Do statins cause muscle aches?

An independent analysis

Cholesterol-lowering medications called statins are widely prescribed, however, about 50% of patients dump their statins within a year of commencing therapy.

The most common complaint is muscle problems – pain, weakness, cramps, and aches. 

But now, a major study published in The Lancet has concluded that statins are rarely to blame. 

The study has garnered international media attention and left many patients wondering if their doctors will believe them if they complain about muscle pains after taking a statin.

The following analysis argues that the conclusion of this new study is misguided and highlights how the design of industry-funded statin trials has led to the obfuscation of muscle harms.