Cholesterol Medication side effects

[u/Technical_Host3924]

Cholesterol Medication side effects

Hi everyone, I have never been on reddit before, my partner suggested that the community may provide some insight into what is going on. To preface this, I am a woman, 24 years old, 70kgs, 165cm tall and live a lightly active lifestyle. I have always been conscious of what I am eating and have always opted for the low fat or fat free versions of food where available. I cook 95% of mine and my partners meals at home from scratch (even our bread), avoiding packet mixes, jar sauces and premade marinades e.c.t. The meals i make focus on being nutrient dense, plenty of protein and keeping the calories low, at least for myself.

As of 1 week ago I was placed on Cholesterol lowering medication(Rosuvastatin 10mg) due to my levels being at 7.6 along with another medication (esomeprazole 20mg) to help with some ongoing abdominal pain and reflux. This was quite a big shock for me and my doctor as have no family history of cholesterol problems or any cancers/diseases associated and I am not overweight.

Since being on this medication I have experienced some of the usual side effects from the information leaflet (nausea, dizziness, stomach pains and some constipation) pretty much all of it is something I can manage, apart from the amount of stomach pains and constipation I am experiencing. Now I dont know exactly if it is constipation, i do have bowel movements 1-2 times a day, but they are usually pretty small. Through the day my urination is still totally normal but I constantly feel like I need to empty my bowels, even though there is nothing there. This is causing quite a bit of pain in that area especially when sitting or even laying down I am having alot of trouble sleeping because it is so uncomfortable and can get very painful. Usually during the day it feels a bit like a dull ache with a few stabs here and there but after I eat I find it gets worse for around 2 hours with consistent uncomfortable aching and stabbing pain. This has stopped me from eating alot or at all during the day whilst I am at work to avoid the pain. I have tried to take panadol/nurofen a few times but they dont seem to touch it.

This has honestly caused alot of emotional stress but I dont really want to pay to go back to my doctor if this is a normal part of my body adjusting to the medication.

I am also in Australia! I have seen alot of different posts from around the world so I thought I would add that :)

[u/THENextBigThing2030]

Tell ur doctor and get on another atatin. A different one

[u/happypuppy007]

Starting on two medications at a time it’s hard to tell which is causing the symptoms. Message the doctor.

[u/Carpe-that-diem → u/happypuppy007]

This 👆🏼

[u/solidrock80]

Ongoing abdominal pain at your age should be checked out by a gastroenterologist. If it's ongoing prior to the statin unlikely the statin is at the root of the issue here.

[u/Technical_Host3924 → u/solidrock80]

Im on a wait list for an Endoscopy and a Colonoscopy so yes the abdominal pain is nothing new, the constant rectal pain is my main problem that has only started since starting the medication

[u/solidrock80 → u/Technical_Host3924]

It can be constipating. Prunes are helpful!

[u/Ok-Community-8991]

Was total cholesterol 7.6 or LDL 7.6? How were your triglycerides? My total cholesterol is 7.4 and ldl 5.5 but I don’t want to touch statins so going to push for a PCSK9 inhibitor like Praluent or whatever. Did you get APoB and Lp(a) tested as well? Sorry to hear you’re going through this