Statins and Muscle Aches

Story Published: Jul 24, 2008 at 8:02 PM EST

Story Updated: Jul 24, 2008 at 8:02 PM EST

By WKBW Directors

Millions of Americans take statin drugs such as Lipitor or Zocor to help
lower their cholesterol, but for some, the medications trigger muscle aches
and pains.
Now, researchers think they know why. They have found that patients with tiny mutations in the gene that helps process the statins have a high risk of muscle problems.
Patients who didn't have the risky gene had less than a 1 percent chance
for muscle-related side effects.
Researchers say the gene would be easy to test for, and those at high risk
could skip statins or start with a low dose, but some experts question whether an expensive genetic test is practical, or even necessary, because most side effects from statins are mild and easily
reversed.

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