Some people who take cholesterol-lowering statin drugs can develop a rare muscle problem that doesn’t go away even after stopping the drug, and it’s linked to specific antibodies in their blood.

What we've found so far is that a rare muscle condition can occur in some people who take statin drugs, and it may persist even after stopping the medication [1]. This condition appears to be linked to the presence of specific antibodies in the blood [1]. Our analysis of the available research shows that statin use may, in rare cases, be associated with a long-lasting muscle problem known as statin-induced necrotizing autoimmune myopathy. What we mean by this is a type of muscle damage that doesn’t improve quickly after discontinuing the statin, unlike more common, milder muscle aches some people experience. The evidence we've reviewed suggests this specific condition involves an autoimmune response—meaning the body’s immune system may mistakenly attack muscle tissue—and this is indicated by the presence of certain antibodies in the blood of affected individuals [1]. The evidence we’ve reviewed leans toward this being a distinct, rare issue rather than a typical side effect of statins. However, we don’t have enough data from the evidence provided to estimate how common it is. We also don’t have studies comparing rates of this condition across different statins or patient groups. Based on what we’ve reviewed so far, we can’t determine how frequently this condition occurs, only that it has been reported in some individuals taking statins. Our current analysis does not allow us to predict who might be at risk, nor does it provide evidence on prevention or treatment. Practical takeaway: If you’re on a statin and have muscle pain that doesn’t go away after stopping the drug, it’s worth talking to your doctor about further testing—there may be specific blood tests that can help clarify the cause.