Statins are commonly prescribed health resources for people who need to lower their cholesterol level, but these drugs may also carry a risk of uncomfortable side effects.

Writing in the News-Journal, Dr. Yong H. Tsai explained that these medications may affect different patients in different ways – some people may find success with no complications, while others end up suffering from muscle pain.

According to the American College of Cardiology, there are four painful muscle conditions that may arise from the use of statins – statin-myopathy, myalgia, myositis and rhabdomyolysis. The latter condition is the most serious and also the rarest to encounter.

Additionally, some other factors – such as diabetes and hypothyroidism – may exacerbate the development of muscle pain, Tsai explains.

Concerns about the effect of statins such as Lipitor and Crestor on the muscles has prompted Michigan State researcher Jill Slade to begin an investigation on the skeletal muscles.

“It is important to understand the side effects of using statins and have the tools to identify people who may be more susceptible to them,” she commented.

Around half of Americans over 50 have been prescribed a statin to lower their cholesterol, according to Slade.