If you’re living with kidney failure, managing related health issues like high cholesterol and heart disease becomes a critical part of your care plan. One class of medications your doctor might discuss with you is statins—medications commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels. Before starting any new treatment, however, it’s essential to understand both the potential benefits and the risks. Here are some statin basics.*

How Statins Work and Why They’re Prescribed

Statins help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol while increasing “good” HDL cholesterol by blocking cholesterol production in the liver. They also help the liver remove excess cholesterol that’s already in your bloodstream.

• Common statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and pravastatin (Pravachol).
  
• Statins are also often used to reduce plaque buildup in your arteries, which lowers your risk of heart attack or stroke.
  

If you have kidney failure and also suffer from heart disease, your doctor may consider prescribing statins to manage your cholesterol as part of an overall heart health strategy.

Possible Kidney and Muscle-Related Risks

While statins offer cardiovascular benefits, they can still pose serious health risks for people with kidney failure. Doctors will assess these carefully before recommending the medication.

Key risks include:

• Rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but dangerous condition that breaks down muscle tissue and can lead to kidney damage or even death.
  
• Myopathy and muscle weakness. Myopathy can lead to long-term disability, including complications involving your heart or kidneys.
  
• Liver and blood sugar concerns. Statins may cause liver inflammation, damage, and impairment (hepatotoxicity) and raise your risk of developing diabetes.
  

You might also notice milder side effects like headaches, fatigue, or digestive issues. If any of these symptoms interfere with your daily life, be sure to tell your doctor.

Other Treatment Options and When to Seek Help

Statins aren’t the only way to treat kidney failure or its complications. Depending on your condition, your care plan might include:

• Dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis), or
  
• Kidney transplant surgery.
  

Stay in close contact with your healthcare provider, especially if you notice symptoms like dark urine, muscle pain, or confusion—these could signal a serious complication like rhabdomyolysis (see above).

In short, while statins may help manage cholesterol and protect your heart, they aren’t without risks. Your doctor will weigh these carefully to determine the safest and most effective path forward for your kidney and heart health.

*Geng, C. (2023, October 2). Statins for Kidney Failure. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/should-i-take-statins-for-kidney-failure 

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