Statin-Related Muscle Toxicity

According to estimates, 102 million Americans have cholesterol problems, and millions more have serious elevations of low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides. With national guidelines that set aggressive treatment strategies for dyslipidemia, more and more patients are now taking statin medications to reduce their risks of coronary heart disease and other atherosclerotic vascular diseases. Although side effects of these drugs, particularly those involving muscle, are reported infrequently, the increase in numbers of patients using them raises the possibility that primary care physicians may be seeing more patients with such symptoms. This article reviews the major side effects of statin therapy and identifies factors that can contribute to patient risks.