What is a common side effect of statins?

Statins are widely used medications for lowering cholesterol levels, particularly to reduce the risk of heart disease. A common side effect associated with statins is myalgia, which refers to muscle pain or discomfort. This side effect occurs due to the way statins can affect muscle cells, leading to an increase in muscle inflammation and affecting muscle function.

Myalgia can present as general muscle aches, tenderness, or weakness, and while it can be mild in some patients, it can also be significant enough to prompt discontinuation of the medication. This is important for healthcare providers and patients to recognize, as managing muscle symptoms may be essential for adherence to statin therapy.

In contrast, while nausea, dizziness, and insomnia can occur with various medications, they are not typically recognized as the most prevalent or specific side effects of statins. Nausea may occur due to other gastrointestinal side effects, dizziness might relate to a variety of factors or drugs, and insomnia is less directly linked to the pharmacological profile of statins. Consequently, myalgia stands out as the most characteristic and notable side effect within the context of statin therapy.