A patient taking statin medications should report which symptom?

• A. Nausea
• B. Dizziness
• C. Muscle aches
• D. Hair loss

Answer: (C)

The key concept is recognizing that muscle-related symptoms on statin therapy can signal statin-associated myopathy, which in rare cases can progress to rhabdomyolysis and kidney injury. New or worsening muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness while taking a statin should be reported promptly. These symptoms warrant evaluation, which may include checking creatine kinase levels and reviewing potential drug interactions or dose adjustments. While nausea, dizziness, or hair loss can occur for various reasons, they are not the red-flag adverse effects that require immediate reporting in the context of statin use like muscle pain does. If muscle pain is accompanied by dark urine, severe weakness, or fever, seek urgent medical care.