Side effects

Statins are well tolerated, and serious side effects are rare. If you have or experience any of the following, stop taking the statin and contact your doctor immediately:

• Diffuse muscle soreness



• Pain and weakness



• Vomiting



• Stomach pain



• Brown urine

These side effects could suggest possible muscle problems. A doctor will perform blood tests to check for these problems. Rarely, widespread muscle breakdown, known as rhabdomyolysis, can occur, usually in people who are taking other drugs that interfere with the breakdown of the statin and in people with advanced kidney problems. This is a medical emergency.

Less serious side effects could include the following:

• Upset stomach



• Gas



• Constipation



• Abdominal pain or cramps

These symptoms are usually mild to moderate and generally disappear as the body adjusts to the medication.

Other side effects and monitoring include the following:

• Liver toxicity may occur; therefore, liver function is usually monitored in patients taking statins.



• Rare reports of neuropathy (numbness and tingling) affecting the hands, arms, feet, and legs have been described.