I started to feel muscle aches after I started statins. My cardiologist said that these side effects were going to disappear after 1-2 weeks. Wrong. The muscle pain increased to a level where I needed to lay down in bed and rest because I could not stand for long periods of times. My back started to ache, and I felt my legs heavy after exercise. I stopped the statin, and I have not taken it for two months now. My aches are still there. I did my research on statins and how they affect the body. I was so surprised to see that every single study concludes that it is true that statins cause muscle issues and that in many patients the data indicates that rhabdomyolysis has occurred. The normal cholesterol level is up to 200mg/dl and as soon a cardiologist sees that your cholesterol is 210...and boom!! they prescribe a statin, and I think that is wrong. Cholesterol is needed for brain function too. As a matter of fact, I had foggy brain issues while taking statin and statins could cause that too. Today I still feel muscle aches and my labs have been normal including that I no longer have foggy brain. I am following a strict Mediterranean diet, I don't drink alcohol, no sodas, only water; exercise every day, no red meats and no sweets, only in special occasions, I eat just a bit of cake or ice cream. So far, I am dealing well with my muscle aches and back pain, and I hope these could go away. In the meantime, I am not taking any cholesterol meds. (This is my personal opinion. Before stopping any medication consult your doctor.) Be well