What is a frequent reason for patients to discontinue statin therapy?

Muscle pain or statin-associated myopathy is a significant reason why patients often discontinue statin therapy. Many individuals taking statins report muscle-related side effects, which can range from mild discomfort and muscle aches to more severe conditions, such as rhabdomyolysis. The prevalence of muscle pain leads to a substantial number of patients stopping their medication, even if the benefits of statin therapy for reducing cardiovascular risk are well established.

These muscle-related symptoms are concerning for patients and can be debilitating enough that they outweigh the perceived benefits of the medication. This discomfort can lead to anxiety about the medication’s safety or efficacy, resulting in noncompliance. Recognizing the potential for muscle pain is critical for healthcare providers, as they may need to monitor patients closely, consider alternative therapies, or adjust dosages to reduce these side effects while still managing dyslipidemia effectively.