Taking your doctor's prescription to lower your triglyceride levels is a good idea for your heart health. It's an important step you can take for your health . But sometimes these medications can cause minor side effects. When that happens, it's normal to feel scared and worried, wondering, "What do I do now?" But don't worry. In this article, we'll talk about what these side effects are, what to do if they occur, and when to talk to your doctor.
Fibrates
These are the most commonly prescribed medications to lower triglycerides. Examples include Fenofibrate (Lipofen, Tricor), Fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), and Gemfibrozil (Lopid). Some minor and sometimes significant side effects may occur when using these medications.
Simply put, some side effects are not that serious, but can be a bit annoying if they persist. However, some are the ones we need to pay attention to immediately. Let's separate these two.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Tell your doctor if these symptoms bother you or persist: | |
| Mild abdominal pain | Feeling like a slight stomach ache. |
| Flatulence/flatulence | Feeling of gas in the stomach . |
| Diarrhea or vomiting | Diarrhea or vomiting. |
| Headache | Headache. |
| Back pain | Back pain. |
| Call your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms: | |
| Severe abdominal pain | An unbearable stomachache. |
| Muscle pain | If you have muscle pain, cramps, or weakness. |
| Changes in urine | Dark urine (like the color of tea), burning, pain when urinating, or decreased urine output. |
| Chest pain | Chest pain or irregular heartbeat (change in heart rate). |
| Yellowing of the skin (Jaundice) | Yellowing of the skin and eyes. This can affect the liver. |
You who take niacin
Niacin (such as Niaspan) is another medication used to treat triglycerides. The most important thing to remember when taking this is to never change the type of niacin you are taking without talking to your doctor. Different types can have different effects.
Side effects of niacin
Niacin also has common and significant side effects.
One of the most common side effects of niacin is flushing. This is when the face and neck become red and feel hot and flushed. Although many people are afraid of this, it is usually not dangerous.
Let's see what other side effects come from niacin.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Tell your doctor if these symptoms bother you or persist: | |
| Flushing | Redness of the face and neck, feeling hot, itching. |
| Itchy skin | Rash or itching on the skin. |
| Cough | Coughing for no reason. |
| Vomiting/diarrhea | Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. |
| Call your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms: | |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing. |
| Fainting | Lightheadedness or feeling faint (if this condition wakes you up, especially at night, get up quickly to avoid fainting). |
| Muscle pain | Muscle pain, stiffness, or weakness. |
| Dark urine | Dark-colored urine. |
| Irregular heartbeat | Irregular heartbeat. |
| Swelling | Swelling of body parts. |
| Yellowing of the skin (Jaundice) | Yellowing of the skin and eyes. |
What to do if your face is red (flushing)?
Since this is something that happens to many people, there are several things that can be done about it.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or hot beverages while taking niacin.
- Taking aspirin or a similar nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) 30 minutes before taking niacin can help reduce this. But this is very important: Always check with your doctor before taking any other medication, as some people may have an adverse reaction to this medication.
Usually, after using the medicine for a few weeks, this redness of the face will gradually subside.
Omega-3 drugs
Prescription omega-3 fatty acids are another treatment for triglycerides. Examples include medications like Epanova, Lovaza, and Vascepa. These have a different concentration and composition than the fish oil pills we buy at the store. The side effects from these are usually a little less, but some things can happen.
- Burping: Sometimes you may experience burping with a fishy taste.
- A strange taste in the mouth: The mouth may feel a strange, unfamiliar taste.
- Stomach discomfort: You may feel a slight discomfort in your stomach, like it is about to roll over.
- Joint pain: Joint pain may occur.
If these minor things persist, tell your doctor. However, if you develop flu-like symptoms such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, and body aches , inform your doctor immediately.
Think twice before stopping medication!
The first thing you might think when you experience a side effect is, 'Okay, I'm going to stop taking this drug.' Please don't do that. Before making any changes to your medication, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Consider that perhaps you can control your side effects by changing the time you take your medication (e.g., at night), taking it after meals, or changing the dosage slightly. Or, you may be able to switch to a different medication that works better for you. All of these decisions should be made only with the advice of your doctor.
Remember, lifestyle changes (a healthy diet and exercise) are the best way to control triglycerides. However, sometimes medication is necessary. So don't stop taking your medication because of side effects.
Take-Home Message
- Triglyceride-lowering medication is an important thing to do to protect your heart.
- These medications can cause side effects, but they can often be managed.
- Distinguish between minor side effects and severe side effects that require immediate medical attention.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without medical advice.
- If you have side effects, your doctor has various options (changing the dosage, switching to another medication) to help you.
- Along with medication, it is also essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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