Identification

• Six different forms of statin drugs are prescribed to work in the liver and block production of the enzyme necessary for cholesterol.
  
  

Clots

• Blood clots caused by statin drugs are not a known side effect. Rather, by reducing the amount of cholesterol, statins limit "hardening of the arteries" a condition that, if left untreated, may eventually result in clotting.
  
  

Side Effects

• Rashes, liver damage, digestive problems, fatigue and muscle pain are recognized problems. "The most common statin side effect is muscle pain," says the Mayo Clinic. "You may feel this pain as a soreness, tiredness or weakness in your muscles."
  
  

Research

• Recent research presented at a meeting of the American Academy of Cardiology indicates statins may help prevent blood clots in an even different manner than previously believed. "This suggests that a statin has potential beneficial effects on the venous circulation, not just the arterial circulation," said Dr. Carl J. Lavie, of the Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute in New Orleans.
  
  

Considerations

• Concern exists that statins are being prescribed too liberally. "Some doctors and public health advocates are concerned that too many people are turning to statin drugs before trying to lower LDL cholesterol through dietary and lifestyle change," according to Consumer Reports magazine.