Statins are cloaked with a wide amount of test data that questions their overall safety and the amount of negative side effects they can cause to the body with a wide range of possible negative side effects. They are commonly prescribed drugs that can help to lower your cholesterol. They work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol. They work by preventing formation of cholesterol in the liver. Statins are effective at lowering the bad cholesterol (LDL), but have only some effect on lowering blood fats (triglycerides) and elevating good cholesterol (HDL).

There are a number of statins currently being prescribed, Including atorvastatin, sold under the brand name of Lipitor; fluvastatin, marketed as Lescol; lovastatin, sold as Mevacor; pravastatin, or Pravachol; rosuvastatin, or Crestor; and simvastatin, sold as Zocor.

Studies have demonstrated that statins reduce the risk of heart attack and death in patients with coronary artery disease, and can reduce cardiac events in patients with high cholesterol levels who are at increased risk for heart disease. Most people taking statin drugs will continue to take them for the rest of their lives, which can make statin side effects difficult to manage.

Although statins are well tolerated by most people, they do have side effects, some of which may go away as your body adjusts to the medication.

The most common side effect from statin is muscle pain. You may notice this as a weakness, soreness or tiredness in your muscles. This may be a mild discomfort, or may be quite severe. You may find climbing stairs or walking to be uncomfortable or tiring. Although extremely rare, statins may cause rhabdomyolysis, which is life-threatening muscle damage. Rhabdomyolysis can cause severe muscle pain, kidney failure, liver damage, and even death. It may develop if you take statins in combination with certain other drugs, or if you take statins in a high dose.

Statin use may also cause your liver to increase the production of certain enzymes that help you digest food, drinks and medications. If this increase is severe, your doctor may suggest a different statin. If not addressed, the increased liver enzymes could lead to permanent liver damage. Patients who take statins should have their liver function tested about six weeks after they start taking the medication, and then again every three to six months for the first year of treatment, because liver problems may develop without apparent symptoms. Occasionally, those on statins can get nausea, gas, and diarrhea. Most people who have these side effects already have other issues with their digestive system. Taking your pills in the evening after a meal may reduce digestive side effects.

Sometimes, a rash or flushing may develop after you begin taking a statin. If you take both statin and niacin,  you're more likely to have this side effect. Taking aspirin before taking your statin medication may help, but first talk to your doctor.

Most of those who use statins will have little or no side effects, but some may be at a higher risk than others. Risk factors include:

• Taking multiple cholesterol medications 

• Women

• Smaller body frame

• Age 65 or older

• Having kidney or liver disease

• Having type I or II diabetes

Statins help many people keep healthier cholesterol levels. Many will instead choose more natural solutions.