By the way, doctor: Can you tell me about the tests for liver and muscle side effects from statins?
Q. I am 80 and am taking a 40-milligram Crestor pill every day. Recently I saw a Crestor ad that said blood tests should be done to monitor for the possible side effects of liver or muscle injury. Can you tell me something about these tests?
A. Crestor (the brand name for rosuvastatin) is a cholesterol-lowering statin like atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor). All of the statins can injure the liver and muscle tissue, but, fortunately, it's a rare occurrence. Here is what you and your doctor need to look for.
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