What is a common side effect of statin medications?

Muscle pain is a well-documented and common side effect associated with the use of statin medications. Statins work by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. While effectively lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, they can also lead to muscle-related side effects, known collectively as statin-related myopathy. This may range from mild muscle discomfort or pain to more severe conditions like rhabdomyolysis, which is a rare but serious complication that involves the breakdown of muscle tissue and can lead to kidney damage.

The mechanism behind muscle pain with statins is not completely understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of factors, including alterations in muscle metabolism and potential mitochondrial dysfunction. Patients experiencing muscle pain while on statins are often advised to consult with their healthcare provider to evaluate the severity of symptoms and determine the best course of action, which may include a switch to a different statin, dosage adjustment, or discontinuation of therapy if needed.

In contrast, weight gain, constipation, and sleepiness are typically not associated with statin therapy. Weight gain can occur with various medications but is not a common or direct consequence of statins. Likewise, constipation is often