What is considered the most serious side effect of lovastatin?

Rhabdomyolysis is recognized as the most serious side effect of lovastatin and other statins. This condition involves the breakdown of muscle fibers, which can lead to the release of myoglobulin into the bloodstream, potentially causing acute kidney injury and other severe complications. The risk of rhabdomyolysis is particularly heightened when statins are used in conjunction with certain medications or in patients who have pre-existing conditions that predispose them to muscle damage.

While headaches and muscle aches are relatively common and less severe side effects associated with lovastatin use, they generally do not threaten life or lead to serious long-term consequences. Liver damage, although significant, occurs less frequently than rhabdomyolysis and is usually monitored through liver function tests. Therefore, the intensity and potential life-threatening nature of rhabdomyolysis makes it the most clinically serious side effect linked with lovastatin therapy.