What is the most concerning effect of statins to monitor?

Statin-induced myopathy is the most concerning effect to monitor because it can lead to muscle damage, including rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition that can result in significant morbidity. Muscle pain or weakness can severely impact an individual's ability to perform daily activities, especially in the geriatric population, where maintaining mobility and independence is crucial.

Monitoring for myopathy is particularly important because early identification of symptoms can facilitate timely intervention, which may include adjusting the medication dosage or switching to a different medication altogether. Without appropriate monitoring, patients may suffer from escalating muscle damage, which can also lead to complications such as acute kidney injury due to the release of myoglobin from damaged muscle cells into the bloodstream.

While kidney dysfunction, increased blood sugar levels, and liver failure are important considerations when managing patients on statins, the immediate and impactful nature of statin-induced myopathy makes it a primary concern for healthcare providers. The risk of myopathy is compounded in older adults, who may be more sensitive to the adverse effects of medications and may have coexisting health issues that complicate their treatment regimen.