What is a potential side effect of taking statins?

Muscle pain or weakness is indeed a recognized potential side effect of taking statins. This class of medications is commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol levels, but they can lead to muscle-related issues such as myalgia, myopathy, or in rare cases, rhabdomyolysis. This muscle-related side effect might present as discomfort, soreness, or generalized weakness, and it's important for patients on statins to report such symptoms to their healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.

In contrast, the other options listed do not typically align with the known side effects of statins. Drowsiness is not a common side effect associated with these medications. Heart palpitations can occur for various reasons but are not specifically linked to statin use. Lastly, increased appetite is generally not a side effect of statins; instead, these medications have a neutral or potentially appetite-suppressing effect on some patients. Understanding these nuances helps to reinforce why muscle pain or weakness stands out as a significant concern for individuals taking statins.