Statins, also known as HMG Co A reductase inhibitors, are a group of medications used to prevent cardiovascular events in patients with cardiac risk factors, and abnormal lipid profiles.
They are most effective in reducing bad LDL cholesterol levels in blood.
Out of all synthetic statins, atorvastatin is the most widely used statin, and it is relatively more potent than the other types of synthetic statins.
In general, statins are well tolerated by most individuals.
They should not be taken by individuals with underlying liver disease, because these medications are metabolized by the liver.
So, in liver disease, metabolism of statins gets impaired, leading to toxicity.
Statins are contraindicated during pregnancy since they can cause birth defects in the baby.
Common side effects of statins include, muscle pain, Headache and dizziness, Sleeping problems such as insomnia, And gastro-intestinal problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion.
Some rare side effects of statins include, hepatotoxicity, Pancreatitis, Loss of hair, Reduced sex drive, and erectile dysfunction, angioedema, and rhabdomyolysis, or breakdown of muscle tissue.
Asherman syndrome is a rare condition characterized by formation of adhesions in the uterine cavity, which can lead to absent menstruation, or amenorrhea, and subfertility.

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