Which medication class is primarily responsible for causing fatigue and dark urine as a side effect?

The chosen answer highlights statins as the medication class primarily associated with fatigue and dark urine as side effects. Statins, which are widely used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk, can cause muscle-related side effects, including myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition where muscle fibers break down and release myoglobin into the bloodstream, leading to dark urine due to the presence of myoglobin, alongside fatigue that arises from muscle weakness or damage.

Fatigue and dark urine are significant enough that healthcare providers often monitor patients on statins for these symptoms, particularly in those at increased risk for these side effects. This necessitates regular renal function tests and monitoring of muscle enzymes in patients organized for statin therapy.

Understanding this connection is essential, as it highlights the importance of patient education regarding potential adverse effects and the need for timely intervention should these symptoms arise in individuals taking statins.