Statin drugs are some of the most popular drugs in the United States. The medications can help prevent “bad” cholesterol from getting high and building up in arteries. This means fewer heart attacks and other problems caused by clogged arteries. However, not everyone may believe statins are right for them. Here are six reasons not to take statin drugs.

1. Some drugs interact poorly with statins: The few side effects attributed to statins have been linked to interactions with other drugs. The Food and Drug Administration advises that lovastatin can cause muscle injury when interacting with other drugs.

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2. Statins increase the risk of diabetes: Statins have been shown to increase blood sugar levels and could potentially increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, even though diabetics are considered to be a category of people who could be greatly helped by statins.

3. Pregnancy: There has been a concern that statins could have potential negative effects on a developing fetus. A review of scientific studies showed no consistent results in humans, and the only negative results found in animal studies were in dosage rates much higher than are usually prescribed to humans.

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4. You have no history of heart disease: Only people with a very high LDL level, a family history, or other factors that put them at increased risk for heart attack should consider statins. Others would likely better maintain their cholesterol through lifestyle and diet choices.

5. Statins cause digestive problems: Mayo Clinic reports statins can cause gas, diarrhea, nausea, and other digestive track troubles.

6. Muscle Pain: Some patients find the muscle pain connected to statin use so extreme that they stop taking the medication. Mayo Clinic doctors recommend you check the combinations of drugs you are taking, since they've been found to be the primary cause of muscle pain.

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