Statin Drugs Side Effects

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

As a nurse that does teaching in my hospital clinic, I know of the many side effects of statins...however, I was thrown for a loop when a patient asked me yesterday what she can do to alleviate her GI symptoms. The doctor was gone, and I plan to call the patient back today after I speak to him to tell her, but it made me decide to also ask here in case I come across this again...what is usually done of the patient is experiencing the gas, bloating, flatulence, dyspepsia, etc?

Thanks!

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Specializes in acute rehab, med surg, LTC, peds, home c.

If the pt is having gi sx, you may want to check their LFTs. Statins can effect the liver enzymes and cause gas and stuff. Just a suggestion.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
If the pt is having gi sx, you may want to check their LFTs. Statins can effect the liver enzymes and cause gas and stuff. Just a suggestion.

Thanks! I understand that, but I also want to know what to suggest to the patient to relieve the symptoms. The patient's doctor was not in today, and I called her back, telling her when he would be in and when to expect a call back from me (Friday). I could have spoken to another provider, I suppose, but would rather get the information from the physician that is actually treating her so that it is documented fairly. Greatly appreciated!

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