What are potential adverse effects of statin drugs?

What are potential adverse effects of statin drugs?

• A. Kidney stones
• B. Hepatic dysfunction and muscle injury
• C. Hyponatremia
• D. Hypertension

Answer: (B)

Statins can cause adverse effects that involve the liver and muscles. By blocking cholesterol production in the liver, they can lead to elevated liver enzymes and, in some cases, hepatic dysfunction. They can also affect muscle tissue, causing myalgia and, in more serious situations, rhabdomyolysis, especially at higher doses or when taken with drugs that raise statin levels. Because of these risks, clinicians check liver enzymes before starting therapy and monitor them over time, and patients should report muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine promptly. If such symptoms occur or liver enzymes rise significantly, the statin may be adjusted or stopped. Other options like kidney stones, hyponatremia, or hypertension aren’t typical adverse effects of statins.

Statins can cause adverse effects that involve the liver and muscles. By blocking cholesterol production in the liver, they can lead to elevated liver enzymes and, in some cases, hepatic dysfunction. They can also affect muscle tissue, causing myalgia and, in more serious situations, rhabdomyolysis, especially at higher doses or when taken with drugs that raise statin levels. Because of these risks, clinicians check liver enzymes before starting therapy and monitor them over time, and patients should report muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine promptly. If such symptoms occur or liver enzymes rise significantly, the statin may be adjusted or stopped. Other options like kidney stones, hyponatremia, or hypertension aren’t typical adverse effects of statins.