Statins are well tolerated by most patients, and serious side effects are rare. Patients may experience an upset stomach, gas, constipation, and abdominal pain or cramps. These symptoms usually are mild or moderate and generally go away as their bodies adjust. Patients rarely develop abnormalities in blood tests of the liver. However, most manufacturers of statins recommend an initial evaluation of simple blood tests that indicate liver damage and periodic follow-up checks.
Medical experts caution about the use of cholesterol-lowering supplements sold over the counter.
For one thing, the effectiveness of these supplements is dubious. For another, supplements won't work unless you make dietary changes. However, the dose needed for treatment is about 100 times more than the Recommended Daily Allowance for niacin and can be potentially toxic. As a result, the drug must be taken under a doctor's care. Resins have been used as cholesterol-lowering drugs for about two decades.