Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 11, 2025

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
Neuromuscular Complications of Statin Therapy
Elena Crisan1,2, Vijaya K Patil3,4
1Department of Neurology, Edward Hines Jr VA Medical Center, 5000 S 5th Ave, Hines, IL, 60141, USA. elena.crisan2@va.gov.
Purpose Of Review:
This review provides an overview of neuromuscular side effects associated with statin use, their diagnosis, and treatment.
Recent Findings:
The discovery of anti-HMGCR antibodies led to a better understanding of clinical aspects of statin-associated anti-HMGCR myopathy and its treatment. Statins are widely prescribed medications with well-established benefits in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Adherence to statins is influenced by development of side effects, especially muscle related. There is wide range of neuromuscular side effects associated with statin therapy. Documented neuromuscular side effects include asymptomatic elevation of muscle enzymes, mild-moderate myalgias and cramps, toxic and immune-mediated severe necrotizing myopathy, and rare cases of rhabdomyolysis. In addition, statins can lead to unmasking or triggering of underlying muscle and neuromuscular junction disorders. This article identifies the risk factors and provides a review of neuromuscular side effects associated with statin use, their diagnosis and treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
Unlike...
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Pharmacological Actions
Although all competitive neuromuscular blockers are designed...
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
