some drugs in the following categories: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there's been a resurgence of interest in some circles in colloidal silver oral supplements, which Dr. Olbricht describes as a "snake oil medicine" that is, one that's promoted without evidence for treating certain health conditions. We avoid using tertiary references. Although mild muscle pain is a relatively common side effect of statins, some people who take statin medications to lower their cholesterol may have severe muscle pain. Lowering cholesterol isn't the only benefit associated with statins. A Surprising Cause and 4 Expert Fixes Feeling thin-skinned? There are two: alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha). Exposure to UV light breaks down your skin's connective tissue collagen and elastin fibers, which lie in the deeper layer of skin (dermis). Damage to your liver. agitation. People who take it may notice that their skin is more sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn. The myositis caused by statins is a direct toxic effect of the statins on the muscle cells and resolves when the statins are . Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Wrinkles that occur early in life could be the result of smoking or sun damage. You can reverse, delay the damage As we grow older, our skin can gradually become more loose and flaccid. The hydrophilic statins, including rosuvastatin (Crestor) and pravastatin (Pravachol), have to be actively transported and cause fewer muscle aches. However, they may be a sufficient alternative for people who have difficulty taking statins. PCSK9 https://www.uptodate.com/contents/topical-tretinoin-topical-all-trans-retinoic-acid-patient-drug-information. Although they all have a similar function, doctors may recommend trying a few different options to see which works best for someone. eliminating statins at the normal rate, causing statin levels in the body to This causes atherosclerosis and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other conditions. Statins can cause inflammation in the muscle called myositis. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Fat in the deeper layers of your skin diminishes. vomiting. Rhabdomyolysis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More - Healthline We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are Rhabdomyolysis only occurs in around 23 people per 100,000. large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs. Dr. Uddoh agrees that hydration is important. These are best applied on damp skin right after a shower to help lock in moisture. Some of the more severe, but rare side effects can include: liver problems or failure, which can cause stomach issues, muscle pain or . dizziness. a fever. https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/non-ablative-laser-resurfacing-for-wrinkles. Although genetics mainly determine skin structure and texture, sun exposure is a major cause of wrinkles, especially for people with light skin. Please share articles you think might be informative with your friends and family using. Sometimes, making dietary and lifestyle changes is effective for lowering cholesterol. Oracea costs $1,078 without insurance. Registered in England and Wales. There are histamine receptors in your skin, that trigger it to produce oil. About half of people who are taking medicine to manage their high blood cholesterol are using a statin. Managing or eliminating risk factors, where possible, may help reduce muscle pain. High statin dosages, combined with their physical preference for fat over watery environments (the expression fathead contains a great deal of physiologic truth), increases their . Wrinkles Wrinkles are lines or creases on your skin. Wrinkles appear naturally as people get older. Statins may do double duty on heart disease and cancer A similar statement can be found in the entry for simvastatin (Zocor). If youre already at risk for diabetes, statins can add to your risk of getting it. In many cases, the benefits of taking statins outweigh the risks. The skin aging exposome. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event. The pros and cons of statins are important considerations when thinking about treatment for high cholesterol. McGraw-Hill Education; 2019. Blood pressure drugs, cholesterol medications, acne treatments, wrinkle creams, and antihistamines when taken long-term, are all medications that cause dry skin. These statins, including atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor) and fluvastatin (Lescol), are more likely to cause muscle aches. Bad problems with your muscles. This is a separate function of statins, independent of their impact on cholesterol. Accessed Oct. 22, 2019. This one is done as well as you can, and its a nice one to talk about with patients. Read our editorial policy. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Diuretics can definitely dry your skin, says Robin Evans, MD, a, . No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Serious Side Effects of Statins More What Are Statins? Patients should increase water intake until their urine runs clear.. In rare cases, you may experience more serious side effects. Wrinkle remedies. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Medications in this category include atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), and rosuvastatin (Crestor). headache. Dr. Evans tells us that it is used to treat acne primarily but also has cosmetic benefits including treating fine lines and wrinkles, and also can be used to treat pre-skin cancers called actinic keratoses., The formulation and strength of this prescription topical product must be selected by your dermatologist to be appropriate for your skin type, Dr. Evans says. They are called statins because each one of these medication's name. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Statins can make your skin more porous, allowing more water to escape, which in turn dries your skin. You may want to look in your medicine cabinet. A surprising statin side effect has just been reported. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours or more often if you're swimming or perspiring. According to the same research article, statins can: According to the article in Medicina Clnica, statins may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the circulatory system. Reducing high cholesterol lowers the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attack. According to a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, people taking statins sometimes have abnormal liver function test results particularly when they first begin taking them. One would think that every possible statin side effect would have been discovered by now. Very few cases of liver failure are directly associated with statin use. Dry skin patches and skin peeling are possible side effects of this medication. By lowering the levels, they. Statins can help you reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke, but they arent a cure for high cholesterol. You can tell your patients, Theyve done studies in people like you, and these people couldnt tell the difference between placebo and medicine.. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, andmore. are both used to treat acne, but they work in different ways. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in The American Academy of Dermatology. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. Researchers assembled 200 people in England and Wales who had either stopped or planned to stop taking statins because of intolerable muscle pain. Atorvastatin Oral Tablet: Side Effects, How to Take, and More - Healthline Other medications that can cause dry skin include antihistamines like Benadryl, says Dr. Uddoh. Statin pros and cons: Benefits, side effects, and alternatives We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Having diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol and using tobacco products are all risk factors for getting heart disease. With statins, the side effects actually are well known. Wrinkles are the lines and creases that form in your skin. If so, you may be concerned about potential side effects. Considering Statins? What a Cardiologist Wants You to Know - WebMD The antiarrhythmic drugs amiodarone and digoxin. https://www.aad.org/sun-protection/sunscreen-faqs. A Completely New and Unexpected Statin Side Effect The persistent controversy involves those who take such drugs for primary prevention. In other words, people who are otherwise healthy but have elevated cholesterol levels. This statin side effect was pretty much ignored for decades. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/fda-authority-over-cosmetics-how-cosmetics-are-not-fda-approved-are-fda-regulated. These drugs help your kidneys release more sodium into your urine. Statins and Diabetes: What You Should Know | CDC Staph skin and soft tissue infections are a potentially new statin side effect. About 40 million adults in the U.S. take a statin to lower their cholesterol and reduce the risk for heart disease. True statin intolerance when a person cannot take a statin even once a week is extremely rare, says cardiologist Leslie Cho, MD, Head of Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation. Statins and Grapefruit Juice. Evidence that cholesterol-lowering statins prevent heart attacks and strokes is so compelling that these medications are recommended for people with cardiovascular disease or its risk factors. Results showed that bempedoic acid reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by about 21% or 30.2 mg/dL. The dry, cold weather that saps the moisture out of the air also makes the. While youre taking statins, you should contact your provider if your muscles or joints hurt or if you feel weak, have a fever or your urine is dark. Photoaging. People at high risk of diabetes may need to try other approaches to lower their cholesterol. Accessed Oct. 11, 2019. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. Adults and teens can take statins. Put those blood pressure pills together with cholesterol medication and youve got a dry skin double whammy. The Gene That Explains Statins' Most Puzzling Side Effect - The Atlantic How is it possible that after more than three decades we are still discovering statin side effects? Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. The authors note: Staphylococcus aureusis a major cause of bacterial skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), which are prevalent amongst different age groups and may range from superficial to deepseated infections, consuming considerable hospital resources.. Statins "A popular type of high cholesterol medicine called a statin can cause skin changes including dry skin," says Nonye Uddoh, Pharm.D., a pharmacist in Silver Spring, Maryland. They note that statins may lower vitamin D levels, increase insulin resistance, reduce beta cell function in the pancreas (where insulin is made) and disrupt the gut microbiome.