A major review finds that most listed statin side-effects are not caused by the drugs.
Researchers published the analysis in The Lancet after reviewing 19 trials with 124,000 participants.
The study confirms statins reduce heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular deaths.
Evidence supports only muscle pain, diabetes risk, and four minor side-effects.
These include liver test changes, mild liver abnormalities, urine changes, and tissue swelling.
Researchers found no strong evidence for 62 other listed effects.
These unsupported effects include memory loss, depression, sleep problems, and nerve tingling.
The benefits of statins far outweigh the small risks for most patients.
Lead author Christina Reith said statins do not increase common complaints.
Senior author Rory Collins urged rapid updates to drug labels.
British Heart Foundation experts said the findings counter harmful misinformation.
GP leaders stressed that doctors and patients should decide together on statin use.
