Side effects of statins

Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Try not to drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller.

Talk to your GP if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe.

Gently stretch your muscles regularly. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller.

Have a warm bath with bath salts to soothe your muscles. Use ice packs and warm water bottle.

Contact your GP if your symptoms continue for more than a few days or get worse.

Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to take your statin after a meal or snack.

Try small, frequent sips of water if you're getting sick to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee.

If you take the combined contraceptive pill or the progestogen-only pill and you're getting sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

If your statin makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. Try not to drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery if you're feeling weak or dizzy.

If you get a nosebleed, sit down and lean forward, with your head tilted forward. Pinch your nose just above your nostrils for 10 to 15 minutes and breathe through your mouth.

You could also try holding an icepack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) on the top of your nose to help reduce the blood flow.

Contact your GP if you are getting nosebleeds often.

Paracetamol can help with the pain. Gargling with warm, salty water may also help. Drink plenty of water, eat cool or soft foods, and avoid smoking or smoky places.

Pharmacies and supermarkets sell other types of medicated lozenges that contain either a local anaesthetic or antiseptic. This may help with pain.

For a sore throat, see your GP if it does not improve after a week. You may need a different treatment.

Drink plenty of liquids, rest if you can and eat healthily.

Talk to your pharmacist about products and medicines that will help.

Tell them you are taking a statin.

Try to eat smaller meals. Eat more high-fibre foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water.

Drinking peppermint tea can be helpful for farting. Try to exercise more regularly, for example, by going for a daily walk or run.

If this does not help, talk to your pharmacist or GP.

Try to rest and relax. It can help to eat and drink slowly and have smaller and more frequent meals. Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help.

If these symptoms carry on, or if you're in a lot of pain, speak to your pharmacist or GP.

Drink plenty of water or other fluids to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or GP.

If you're taking the combined contraceptive pill or progestogen-only pill and you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

It might help to eat smaller and more frequent meals, and to eat and drink slowly. Talk to your GP if the symptoms get worse.