Final answer:
Statins reduce cholesterol levels but can cause adverse effects such as muscle pain or myopathy, with severe cases potentially leading to rhabdomyolysis. Other side effects can include liver damage and increased blood sugar. Combination therapies are monitored closely due to risks of muscle damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Statins, such as Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Rosuvastatin (Crestor), are a class of drugs that significantly reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is integral in the biosynthesis of cholesterol from lipids within the body. One well-documented adverse effect specific to statins is muscle pain or myopathy, which in severe cases can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening breakdown of muscle tissue.
Beyond muscle pain, other possible side effects include liver damage, increased blood sugar or type 2 diabetes, and neurological side effects like memory loss or confusion. However, muscle-related issues are often considered a hallmark of statin therapy and can range from mild soreness to incapacitating pain. It is essential for patients to report any unexplained muscle pain or weakness to their healthcare provider right away.
If the triglyceride level is extremely high, providers might consider using fibrates over statins due to the former's significant effects on triglycerides. Treatment with combinations of statins and fibrates or other lipid-lowering agents is done under close supervision because of the increased risk of muscle-related side effects.