Statin Risks

While most people do not experience any problems while taking
 statins, these medications are not free of risk. Some of the most common risks with statins include:
 
If any problems do occur, they tend to be mild and either require no treatment or are easily treated. However, there are some potentially serious statin risks that require immediate medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience problems such as dark urine, memory loss, or difficulty breathing.
 
Other warnings and precautions with statins apply to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as people who have certain allergies (including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives). In addition, you may not be able to take statins if you have certain medical conditions, such as liver disease or kidney disease.
 
(Click Statin Side Effects and Statin Warnings and Precautions for more information on possible risks that may occur while taking statins.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD