COULD STATINS CAUSE RASHES?

Tuesday May 20,2008

Dr Rosemary Leonard

Q I have been taking Simvastatin for a few months now and my total cholesterol has dropped from 6.1 to 4.0.

But since taking them my feet and ankles have developed red and purple patches. Could this be due to the statins?

If not, how can I get rid of them?

A As you have discovered, statins are very effective at reducing cholesterol levels and can significantly reduce the risk of having heart attacks and strokes.

More than 50million prescriptions were issued for statins during the past year and most people have no problems from them.

The most common side effects are aching muscles (particularly after exercise) and mild stomach upsets, including tummy ache, wind, constipation or diarrhoea.

Any drug can cause rashes and this includes statins so it is possible they are responsible for the blotches on your feet and ankles. However, this would be unusual and it is important to check for other causes.

You need to see your GP who can examine the rash and hopefully give you some idea about the underlying cause and the best treatment. Until then don’t stop taking the tablets.