Rhabdomyolysis due to statins: what to know

Statins are medicines used to lower cholesterol. Muscle symptoms can range from aches to significant muscle breakdown. The risk of serious injury may be influenced by the dose, interactions with other medicines, kidney or thyroid problems, dehydration and strenuous exertion. Symptoms may include muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, unusual tiredness, swelling or dark urine, although urine colour is not a reliable requirement.

Contact the prescriber promptly about new or worsening muscle symptoms, especially if they interfere with walking or lifting. Do not restart, stop or change the dose without a plan from a clinician unless emergency staff instruct you. Bring every prescription, over-the-counter medicine and supplement to the review. Testing may check muscle injury, kidney function, thyroid status and possible medicine interactions.

Seek urgent care for severe weakness, intense or rapidly worsening pain, swollen muscles, very little urine, fainting, confusion, vomiting, palpitations or breathing difficulty. These symptoms can signal substantial muscle injury or a related electrolyte problem. Do not wait for a routine cholesterol appointment if the change is sudden or severe.

Ask whether your symptoms could be medicine-related, which interacting medicines or supplements matter, whether testing is needed, and what cholesterol-lowering option and monitoring plan may suit you. Tell the clinician when the statin started or changed and when symptoms appeared.