What are the downsides of using statins?

Many!: Liver disease, diarrhea, muscle aches (one form called myopathy can be quite serious). It's not a benign drug by any stretch. That is why lifestyle changes are still recommended as the first step. The problem is that most people won't do that. However, changing your diet and lifestyle is far cheaper, safer, and longer-lasting.

Several: Statin drugs can definitely cause muscle pain. This occurs for multiple reasons. One mechanism is that statins reduce the endogenous production of coq10, a vital anti-oxidant and important component of energy producing processes within the mitochondria inside your cells. If you take Lipitor (atorvastatin) you should definitely also take coq-10. Also statins can injure your liver and low cholesterol is ng.