| Side effects and complications of cholesterol-lowering drugs |
| Side effect or complication | Statins | Zetia | Fibric acid derivatives | Nicotinic acids |
| Upset stomach | X | X | ||
| Gas and bloating | ||||
| Constipation | ||||
| Nausea | X | |||
| Abdominal pain | X | |||
| Loss of appetite | X | |||
| Heartburn/indigestion | X | |||
| Diarrhea | X | X | ||
| Hot flashes (and mild dizziness) | X | |||
| Muscle inflammation (or myopathy) that causes soreness and weakness | X | X | X | |
| Risk of gout | X | |||
| Risk of gallstones | X | |||
| Liver inflammation/abnormalities | X | X | X | X |
Credits
| Author | Ellie Rodgers |
| Editor | Geri Metzger |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Neil J. Stone, MD - Internal Medicine, Cardiology |
| Last Updated | August 26, 2005 |
