Despite being one of the most effective cholesterol-lowering agents, statins remain a controversial topic in healthcare.
This controversy stems partly from the drug's side effects and confusion over who should take them.
Physician and senior contributor at Vera Clinic, Dr Naheed Ali, MD, told GB News: "Statins lower cholesterol, but they can come with side effects, some more well-known than others."
Earlier this month, a patient wrote to Oregon Live's People Pharmacy to describe their symptoms after doctors initially diagnosed them with a "ministroke".
Autoimmune myopathy remains a rare side effect of statins
GETTYThey shared: "I had been on simvastatin for about 18 years when I suddenly became very ill. I continued to feel quite unwell with peripheral neuropathy in my right leg.
"On the third trip to the hospital, one doctor asked how long I had been on statins and remarked that they sometimes cause side effects. That inspired me to discontinue the drug, although my GP wasn't enthusiastic."
In response to the letter, doctors confirmed that while muscle pain is a common side effect of statins, it can persist in some cases even after treatment is discontinued.
Dr Ali told GB News that the symptom - known as autoimmune myopathy - is a rare but serious complication.
"This happens when the immune system starts attacking muscle tissue, leading to weaknesses that doesn't go away even after stopping the medication," he shared.
"It's not the same as the typical muscle aches that some people get - this kind of weakness is persistent and can make daily activities harder over time.
"If someone notices ongoing fatigue or muscle loss that feels different, it's something to bring up with a doctor."
A recent report on TikTok from a user named DeeDee explained that the side effect had reportedly led to her husband's hospitalisation.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
There can be side effects of statins
GETTY
"He has what is called necrotising autoimmune myopathy caused by statin medication," she shared from the hospital. "His body was eating away at his muscles."
Viewers in the comments reported similar complications, with one sharing: "This just happened to my mum, same exact thing."
But while muscle aches are a common side effect of the drug, medical journals maintain that autoimmune myopathy is extremely uncommon.
Dr Joseph Ambani explained: "When I assess the cardiovascular benefits of statins versus their side effects, the data consistently tells me that the advantages of statins far outweigh the risks for most patients.
"The reduction in heart attack, stroke and overall cardiovascular mortality rates is profound, up to 30 per cent."
You may like
