What is a common adverse effect of statin therapy?

What is a common adverse effect of statin therapy?

• A. Muscle aches that can lead to rhabdomyolysis
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Constipation
• D. Hypotension

Answer: (B)

Statins can affect glucose metabolism, and a recognized effect is an increase in blood glucose and a higher risk of developing diabetes in some patients, especially at higher doses. This metabolic impact makes hyperglycemia a common adverse effect to monitor for during statin therapy. While muscle-related symptoms like myalgia can occur and may rarely progress to rhabdomyolysis, they are not the metabolic change highlighted for routine safety checks. Constipation and hypotension are not typical adverse effects associated with statins. So, monitoring blood glucose and watching for signs of hyperglycemia is an important safety consideration with these drugs.

Statins can affect glucose metabolism, and a recognized effect is an increase in blood glucose and a higher risk of developing diabetes in some patients, especially at higher doses. This metabolic impact makes hyperglycemia a common adverse effect to monitor for during statin therapy. While muscle-related symptoms like myalgia can occur and may rarely progress to rhabdomyolysis, they are not the metabolic change highlighted for routine safety checks. Constipation and hypotension are not typical adverse effects associated with statins. So, monitoring blood glucose and watching for signs of hyperglycemia is an important safety consideration with these drugs.