Despite the palpable health benefits, statins can cause a range of symptoms, some of which can be serious. On the extreme end is liver failure - a life-threatening condition that occurs when your liver isn't working well enough to perform its functions, says the NHS. It is important to note that liver failure and other serious side effects of taking statins are rare. The British Heart Foundation states that just one in every 10,000 people who take statins will experience a potentially dangerous side effect. Statins side effects: Liver failure is a serious side effect (Image: Getty Images) The risks of any side effects also have to be balanced against the benefits of preventing serious problems.