What is a common side effect of statin therapy?

Muscle pain is a well-documented common side effect of statin therapy. Statins, a class of medications primarily used to lower cholesterol levels, can sometimes lead to myopathy, which is muscle pain or weakness. This side effect occurs due to the way statins interfere with cholesterol synthesis in the liver, which is crucial for muscle cell function. Although this side effect can vary in intensity from mild discomfort to more severe cases, understanding this potential reaction is important for patients on statin therapy, as it may require monitoring or adjustment of the treatment.

The other options, such as weight gain, increased appetite, and hair loss, are not commonly associated with statins. In fact, weight gain and increased appetite are more often linked to other classes of medications or lifestyle changes, while hair loss does not have a well-established connection to statin use. Hence, recognizing muscle pain as a primary side effect of statins helps practitioners inform patients about what to expect and to encourage prompt reporting of any symptoms that may occur during treatment.