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 β-hydroxy β-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.
