Do statins really cause muscle pain?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, statins can cause muscle pain, a side effect known as statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS). Common signs include soreness, weakness, cramping, or tenderness, often in the thighs, shoulders, or back. However, not everyone who takes statins experiences muscle pain—studies suggest only a small percentage of users are affected, and symptoms can vary in severity.

If you're experiencing muscle pain and aren't sure whether statins or another condition is the cause, understanding your symptoms is the critical first step. Guessing can delay proper care, while pinpointing likely causes helps you have a more productive conversation with your doctor. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights and clear guidance on what to do next.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Statins are medicines that help lower cholesterol, but some people may feel muscle pain when they take them. This muscle pain is called statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS). Not everyone who takes statins will get muscle pain.

What You Should Know:

Muscle Pain: The pain can feel like soreness, tiredness, or weakness in the muscles.
Who Gets It: Not everyone who takes statins will have muscle pain. The chances of having muscle pain can depend on different things like the type of statin, the dose, and the person's health.
Managing Muscle Pain: If you have muscle pain from statins, your doctor might change your dose or try a different statin.

Important Points:

Statins are important for heart health, but muscle pain can happen to some people.
If you're experiencing muscle pain or discomfort, use this free symptom checker to help identify what might be causing your symptoms, then talk to your doctor about your results. They can help find a way to make the pain better while still keeping your heart healthy.

(References)

Pedroso AF, Barreto SM, Telles RW, Machado LAC, Haueisen Sander Diniz MF, Duncan BB, & Figueiredo RC. (2024). Uncovering the Relationship Between Statins and Muscle .... Cardiovascular drugs and therapy, 37261675.
Backes JM, Ruisinger JF, Gibson CA, & Moriarty PM. (2017). Statin-associated muscle symptoms-Managing the highly .... Journal of clinical lipidology, 28391891.
Cham S, Evans MA, Denenberg JO, & Golomb BA. (2010). Statin-associated muscle-related adverse effects - PubMed - NIH. Pharmacotherapy, 20500044.

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