Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for alleviating side effects of statin administration such as myopathic or myalgic side effects short term memory loss abnormal liver function glucose intolerance hyperglycemia increased risk for diabetes or cumulative trauma disorder comprising administration of ß hydroxy ß methylbutyrate (HMB) to an individual taking a statin. Also disclosed are methods and compositions for alleviating acute rhabdomyolysis comprising administration of HMB. The disclosure further provides uses of HMB in combination with a statin to alleviate side effects of statin administration.
