Statins are among the most prescribed medications in the UK. They’re used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Most people tolerate them well. However, like all medicines, statins can cause side effects in some people.
Here we explain what to expect, what to watch out for, and how to manage any statins side effects you may experience.
Three key takeaways
Most people who take statins don’t experience significant side effects, and the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks more than not.
A major 2026 Lancet study found that many side effects listed in statin product labels are not actually caused by the medication itself.
Muscle pain is the most commonly reported side effect. Severe or unexplained muscle symptoms should always be reported to your GP or by calling 111 if you are worried and the GP is not open.
Are statins bad for you?
No, statins aren’t bad for you. They’re safe and well-tolerated for most people, and the benefits of taking statins to prevent heart attacks and strokes are well-established. For the majority of patients, these benefits significantly outweigh the risks.
That said, it's reasonable to want to understand the full picture.
Statin product labels list a wide range of potential side effects, which can be intimidating.
However, a landmark 2026 study published in The Lancet found that statins do not cause the majority of conditions listed in their package leaflets. These side effects include:
The research, which involved 124,000 people across 19 randomised controlled trials, found that many side effects attributed to statins in product labels were based on non-randomised and non-blinded studies, which may be subject to bias.
"There is a lot of concern about statin side effects, and understandably so. Nobody wants to take a medication that makes them feel worse. However, the evidence increasingly shows that many of the side effects people attribute to statins may not be caused by the drug at all.
"The benefits of statins for cardiovascular health are very well established, so if you have concerns, the most important thing is to speak to your pharmacist or GP before making any changes to your treatment."
However, different statins can have slightly different side effect profiles. For example, simvastatin is associated with more muscle problems at higher doses than atorvastatin or rosuvastatin. To try and combat this, it can be taken at night instead.
If you experience severe, unexplained muscle pain or weakness, particularly with a fever or dark (cola-coloured) urine, stop taking your statin and seek urgent medical help. This may be a sign of rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious condition.
Side effects of statins in women
Statins are prescribed equally to men and women, but some research suggests women may be more likely to report certain side effects, particularly muscle pain and fatigue.
Some women have also reported effects on menstrual cycles, though this is not a widely documented or confirmed side effect. If you notice changes and are concerned, speak to your GP.
It's important to note that statins are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, you should stop taking statins and speak to your GP immediately.
Side effects of atorvastatin in the elderly
Older adults taking atorvastatin specifically may be at slightly higher risk of certain side effects, largely due to changes in how the body processes medication with age.
Key considerations for older patients on atorvastatin include:
Higher risk of muscle problems. Older adults may be more sensitive to statin-related muscle pain, particularly at higher doses.
Potential for increased fall risk. Muscle weakness as a side effect can affect balance and mobility in older people (though it’s not very common).
Drug interactions. Older patients are more likely to be taking multiple medicines, increasing the chance of interactions with atorvastatin.
Kidney function. Reduced kidney function in older adults can affect how atorvastatin is metabolised.
Older patients should have their statin therapy reviewed regularly by their GP or pharmacist to ensure the dose remains appropriate.
Common worries about statins
Despite, or perhaps because of, being one of the UK’s most prescribed medications, there are a lot of worries about statins.
We’ve taken a look at some of the most common concerns below, to see if they’re true or not.
Statins and weight gain
Weight gain isn’t a recognised side effect of statins, as there’s no strong clinical evidence linking statins to increases in body weight.
If you notice unexplained weight changes while taking a statin, speak to your GP. This is likely unrelated to your medication.
Statins and dementia
Current evidence suggests that statins don’t cause dementia.
The 2026 Lancet study found that memory loss and cognitive decline (two of the side effects listed in statin product labels) are not supported by evidence from double-blind randomised controlled trials.
In fact, some research suggests statins may have a protective effect on brain health. This is because statins reduce cardiovascular risk factors associated with vascular dementia.
Statins and muscle pain
Muscle aches are the most commonly reported side effect of statins and the main reason people stop taking them.
However, research suggests that much of the muscle pain reported by people on statins may not be directly caused by the drug. This is a phenomenon sometimes called the nocebo effect, where expecting a side effect makes it more likely to be experienced.
That said, genuine statin-related muscle pain does occur in some patients. If your muscle pain is persistent, severe, or affecting your daily life, speak to your GP. Switching to a different statin or adjusting your dose may help.
"Muscle pain is one of the most common reasons people stop their statins, but it's worth having a conversation with your pharmacist or GP before stopping.
"In many cases, there are ways to manage the symptoms. For example, adjusting the dose, switching to a different statin, or investigating whether something else is causing the discomfort."
Dr Rashi Malhotra, General Practitioner
Statins and constipation
Constipation is listed as a possible side effect of some statins, though it’s not one of the most commonly reported. Staying well hydrated, eating a diet high in fibre, and being physically active can all help.
If you experience consistent constipation, speak to your clinician. They could help you determine if the statin is a contributing factor.
Statins and alcohol
You can drink alcohol in moderation while taking statins. That means keeping within the UK recommended guidelines of no more than 14 units per week.
Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver conditions. In rare cases, statins can contribute to liver conditions, so combining the two regularly and in excess isn’t recommended.
Statins and liver damage
Statins can occasionally cause raised liver enzymes, though serious liver damage is rare.
Your GP will typically check your liver function before you start statins and at regular intervals during treatment. You do not need to avoid statins because of liver concerns unless you have an existing liver condition. In that case, statins may not be suitable for you. You can speak to your GP about these concerns.
How to manage the side effects of statins
If you have muscle pain, ask your GP about trying a lower dose or switching to a different statin.
Do not stop taking statins without speaking to your GP or pharmacist first, as the cardiovascular benefits are significant.
Take your statin at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your blood.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as it can interact with some statins and increase side effect risk.
Keep a note of any symptoms you notice and when they started. This helps your GP assess whether they are statin-related.
Attend routine blood tests as recommended to monitor liver enzymes and cholesterol levels.
Ask your GP or pharmacist to check for potential interactions if you’re taking other medicines.
When to seek medical help
Seek urgent medical help if you experience:
Severe, unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness (especially with a fever or dark urine, as it could indicate a rare condition called rhabdomyolysis).
Signs of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe rash.
Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or severe upper abdominal pain (which could indicate possible liver problems).
Speak to your GP as soon as possible if you experience:
Persistent muscle aches that are affecting daily life.
Unexplained fatigue or weakness.
Significant digestive problems that do not settle.
Any new or concerning symptoms after starting or changing your statin dose.
How to reorder your NHS prescription with Chemist4U
If you take statins on a repeat prescription, you can reorder your NHS prescription through Chemist4U without visiting your GP or local pharmacy. Here is how it works:
Create or log in to your Chemist4U account.
Submit your NHS prescription details securely online.
Our team verifies your prescription and dispenses your medication.
Frequently asked questions about statins side effects
Do statins make you tired?
Fatigue is listed as a possible side effect of statins. However, it’s not among the most commonly reported side effects.
If you feel unusually tired after starting a statin, it's worth speaking to your GP. Tiredness has many causes, and your doctor can help rule out other explanations before attributing it to your medication.
What can I do if I don't want to take statins?
If you have concerns about taking statins, speak to your GP before stopping. There are alternatives worth exploring, including:
Switching to a different statin. Some people tolerate one type better than another.
Adjusting your dose. A lower dose may reduce side effects while still offering cardiovascular benefit.
Lifestyle changes. Eating a diet lower in saturated fat, exercising regularly, stopping smoking, and reducing alcohol can all help lower high cholesterol.
Non-statin cholesterol-lowering medicines. For example, ezetimibe works differently than statins and may suit people who cannot tolerate them.
However, never stop taking statins without medical guidance, as this can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.
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