Statin use and its association with musculoskeletal symptoms—a cross-sectional study in primary care settings

Results. The prevalence of lipid-lowering drug prescription was 23% (n = 239) and that of muscular complaints was 40% (n = 411). In all, 44% (n = 106) of the patients with lipid-lowering drug prescription had muscular complaints compared to 39% (n = 305) of the patients without lipidlowering drug therapy. Statin prescription and 10 variables remained in the final model. Statin prescription is associated with a 1.5-fold odds of musculoskeletal complaints compared to non-prescription {odds ratio [OR] = 1.5 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1–2.0], P = 0.02}. Conclusion. Having a statin prescription appears to be an independent factor associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in primary care settings. Statin use may be more often associated with musculoskeletal complaints than previously assumed.