Which statement is true regarding the management of statin side effects?

• A. All patients must stop statins if side effects occur
• B. Only younger patients are affected by side effects
• C. Check CK levels if symptoms occur
• D. Only diet changes are necessary for management

Answer: (C)

Monitoring creatine kinase (CK) levels when a patient experiences muscle symptoms while on statin therapy is important because it helps differentiate between benign muscle complaints and more serious conditions such as statin-associated muscle damage or rhabdomyolysis. If a patient reports symptoms such as muscle pain, weakness, or cramping, measuring CK levels can indicate whether there is an elevation consistent with muscle injury. Elevated CK levels provide an objective measure that can guide further management of the patient.

This approach allows for a more nuanced evaluation of the situation rather than automatically discontinuing the medication or relying solely on dietary modifications. It enables healthcare providers to make informed decisions about whether to continue the statin therapy at a different dosage, switch to a different statin, or reconsider the overall cardiovascular risk management for the patient.