Millions of people take statins to help lower cholesterol

NHS guidance warns people who take statins to call 999 immediately if they notice any of a number of symptoms. Statins are a group of medicines that can help lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood.

LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad cholesterol", and statins reduce the production of it inside the liver. High levels of LDL cholesterol can be dangerous and can lead to higher risk of strokes, heart attacks, angina, and coronary heart disease.

People who are prescribed statins usually take them once a day. As with other medications, some people who take statins experience side effects, although most do not.

Depending on which type of statin you are taking, common side effects can include

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