LONDON, February 4, 2026 — For decades, doctors have been puzzled by a frustrating side effect reported by some patients taking statins—muscle pain. Now, research suggests the mystery may be unraveling, pointing to a surprising culprit: a calcium leak within muscle cells.
A recent study sheds light on why some individuals experience muscle aches while taking statins, a widely prescribed medication for managing cholesterol.
- Statins, while effective at lowering cholesterol, can cause muscle pain in a subset of patients.
- New research indicates this pain may stem from statins triggering a calcium leak within muscle cells.
- The “nocebo effect”—negative expectations influencing outcomes—may also play a significant role in reported symptoms.
- Approximately seven to eight million adults in the UK take statins to reduce cholesterol and heart disease risk.
What causes muscle pain with statins? For years, the connection between statins and muscle discomfort remained largely unexplained. While actual muscle damage is rare, the symptoms—soreness, weakness, and, in rare cases, severe muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)—are very real for those who experience them.
Recent developments, including a study conducted by Columbia University researchers, suggest that certain statins can interfere with ryanodine receptors in muscle cells, leading to uncontrolled calcium release. This disruption, as detailed in research published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, can weaken muscles and potentially cause pain. A summary of the study reads: “A new discovery may explain why so many people abandon cholesterol-lowering statins because of muscle pain and weakness. Researchers found that certain statins can latch onto a key muscle protein and trigger a tiny but harmful calcium leak inside muscle cells. That leak may weaken muscles directly or activate processes that slowly break them down, offering a long-sought explanation for statin-related aches.”
However, the story doesn’t end there. Researchers also acknowledge the significant role of the nocebo effect—where negative expectations about a medication can actually *cause* side effects, even if the drug itself isn’t directly responsible. Approximately 10% of patients genuinely experience muscle discomfort from statins, but research suggests that up to 90% of reported symptoms may be attributable to factors other than the medication itself, such as aging or physical activity.
In the UK, Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Simvastatin (Zocor) are among the most frequently prescribed statins, used to manage high cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Other options include Rosuvastatin, Pravastatin, and Fluvastatin. Atorvastatin is often the first-line treatment for more aggressive cholesterol lowering.
Scientists from Oxford Population Health have further complicated the picture, finding that statin treatments are not responsible for muscle pain in over 90% of individuals who report symptoms. These findings, published in The Lancet and presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress, underscore the importance of considering factors beyond the medication itself.
If you’re prescribed statins and experience muscle discomfort, experts advise consulting your GP. Adjusting the dosage or switching to a different statin may alleviate symptoms while maintaining cardiovascular protection. Researchers are actively working to develop safer statins that effectively lower cholesterol without causing muscle damage.
The National Health Service (NHS) identifies muscle weakness (myopathy), loss of sensation or tingling in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy), and tendon problems as uncommon side effects of statins. The NHS states that while rare, statins can sometimes cause muscle inflammation and damage, and a blood test to measure creatine kinase (CK) levels may be necessary to assess the situation.
The Yellow Card Scheme, run by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), allows individuals to report suspected side effects from any medication. More information can be found on the Yellow Card Scheme website.
What does the NHS say?
Statins work by reducing the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol—often called “bad cholesterol”—produced by the liver. The NHS identifies three uncommon side effects:
- muscle weakness (myopathy)
- loss of sensation or tingling in the nerve endings of the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)
- tendon problems (tendons are tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones)
The health service advises seeking medical attention for unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. Regular exercise can sometimes elevate CK levels, so informing your doctor about your activity level is important.
People should speak to their GP if they experience any of these health concerns (stock image)
If your GP has prescribed statins, do not stop taking them abruptly. Discuss alternative options, dosage adjustments, or the possibility of the nocebo effect with a healthcare professional.
