Statin drugs such as Lipitor (atorvastatin), Crestor (rosuvastatin), and Zocor (simvastatin) are the primary class of medication used to lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood. It’s common for individuals over 40 to use statins to reduce the risk of initial or repeat cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.

Statins were approved for use in the mid-1980s and have a long history of efficacy and safety supported by large robust clinical studies in a variety of cardiovascular-risk populations. However, it is important to know about potential side effects before you start this or any type of prescription medication.

Why Take Statins?

If you are taking statins, it’s because your health provider has assessed that you are at risk of a cardiovascular event due to age, family history, and current medical risk profile.

Before starting this type of medication, a physician will normally order routine blood work to assess bad cholesterol levels known as low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

The guidelines for starting and monitoring the use of statins have evolved over the years, with most individuals using a moderate to high dose and repeating blood work every one to three years once your cholesterol levels have stabilized.

Common Side Effects

One of the most common side effects of statin therapy is myopathy (a disease affecting the muscles), which can range in severity of symptoms depending on the type and dose of statin drug. Common symptoms such as body aches, fatigue, muscle pain, muscle tenderness, muscle weakness, night-time cramping, and tendon pain may occur in up to 25 per cent of individuals.

If you are starting statin therapy, you may not notice any side effects until several months after you start taking this medication, or when your health provider increases your dosage. Typically, most individuals experience symptoms in larger muscle groups, such as the shoulders, thighs, hips, or calves, and on both sides of the body.

In most situations, individuals find that they can tolerate these side effects or that it resolves over time. However, if the pain or discomfort is affecting your daily routine or your overall mental health, speak with your health provider right away, as they may choose to reduce your daily dose or advise you to take the medication every other day to minimize muscle discomfort.

Medical research suggests that one-to-two per cent of individuals cannot tolerate statin drugs and require an alternative medication to reduce their cardiovascular risk.

If you have additional questions or concerns about your statin medication, speak with your health provider or regular pharmacist before making any changes. Even though stopping your use of statins can alleviate muscle pain, you are still at risk of future cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke and require a different type of treatment.

Common Drug Interactions

Avoiding grapefruit and grapefruit juice is strongly recommended, as it can interact with the medication and result in higher blood levels of your statin and worsen muscle symptoms and pain.

Before you start taking statins, talk with your doctor or regular pharmacist about any supplements, herbs, and vitamins you use. Sharing this information with them may help you avoid potential negative interactions.