Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs Will Wreck Your Muscles

Cholesterol-lowering “statin” drugs often come with side effects. The most frequently reported consequence is fatigue, and about 9 percent of patients report statin-related pain.

The results of a new study show that statins at higher doses may also affect the ability of the skeletal muscles -- which allow your body to move -- to repair and regenerate themselves.

The study examined the proliferative capacity of human satellite cells when exposed to the statin simvastatin. They found that higher end concentrations of the drug led to reduced proliferation, which would likely negatively affect the muscle's ability to heal and repair itself.

Sources:
Eurekalert September 25, 2008