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Statins and Muscle Pain
I have spent the last 2 weeks answering questions about Vytorin and Zetia after the media caused an inexcusable hysteria that in some way Zetia or any combination which included it was bad. One well-known expert always seems to weigh in on every cholesterol issue and gives the thumbs-up if he was involved in the study and the thumbs-down if he was not.
I can tell you that those of us who practice full time clinical medicine and see patients daily have not altered our prescribing practice on the basis of the ENHANCE study which was strictly an imaging study with no outcome data regarding what the findings actually mean in the patients.
It is a shame that the ASTEROID and METEOR studies involving Crestor, which were also imaging studies but showed a decrease in the plaque burden in the heart arteries(ASTEROID) and a regression in some patients and no progression in others(METEOR) of the same thing that was measured in the ENHANCE study (CIMT or Carotid Intimal Medial Thickness) and generated all the confusion, were not mentioned in the media. The point is that all of these studies are imaging studies and there is no outcome data so I really do not know what any of them mean in a practical sense.
Are statins bad for the muscles?
Once again I will present the evidence-based data, but first, some definitions:
What does all this mean?
First of all, muscle problems do occur with all statins. Muscle complaints have been documented to increase with increasing blood levels of the statin. There are 2 different classes of statins: Fat soluble and water soluble. The fat-soluble statins include Lipitor and Zocor and the water-soluble include Pravachol and Crestor.
Since fat-soluble statins can easily enter the inside of the muscle cells, theoretically muscle damage should be increased with their use, as water-soluble statins do not easily get into the muscle cells. This hypothesis has not been confirmed and cases of Rhabdomyolysis, while rare, occurring about 1 time for every 15 million prescriptions written, has occurred with all statins.
My practice is to obtain a baseline CK (enzyme) level before starting statins to see if it is elevated. When a patient on a statin develops myalgia symptoms, I closely monitor them and if severe, I will get a CK level to see if there is any muscle damage.
The problem exists, however, that frequent inquiries about muscle pain may prompt symptoms in suggestible patients. Based on clinical experience, statin-related myalgias resolve when stopping the medicine. There is insufficient evidence to conclude whether myalgia that persists after stopping the statin is caused by the medications. All patients who are symptomatic on statin therapy should have thyroid function tests done as hypothyroidism can exacerbate symptoms.
Also, other medications or nutraceuticals that slow down statin metabolism should be known such as red yeast rice (which may contain a statin and produce myopathy) and grapefruit juice consumption, which impedes the breakdown of fat soluble statins mostly affecting patients on Lipitor.
Regardless of the CK level, if the pain is severe, the statin should be stopped until all the symptoms resolve. Once this occurs, the same statin could be started at the same dose to see if symptoms recur or started at a lower dose. Alternatively, a different statin can be tried.
There is no direct comparison of tolerability among statins and therefore no definitive evidence to recommend a specific statin medication. In other words, there isn't one that's any better than the other, based on established studies. In my practice: however, I will change a patient from a fat-soluble statin to a water-soluble statin if myalgias start and this has been successful for me in reducing muscle problems.
As I said earlier, there is no direct evidence that water-soluble statins produce less muscle problems as compared to fat soluble statins. If the muscle pains are tolerable with or without a CK elevation less than 10 times the upper limit of normal, the Muscle Panel recommends that statin therapy be continued at the same dose or a reduced dose. Generally it is my experience that muscle aches do go away or become tolerable to the patients if the statin is continued. Many physicians are too quick to stop statins with any muscle aches.
The risks versus benefits of statins need to be weighed. One must remember that statins have reduced Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality by approximately 40%. While there is no definitive clinical evidence of any strategies that can be used to prevent or reduce muscle injury, there is some evidence that coenzyme Q10 may cause a significant reduction in statin-induced pain. Since the response has been variable, the use of coenzyme Q 10 cannot be recommended with any degree of confidence.
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: statins, muscle pain, lipitor, crestor, zetia, vytorin, cholesterol management
I can tell you that those of us who practice full time clinical medicine and see patients daily have not altered our prescribing practice on the basis of the ENHANCE study which was strictly an imaging study with no outcome data regarding what the findings actually mean in the patients.
It is a shame that the ASTEROID and METEOR studies involving Crestor, which were also imaging studies but showed a decrease in the plaque burden in the heart arteries(ASTEROID) and a regression in some patients and no progression in others(METEOR) of the same thing that was measured in the ENHANCE study (CIMT or Carotid Intimal Medial Thickness) and generated all the confusion, were not mentioned in the media. The point is that all of these studies are imaging studies and there is no outcome data so I really do not know what any of them mean in a practical sense.
Are statins bad for the muscles?
Once again I will present the evidence-based data, but first, some definitions:
- Myalgia is a non-specific common complaint of muscle ache and there are no abnormalities of the muscle enzyme CPK or CK on a blood test. Myalgia has rarely been examined in clinical trials and it is thought that some type of muscle aches can occur in up to 30% of patients on statins. Unfortunately, many of these patients start a vigorous exercise program at the time they start their statin because they decide it is to "get in shape" and one doesn't know where the orgin of the muscle ache is from. There are many other causes of myalgias too. Statin muscle pain typically occurs in the proximal muscle groups(closer to the trunk of the body) and also lower back. Statin-induced myalgias have occurred up to 3 years after starting a statin.
- Myopathy has been used to refer to all muscle complaints or CK elevations more than 10 times the upper limits of normal with or without associated muscle symptoms. Myositis has been defined as muscle symptoms with increased CK levels. This term implies muscle inflammation but this appears to be a secondary event associated with the healing process.
- Rhabdomyolysis, by strict definition exists whenever there is evidence of muscle damage, such as a mildly elevated CK level but is used clinically to refer to severe muscle damage and is usually associated with kidney dysfunction.
- Myopathy should be used as a general term for all muscle problems.
- Symptomatic Myopathy should be used to refer to muscle pain (myalgias), weakness, and cramps.
- Asymptomatic Myopathy should be used to refer to CK (enzyme) elevations without any symptoms.
- Rhabdomyolysis should be used to refer to any evidence of muscle cell destruction with resulting change of kidney function.
What does all this mean?
First of all, muscle problems do occur with all statins. Muscle complaints have been documented to increase with increasing blood levels of the statin. There are 2 different classes of statins: Fat soluble and water soluble. The fat-soluble statins include Lipitor and Zocor and the water-soluble include Pravachol and Crestor.
Since fat-soluble statins can easily enter the inside of the muscle cells, theoretically muscle damage should be increased with their use, as water-soluble statins do not easily get into the muscle cells. This hypothesis has not been confirmed and cases of Rhabdomyolysis, while rare, occurring about 1 time for every 15 million prescriptions written, has occurred with all statins.
My practice is to obtain a baseline CK (enzyme) level before starting statins to see if it is elevated. When a patient on a statin develops myalgia symptoms, I closely monitor them and if severe, I will get a CK level to see if there is any muscle damage.
The problem exists, however, that frequent inquiries about muscle pain may prompt symptoms in suggestible patients. Based on clinical experience, statin-related myalgias resolve when stopping the medicine. There is insufficient evidence to conclude whether myalgia that persists after stopping the statin is caused by the medications. All patients who are symptomatic on statin therapy should have thyroid function tests done as hypothyroidism can exacerbate symptoms.
Also, other medications or nutraceuticals that slow down statin metabolism should be known such as red yeast rice (which may contain a statin and produce myopathy) and grapefruit juice consumption, which impedes the breakdown of fat soluble statins mostly affecting patients on Lipitor.
Regardless of the CK level, if the pain is severe, the statin should be stopped until all the symptoms resolve. Once this occurs, the same statin could be started at the same dose to see if symptoms recur or started at a lower dose. Alternatively, a different statin can be tried.
There is no direct comparison of tolerability among statins and therefore no definitive evidence to recommend a specific statin medication. In other words, there isn't one that's any better than the other, based on established studies. In my practice: however, I will change a patient from a fat-soluble statin to a water-soluble statin if myalgias start and this has been successful for me in reducing muscle problems.
As I said earlier, there is no direct evidence that water-soluble statins produce less muscle problems as compared to fat soluble statins. If the muscle pains are tolerable with or without a CK elevation less than 10 times the upper limit of normal, the Muscle Panel recommends that statin therapy be continued at the same dose or a reduced dose. Generally it is my experience that muscle aches do go away or become tolerable to the patients if the statin is continued. Many physicians are too quick to stop statins with any muscle aches.
The risks versus benefits of statins need to be weighed. One must remember that statins have reduced Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality by approximately 40%. While there is no definitive clinical evidence of any strategies that can be used to prevent or reduce muscle injury, there is some evidence that coenzyme Q10 may cause a significant reduction in statin-induced pain. Since the response has been variable, the use of coenzyme Q 10 cannot be recommended with any degree of confidence.
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: statins, muscle pain, lipitor, crestor, zetia, vytorin, cholesterol management
169 Comments:
Precisely which statin studies have documented a 40% reduction in Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality? What is the number needed to treat to achieve this 40% reduction? Is the 40% relative risk or absolute reduction? What is the population for which this 40% reduction is measurable?
Dear Dr. Richman:
The Expert Panel failed to disaggregate by sex. The evidence base for prescribing statins to women is weak. Yet if one can extrapolate from Canadian research, half of all statin prescriptions are likely to be for women. Women may be particularly susceptible to statin-induced muscle problems. Other areas of concern include breast cancer, miscarriage and birth defects. (It has been estimated that between 500,000 and 800,000 women of childbearing age in the US were taking statins in 2004.) Would you support a women-centered gold standard randomized clinical trial to investigate statin benefit for women that would also track and publish all serious adverse event data?
H.G. Rosenberg, Ph.D.
Dr. Rosenberg---I certainly appreciate your comments. It is impossible to say that half of the statin prescriptions are for women. There is no evidence from any randomized clinical trial that women are more likely to have statin-induced muscle problems. It is also common knowledge on all statin labeling that they may be teratogenic and many physicians will not put women of childbearing age on a statin unless they are on OCPs. Many other physicians also make female patients sign a document acknowledging the potential harmful effects to the fetus if they choose not to use OCPs. In regard to cancer, there is absolutely no reliable data that statins cause breast cancer. I support any study that furthers the knowledge base on any drug.
I want to thank Dr. Richman for his great blog postings. They are extremely insightful and helpful. I am really tired of seeing comments from so many people that don't have a clue what they are talking about and have absolutely no prospective clinical evidence from any trial to support any of their claims made. Certainly everyone is entitled to their opinions, but monday morning quarter backing does little to help people but rather creates more confusion. As a fellow physician, I am familiar with the Statin Safety Task Force and I think they did an excellent job in their quest to use evidence based medicine to draw their conclusions
I am not a physician, I am a physicist and I took statins on two occasions with muscle problems occurring both times. The first instance, I was on Lipitor for several months before I suddenly developed total body fatigue to the point where I was rushed to an emergency medical facility thinking that I had a coronary event. Nothing was found and I was taken off the statin. No further fatigue developed and I was placed on Zocor. Within a day I developed extreme leg muscle fatigue and this time I took myself off the statin. Subsequently, my physician placed me on a regimen of Welchol and high dosage Niaspan which has reduced my total cholesterol to acceptable levels and raised my HDL from 27 to 62. I have been on this combination for several years now without any side effects other than occasional hot flashes.
Dear Dr. Richman:
I am on a 80mg regimen of lipitor. I am experiencing severe leg cramps and my legs have lost all muscle tone and are turning into sticks. Does this sound like it is lipitor related? My doctor mentioned a CK test would this definitely show something if it is?
additional information on previous post. I can not walk down stairs without the legs shaking as they have become so weak. I am a 43 year old male with heart condition so I will not go off this without a subsititute but really need an opinion of whether I should pursue this as being related to the high dosage of lipitor?
I am trying Crestor to see if I can handle statins with Q10. My question is that since my heart attack 1 1/2 years ago with a stent placed, if muscle is being damaged by the statin, could the heart muscle also be hurt permanently or to a point of causing a fibrillation. Have there been studies on this?
Dear Dr. Richman,
I developed Rhabdomyolysis from a
combination of Zocor and a cancer
drug ketocozanel (I think thats the
right spelling). After hospitaliz-
ation and dialysis Iam slowly getting my strength back except for
my legs, and have developed extreme
pain in my feet. My Oncologist said
it is nerve damage. What if any is
the treatment for this. The pain is
like a needle going into my toes or
ankle and subsides after about two
minutes.If you can,please email.
Thanks.
T. Jezowski
I have taken two statins in the past and have stopped both with my doctor's consent.
I first tried Lipitor. Although I didn't have any muscle aches, it made me extremely ill. I couldn't eat, I lost weight and I had a terrible fatigue. My liver enzymines were also elevated and I only took for a month.
Six months later, I started Crestor and didn't notice any problems at first. However after 18 months on it, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and osteo-arthritis. I was having a lot of problems managing my pain and dealing with stomach problems from Celebrex.
In February of 2007, my doctor suggested that I stop the Crestor to see if that would help with my pain mgmt and my problems taking Celebrex. It did. I am now able to take Celebrex without upsetting my stomach and the daily pain from the fibromyalgia has all but gone. I have decreased my pain meds and am a much happier person.
I am currently taking Zetia and Lopid to control my cholesterol. My LDL is not as low as it was on the Crestor, but my doctor is pleased since I have no risk factors for heart disease.
I realize that there might be a statin I can tolerate, but at this point I am not willing to risk the chance of side effects.
I used to be a big proponent of statin use, but now I think twice after what I have been through.
I have been experiencing a considerable amount of pain in my legs and feet as mentioned in previous posts by other people. I am on Lipitor and all of the tendons in my arms and legs seem to be inflamed. All of this came upon me slowly after starting Lipitor. I was once on Celebrex but discontinued use due to stomach bleeding episodes. I now take Mobic. I am now under the care of a "Pain Management" group. This came about due to herniated discs in my neck affecting my arms. Fortunately I have an appointment with a neurologist on Friday about the pain in my feet and legs and will now be able to ask some of the right questions relating to these medications. I will post again after the exam and discussion.
After seeing the neurologist Friday, I am now on a start-up regimen with gabapentin. I had been diagnosed previously by this doctor with neuropathy in the legs and feet. I mentioned the soreness in my other muscles and joints and the fact I am on Lipitor, she suggested I confer with the physician prescribing the Lipitor about stopping for two months. I now realize the pain and soreness does not come on suddenly but slowly and may be masked somewhat by other prescriptions. Pain medication would diminish the full effects of the problems caused by a statin. I will again post after the trial without the Lipitor.
I HAVE SORE NECK MUSCLES,BACK MUSCLES, AND I TAKE ZOCOR WONDER IF THIS COMES FROM ZOCOR
Far too many people are experincing muscle deterioration for this drug to still be on the market. My father, who has always had large muscles and an amazing immune system, has been reduced to having difficulty buttoning his shirt and shaving. All this after taking Lipitor for 6 months, two years ago. This condition has gotten progressively worse. DO NOT TAKE THIS HARMFUL DRUG!
I have been taking Zorcor for about 1 year. Since taking this drug, I have developed a severe case of leg tingling/prickling. I notice it mostly at night and my sleep has been dramatically effected. I would appreciate hearing from anyone if this has also ocurred with Zorcor useage.
I have also been taking zocor for 4months now. I have notice tingling and prickly in my legs, feet and hands. I have stop taking this medication at this time to see if this will go away. If anyone else out there has this problem please let us know.
Dear Sir:
I was on Lipitor until 5 months ago- I was a totally healthy- NO meds-5'2 104 Lb female- an amateur bodybuilder- lifted weights 4 days a week-rarely drank alcohol)-
I have developed Horribly high liver values- legs like rubber- my legs are also almst wasting in appearance-they shake upon any mild exertions-- and a few months ago I could squat WITH A BARBELL FOR 2 HOURS-in a few months- after a statin.Also-I have body cramps that move; that are mostly thighs- but also very sore and tight buttocks /hamstrings-; I have been to 5 specialists-say I am a mystery- I haev had open MRI- closed MRI- liver ultrasound- adn ONLY result is nonspecific- a zero. I am sceuled to go to the Miami School of Medicine on Monday- as the neurologist adn gastrol specilm incredibltve had 5 doctors- and a muscle biopsy that are just nonspecific.
Is there any medication /traetment for statin induced myopathy? I would be so grateeful for any thoughts.Thank you M
maxinep@aol.com
Prickly/tingling sensations in my legs accompanied with annoying, constant pain, is what I now experience and took myself off Statin drugs. My doctor put me through every one of them to see (he thought) if a different one would work better?? Needless to say the pain got worse. The latest, is a prescription for Pravachol. Not sure yet if I will take them. I am praying about this!I am sinceely scared stiff. Look, so they are good for your chol and heart related issues, but look, I would rather have the high chol and no pain, than the statin and related pain and conditions. My grandparents and parents died in their 90's, happily, probably with high chol. I dare to suggest the Chemists and drug biggies to try these drugs on themselves,and get their comments. I am sure one of them, or a family member has high chol. Maybe then they can come up with a painless drug. My sister's doctor doesn't believe in taking statins and has her and husband on one aspirin/day therapy. what say you?
I was on Lipitor for several years and started to develop bad lower back and thigh pain (I thought I was developing osteoporosis. I mentioned this to my cardiologist and she told me to stop the Lipitor. I started watching diet and exercising for 2 years after. My cholestrol is back to 290, so I am on Zocor..I now have neck and shoulder pain and I've done nothing to myself to warrant an injury or trama. How can this not be my recent starting of statins, again? Help medical researchers and community, there NEEDS to be research and an answer, because our Hearts are a "muscle" too!
I am a pharmacist so I know the risks. I have been on one statin or another for years. Each caused muscle discomfort. The latest was Vytorin. LDL and HDL were great but I developed RLS which eventually morphed into aches and pains. I felt like I was 90 years old. I had no change in CK or liver enzymes. My doctor lowered my dose but I discontinued it on my own. I simply can not stand the pain, weakness and lack of mobility. Now I know why patients are sometimes non-compliant. I have been off it now for 2 weeks and see very little improvement. I hope I didn't wait to long.
I am a 54 y.o. W male martail arts enthusiast for 40 years. Also do weight lifting and recumbant biking on days I don't practice the arts. I have been a P.A. in orthopaedics for 18 years. I have tried Zocor for a short period of time and also Zetia. After about 2 or 3 weeks I have an extreme drop in energy. Unable to sustain any intense exercise without severe fatigue. I feel like sleeping all the time and have noticed my urination go from a good stream to dribbling down my leg! I have no muscle aches per se, just severe fatigue. Once I d/c the drug within the week all sxs. have susbdided. My toal cholesterol insn't bad but my HDL/LDL ratios are approaching critical. One blogger states he does O.K. on Welchol and Niaspan. Any suggestions?
I have been on 5mg Zocor for about three years with no side effects whatsoever. Lab work done every three months has been within normal range and total cholesterol has been around 190-200. Today I woke up with pain deep in my buttocks. It went away and I walked three miles with no pain. Later in the day, the pain in my buttocks came back and it is extremely uncomfortable. One Motrin didn't help the pain at all. Has anyone else experienced this type of pain and had it diagnosed as a direct result of taking a statin drug?
I am very sorry i tried statins to lower my cholesterol. I now have many problems i am hoping will adventually go away now that i have stopped taking any of the statins. I tried Vytorin for two months and experienced feelings of passing out and balance isuues as well as leg pain. It did lower my numbers significantly though. So i then tried lipitor had samples doc had given me only to be told that insurance would not cover, although the husband takes this and our insurance covers it? Somethning fishy here. Anyway this immediatly seemed to give me stomach pain. So then doc put me on lower dose of Vytorin only to feel the same symptoms returning. now my heels are very tight and it is very tough for me to get up and moving in the morning. At night while resting i have tightness in my calves as well as heels. I have tingling in my face. I have stopped all statins, my passing out feelings and stomach pain have gone away. But i am still left with muscle tightness in my calves and heels.Just when it it seems to be getting better it gets worse some nights with such a burning sensation in my heel cords and calves. I pray that this will eventually clear up and i can get back to feeling like me. Statins are not for all i guess. Also i had a cat scan and alll was ok there. Now there is this contraversy over Vytorin over its effectivness i think there is something else they are not telling us. I know the doc ment well but i now have sleepless nights and struggle to get up and moving each morning. I also now have some eye issues. I felt so healthy before all of this with no health issues at all. Now i feel like i am falling apart. My advice try lowering your numbers by better diet and exercise. Statins are a very risky in my oppinon. Take care everyone
I've started on Lipitor and it made me sick to my stomach were I couldn't even breathe it felt like I had to throw up. So my endocronologist switched me to simvistatin(zocar) and within the last years I get severe thight pain down to my legs by the ankle. It too has hindered my sleeping and my legs shake with pain. I thought I may have restless leg syndrome (rls) but my primary dr assured my that I didn't and to go see a orthopedic, which I didn't. Now I have pain in the joint of my elbows which go up to my shoulder. I've also experienced some neck pain which I brought a conture pillow which has helped some. I see my endocronologist next month and I'm going to ask her when she writes orders for lab work to do a CK level and see what's going on and hopefully get some of this pain under control even if it means changing some meds. Keep ya posted.
sykjdI posted twice in February about problems in my legs and feet. After checking with my prescribing physician, I stopped taking Lipitor. I have stopped experiencing the deep muscle pain and aching joints. My lower back pain has subsided and much of the tingling in my feet. I am taking Gabapentin because of neuropathy in my legs. This is not related to the Lipitor. The muscles in my arms and upper body where I was experiencing the soreness and pains has subsided considerably. If you know anyone that is taking or has been prescribed one of the statins, let them know from your own experience what they can expect. I have made a more dedicated effort to avoid the foods that cause higher cholesterol levels and doing more exercise to lower my levels. None of us are going to live forever. Just choose the quality of life that suits you best. There may come a time in your life when the side effects of statins are more bearable than the consequences of your cholesteral risk. That is going to be your decision. Maybe something better will come along.
I am a female that was taking Lipitor for about 9 months. I have stopped taking Lipitor for 2 months now. I am currently suffering from extreme neck pain that radiates to my shoulders and back. I experience pain in my ankles and feet. My hands and fingers are in constant pain with constant tingling in my fingers. But the most troublesome feeling is the inability to breathe.I must take deep breaths every 2 to 5 minutes. Often times I atempt to take a deep breath and I can't. My CPK levels are at 400. I am currently taking 10mg of prednisone daily but it doesn't seem to be making a difference. My doctor says it takes about 3 months of prednisone treatment for it to work. I'm wondering will I ever breath regularly again? Very nervous and scared of this condition.
Has anyone had experience with coenzyme Q10 regarding reducing muscle aches related to statin use?
I have been taking Lipitor for 3 weeks now. I am 32 years old and very activity with no pre-existing conditions. I excercise 5 days a week and eat healthy. Just in the last week I have been experiencing horrible pain in my muscles/tendons on the top of my feet and up the middle/side of my lower legs. My ankles feel weak. At night the covers on my bed even feel too heavy on my ankles. After reading all of the postings on this sight, I am taking myself off this medicine before it does anymore damage. I am also going to call my doctor to see what other methods they recommend to help lower my LDL which is 171 and increasing. Total cholesterol = 260. I have heard Omega 3 is an option. Any comments from anyone out there on it's effectiveness or side effects?
Anonymous above,
See Dr. Richman's most recent post for information about Omega-3.
I took Zocor for 5 years during which everything tested well but I got increasing muscle pain and weakness of the sort described in this Thread.
I have been included in the Statin Study at the Univ. of California at San Jose, directed by Dr Beatrice Golomb, About a year ago her staff suggested I try the following products:
1) CoQ10 enzyme (I took 300 mg of it 2x a day for a few months and felt considerably better! Have reduced the CoQ10 to only 1x a day) This enzyme is destroyed by most statin medications and it is essential for muscle health.
2) wheat germ oil (I use Vioben, which is what the Study recommended as being of high quality). I added it 3 months after I began the CoQ10 and I got still better! I took a tsp with breakfast and another with supper, and now I have reduced it to 1x per day.
3) cod liver oil, which I added 3 months after that, and it has brought further improvement. I initially took 1 tsp in morning and 1 at supper, now I'm down to 1x per day.
After a year on this 3-step program, most of the symptoms have gone away, even a "buzzing" big toe (surely neuropathy of the nerve) in the leg that first gave me trouble and that therefore was "sick" the longest. The CoQ10 isn't cheap, but I hesitate to stop it! It was at the top of the list given me by the Statin Study, and they have since asked me to fill out a form about CoQ10 and any benefits I perceived. They also told me to check with my doctor before beginning, which I did (before moving to another doctor who is more attuned to the isue!). Still, since the Statin Study proposes the 2 oils because they contain so many components essential to muscle health and cell reproduction, it might be possible to start with the 2 oils: you should know in 6 weeks to 3 months whether they are helping you; and if you think you need further help, add the CoQ10.
Patricia R.
In February, I stopped taking Lipitor for a two month trial period (now extended to almost three months). I have experienced a major decrease in the deep muscle pains in most parts of my body. At that time, I started a regimen of Gabapentin due to extreme pain in my legs and feet which has subsided to nearly nothing. The quandry? What caused the decrease in pain, stopping the Lipitor or starting the Gabapentin? I am now going to stop the Gabapentin to see if the pain in my legs and feet returns. I am going to consult my regular physician about the more natural route to keep my cholesterol down. I will post again after I have tried this latest trial. I will use my name now instead of posting as anonymous.
I have been diagnosed with rhaldomyolysis and have been taking niacin with very poor results. My cholesterol level is now over 700. I am also experiencing higher blood pressure, breathlessness and extreme fatigue, all symptoms I also experienced before I had angioplasty about 4 years ago. My doctor has scheduled another stress test. I can NOT believe only 1-15 million experience this problem as I am the second patient in our village of only 2800population with this side effect.
I have been on Lipitor for approx 2.5 years, with good success in lowering my cholesterol levels, however recently I have been awakened in the middle of the nite w/ severe pain in my outer thigh - had the feeling of something trying to 'burst out' of my leg. Area remains sore to the touch sometimes for up to 2-3 days later! The first "attack" was about 6 wks ago, then the 2nd one was about 4 wks later, then the last one about 2 wks ago. I have tried to think of all other variables (excessive exercise, bending/stretching) on the days of attacks, to no avail. Please advise if you think these symptoms could be related to the long term use of Lipitor. I have also heard that statins can cause weight gain, which has been another issue - about 30-40 lbs in the last 2.5 yrs.
Hi, I'm a 39 yr old female that went from perfect health,working 40+ hrs a week, raising 2 children to developing genetic HIGH CHOLESTEROL. I started taking Crestor 10mg in Jan 07 due to my Cholesterol level was 286. My Dr. didnt do another blood test for 7 months. When he did the blood test end of July 07, was because I had the RLS feeling he and wanted to check all electrolites and emzymes. The results were that my Cholesterol was lower at 254, but my Blood Pressure was SKY HIGH and my Potassium was dangerously low at 2.6. That same evening I ended up at the ER because my entire body was burning hot and very painful. Also my body retains alot of fluid so I have to take an extra diaretic. I see a Nephrologist and a Neurologist every 2 months, but to this day I am a mystery as well. No diagnosis yet. I will be having a CT in July on my Liver and Kidney area because my Aldosterone level is VERY HIGH at 67 and the normal is is 0-21. They to check for tumor on adrenal gland. I will write another blog after I get the results. I have been on disability since July 07 but I do all I can throught my day until I get to the point of feeling like I am going to drop. I HURT EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!! SHOULDERS TO FEET AND IT IS NOT FUN!!!!. I wish someone could find a diagnosis and I am sick of not knowing what is going on. I feel I went having everything to having nothing. I am a major utilty sports fan, very seldom an I able to ride... Also I have a blog on the Crestor review board as well which I posted a few months ago. There are 2 blogs. Sad that the FDA allows statins on the market!!!
Thanks for your comments ... I am a 61 yo beginner in the high LDL fight who just tried a statin for the 2nd time. In 2007 I took Zetia as prescribed ... the 1st day was good ... the 2nd day both legs had pain upon use so I took Naproxen to survive the day ... the 3rd day both legs were so severely painful I doubled the naproxen to survive the day ... the 4th day I found I could not bear weight upon trying to get out of bed to go to the bathroom. It took 30 days of testing and 1 day of physical therapy (the therapist terminated treatment due to the loud audible popping of my bones upon movement) before I could make my very next step without crutches. In April 2008 I tried Lipitor and stopped taking the drug on the 2nd day when the muscle pains started.
Depression and fear took hold of me as I realized by life choices were to die of stroke or live a quadraplegic.
Thanks for the knowledge and this new hope that rhabdomyolysis is a side effect of statins and that other things can be done both with the muscle pain and the LDL level.
I am a female 57 years old. I have had no health concerns in the past. I went to a new doctor who did a bunch of tests,because I had high blood pressure. First I had an abnormal ekg and then had a stress test as a result. The stress test shows heart strain on the bottom wall. Blood tests revealed a cholesterol level of 172 ldl, and a triglyceride level of 484, besides an iron defficiency. I went from taking a vitamin a day to 1300mg of tylenol during the day for arthritis, simvastatin and gemfibrozil for the cholesterol, and an iron suppliment. I am overwhelmed by all of this.I am not overweight. I eat healthy, and do already folow the diet guidelines(except nonfat milk) and seem to be falling apart anyway. why is this happening to me? I watch my co-workers eat candy bars and chips for lunch while I eat health nut bread for my sandwich and pretzles for snack. I do a very physically demanding job with lots of walking besides, so all of the guidelines for cholesterol control are covered. I just started the medication yesterday, so I dont know what the effects will be, but what more can, I do and why did I develope this trouble in the first place? Is the heart strain significant, and reversable? I am going to a Cardiologist this week. What medications can I expect to be added to the handful that I find myself on. What about drug interactions? I had hepatitis A when I was a young adult and was told that I have about 10% liver damage. Could that be a contributer to the triglycerides being so elevated? I am seriously stressed out about all of this. I was always told old age is hell, but I assumed that it would come gradually, not hit me like a ton of bricks. What can I do more and what more can I expect?
I,m a 50 year old male , I received a stent 5 years ago i started noticing leg pain soon after , and increasing to the point of changing jobs .couldnt stand all day , noticably worse in winter doc assured me circulation was good . AFTER 2 years i quit Lipitor and had great relief within 7 days . then he prescribed zocor now i have shoulder and arm pain , and recently i have torn a muscle in left shoulder , now right tricept dr says try 4 aleve twice a day still have pain . DQ zocor is my thought . blood tests were normal
I am a 61 yr old female. I have been on Lipitor, Vytorin and now 5mg. of Crestor. On all 3 occasions I experience severe all over body fatigue and pain. There are times, when I stand up from a sitting position and cannot walk. My CK leveles are 300 and were normal prior to taking Crestor. However, my doc says to stay on the Crestor since my cholesterol levels wer good. I feel terrible, however and wonder what you think of Choloplast as an alternative.
Dear Dr. Richman:
Thank you first of all for your article on "Statins and Muscle Pain". As a part time EMT I found the information interesting. I understand that you said the muscle problems are normally seen near the trunk but I do I have question. I have had muscle pain now for approx. 3 months, after being on Lipitor for about 2 1/2 years now, due to having an MI. When this pain started it was found to be in the upper right quarter of my body on both the posterior and frontal sides, under the arm pit and down about the first 1/4 of the upper arm. I have had MRI's, CAT scans, a nerve test where fluid was put into my back and the nervers were checked through x-ray and all seems to be clear. What I'm wondering is do these muscle pains sometime happen in other parts of the body - i.e. shoulder, arm, neck, etc... With all scans showing minimal spinal issues and good nerve conduction at this time, my thought is that it may be muscle related. The other part that has me thinking this is when I recently had the nerve test on my back I had a close syncope episode while on the table and all pain released when I my body relaxed to that state. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated since my current physican normally doesn't like to hear ideas other than their own.
Steve
P.S. Sorry I forgot to have responces sent to my e-mail box.
Has anyone experienced the same 'STATIN' symptoms when taking RED YEAST RICE?
Wow, what a wealth of information. I have been on Lipitor and Zocor, both causing extreme muscle pain and weakness. Patricia is on to something...the medical researchers are figuring out that statins deplete the muscles of needed "lubrication", thus all the PAIN the populous is experiencing.
My sister in law is a P.A. and she takes Zocor every other day. Her numbers are good and it seems to diminish her pain (along with taking an aspirin and that only if you can tolerate it...stomach wise and bleeding issues, for sure check with Dr. first). She said most Dr.'s would not recommend that dosing, because it is not "standard procedure". But like the person said earlier, you have to weigh the quality of life and compare it with medical knowledge...All the best!
My aunt is 82 years old, has had heart valve surgery a few years ago and is on Zocor. she is currently hospitalized with severe pain in the upper back area. Nothing seems to helo and oain killers make her hallucinate. Does anyone think this pain could be Zocor related?
Update on extreme leg pains. I went to the neurologist today and will be starting a reduction in the gabapentin dosage I have been taking. This is to determine if all my leg pain is a result of Lipitor. My muscle pain has decreased significantly since stopping the Lipitor and we will now see if it was the cause of all my major leg pains. I am going to start a natural remedy for high cholestoral. I will be back with more feedback as time progresses. Let us face facts, we all need to change our diets and get more exercise and not rely on "Better living thru chemistry" to see us in to our elder years.
my doctor took me off of zetia which worked for very well for me. His assistant said he took me off of zetia because he doesn't like it. I trusted him, and began taking Lipitor, then Crestor. I had the same side effects with both drugs. My hands burn, and my fingers are very stiff and sore. It's very painful. I quit taking Lipitor and Crestor 12 days ago and my hands and fingers still hurt, and it's seems to be worse. I hope this has not caused permanent damage. My doctor won't prescribe zetia. I'm not taking any cholesterol meds at this time, and I now I'm at risk. Don't do what I did. Do your homework before you take any of these medications.
My doctor recommended CoEnzyme Q10 after I complained about muscle pain from Simvastatin. CoEnzyme Q10 works tremendously. I started with the lowest dosage, 50mg, once per day and I haven't needed to raise the dosage. The pain was gone. Recently I needed to go off all vitamins, supplements for a medical test. Within 2 days of being off CoEnzyme 10, the pain returned. Looking forward to taking it again after the test.
This is great information. My husband has experienced left side shoulder pain for one year getting progresively worse. He has taken vytorin 10mg eczetimibe-40mg simvastatin tablet and avapro 150mg for two years. His legs and buttocks are pain free and he doesn't feel weak. Recently he underwent athroscopic surgery on his shoulder and they removed scar tissue. It has been two weeks and he still has the same pain mostly at night. Shouldn't the pain feel different and be lessening. I'm looking at his medications. What do you think?
Just diagnosed with muscle damage from statins. Can this be reversed?
An update at this time would seem appropriate. I have found my VISION has gotten better since getting off Lipitor. I have started using a previous prescription set of glasses. At the time of my last eye exam, my prescription had become stronger but, I was still on Lipitor. I am now going to go for another exam. fortunately I had not ordered new glasses with the latest prescription. I will now have another eye exam. Have any of you had a similar experience? My decreasing my gabapentin dosage has worked some. I just need to get more excercise now because of having slacked off some with the leg pains. Remember, focusing your eyes is also a function of muscles. I will go on a diet of whatever I need to prevent taking a statin again.
Started taking simvastatin 40 mg and within 2 wks pain started in my neck and thighs. The pain has gotten worse in my thighs, so I am going to stop med. and see what happens. I have been this med. for 3 months.
I took Zocor from Nov.06 to April of 07 - the doc took me off it when my liver function looked bad. I complained about vertigo, muscle pain and weakness so he sent me to physical therapy. After seven weeks of that I could see very little improvement.
Anyway, the doc said "no statins." I still have trouble, more than a year later, with my leg muscles which are weak and my sense of balance isn't very good.
After much study on the Internet, I have started taking lots of supplements, including extra Vit.C, D, selenium, L. Carnitine, CoQ10 and Alpha Lipoic acid. It is hard to be patient with the slowness of improvement.
There is some talk in various sites that perhaps the panic about the danger of high cholesterol started in the marketing departments of various pharmeceuticals. Now the drug companies want to start giving this drug to little fat children.
Even the R.N. in our cardiologist's office said taking statins caused memory problems for her. Imagine what could happen with children. What about the 40% chance of myopathy? (See the recently completed survey by the UC San Diego for this information.
As far as I am concerned this is a big fat hoax and I wish I could get my husband to quit taking Crestor. He, unfortunately, thinks his doctor knows best.
I thought I was alone in my misery and pain, unable to comprehend the vastness of the effects of muscle damage caused by statin use. I first read Spacedoc.net the other day and realized that the poor muscle condition I have experienced is due to statins. I guess I'd like to encourage people to consider the true risk in taking statins - that the side effects will not necessarily stop when you stop the drug. I've been off Vytorin since December, 2007 and the deterioration continues. I still suffer pain and weakness that seems to be progressing. I will try the CoQ10, 300 mg 2 times a day and hope it helps.
Imagine, going to the doctor with slightly elevated cholesterol and aging about 20 years in one and a half years. Last year, I mowed the grass and worked in the garden everyday. I couldn't mow the grass this year.
Dr. Richman's dismissal of anecdotal information is troubling.
I have been taking Vytorin for the past two years. Two weeks ago I started experiencing muscle aches in my legs. It has been downhill ever since. I felt like a ninety year old man. Extreme fatigue,dark urine, cannot excerise, putting on a socks became a major problem, walking up and down stairs was almost impossible. My doctor took me off the Vytorin and the next day, I felt a slight improvement and have improved every day since. I am told that kidney failure could result from this side effect of the drug. I dont know if taking this drup was worth all the problems it has caused me to experience. I too, used to be able to work in the yard and enjoyed it. This has now been taken away from me. Your comments please
I am a 73 year old w/m in good health except for cancer. I have used all of the col. lowering medications and have had the muscle pain, diagosed as polymalgareumatica and treated with prednazone, now 2mg daily for years. Before vytorin came out I was on zetia and went to vytorin when it hit the market. I have read with concern the implications of cancer and vytorin. I mad a melynoma on my right cheek in November 06, then a pet scan found two spots in my right middle lobe and it grew dform May 07 to Sept 07 and when the lobe was removed it too was an adeonocarconomia. in may after two years of elevating pla I was found to have cancer, another adeonomocarconomy, the tumer grew to 10% in a short time. All of these cancers seemed to greo in the same time perriod. I am trying to decide what to do about vytorin. If anyone has had simular problems I am interested in finding out information. I do not want to loose any more body parts. Actually I have a strong body despite the three adeonocarconomias. WMR
Dr. Richman,
Thank you for directing me to your article on "Statins and Muscle Pain". I have been taking Lovastatin (generic for Mevacor) for three years and over a period of time developed muscle pain that has increasingly gotten worse. I read an article about statins and muscle pain in our local paper and decided to stop taking the Lovastatin to see if the muscle pain would eventually subside. I was lying in bed at night near tears from the pain. It seemed to move around my body from one place to another. I have also been experiencing lower back pain.I haven't slept well for a while. I was going over my other meds and reading up on the side effects with them and found out that Clonazepam, which was prescribed for my Restless Leg Syndrome, also causes muscle pain. So now my dilemma is whether or not to wean myself off of the Clonazepam as well to see if the pain I am experiencing will subside or go away. Does the pain subside or go away eventually after stopping the statin drug or do those of us who are taking or have taken statins going to have to live with "it" forever? What are the symptoms of muscle damage? I know that I need the help with meds to get my LDL's down and HDL's up but don't know if the pain or possible muscle damage is worth it. I tend to think that the drug companies down play a lot of the side effects of meds and put a lot of people at great risk for serious health issues. But I also think that we as consumers and patients also have to take responsibility for our own health and ask lots of questions of our doctors and pharmasists concerning side effects and why they are prescribing the meds they do for us. I've learned that the hard way.
After about 3 months of taking a statin I have shoulder elbow pain. Is this a side effect of Crestor/Diovan/Norvasc
I started using zocor 20 mg for two weeks. Every now and then I would feel vey hot sensation in my head and upper body with intching all over my body. I had this only after using zocor. Has any one had such experience ?
Hi - I have been on statins since June 2006 when I had a heart attack at 36. I am a female and have had a double bypass. They first put me on Lipitor and it caused sever muscle problems so they switched me to Crestor in August. I have now been on Crestor for two years and am now being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and they are not sure still what else is wrong with me because I am testing positive for ANA's and RA's. I stopped taking my Crestor for about a month when the pain became so severe in May of this year that I couldn't tolerate it. This is when they threw me on Lyrica and steroids and caused me to gain close to 30lbs and my cholesterol to skyrocket. I started back on Crestor due to the advice of my doctor (note when I say advice they are saying "take it or die" kind of thing - and yes in those exact words.) I was on Crestor 5mg for no more than a week and the pain became severe again and to top it off I had a serious gall bladder attack. I am to go see my Rheumatologist tomorrow and found this site. I'm going to get him to test me for: rhabdomyolysis to see if this is the real underlying problem. So far luckily I have tested okay with my liver and my kidneys but I have again stopped taking the Crestor and am looking for natural methods of lowering my cholesterol. My body does not make the good HDL which is inherited from my father. I'm truly scared to death over everything that has happened to me and wanted to share my experience and if there is anything the Dr. can add it would go a long way in comforting many of us. My life has been screwed up since I had my heart attack from panic disorder to now being in pain 24/7...there has to be a better way to live life than this.
Kristy in VA
I have an update that should be of particular interest to men. I wish what is working for me could be applicable to the ladies and I imagine there is something comparable for you but this is what is now working for a 64 year old male. I stopped taking Lipitor six months ago and did not start taking anything to lower my bad cholestoral. During a physical in December 2007, my physician put me on Androgel to raise the free testosterone level in my system. When this level is to low you feel fatigued all the time. This is usually accompanied by a headache that never really goes away. My daily dose of Androgel 25 mg. has lowered my bad cholestoral to a normal and raised my free testosterone to a normal level. My doctor said studies are showing a link between the two. The only other life style change in the last six months has been retirement which has lowered my stress to zero. Men check this out with your own doctor, it may be a beneficial move. Dear ladies, there may be a similar link for you if you have some other system level out of balance. I will report again after my next check up in three months.
I have been on Zocor for about 4yrs. Started having episodes of aches and pains and really strange sensations on the top of my head and down my neck shoulders and down my arms. It is almost contant now, also have trunk pain feels like muscles are on fire, also my ankles feel "tight" in my sleep, also my feet feel like I'm walking on rocks when I first get out of bed. Thought I was going crazy until I read this blog. I am stopping medication tomorrow hope it helps. There are days I hurt so bad I take up to 800mgs of Motrin, but then I have to deal with stomach upset. Back to the headaches they feel almost like electricity traveling up my head, my family looks at me like I am crazy when I tell them this. Does anyone else ever experience this?
You must read
Duane Graveline's book called Lipitor-Thief of memory.
Duane is a MD MPH
Former USAF Flight Surgeon
Former NASA Astronaut
Retired Family Doctor
Why dont we get this stuff from our doctor?
I have been taking Lovastatin 40 mg for the last 9 months. In the past 3 months I have been experiencing lower back pain and pain in the heels of my feet. i went to Wed MD and put in muscle pain and this page came up. I am so scared to learn that this pain is possible coming from this medication. When I read the comments here I feel as if I wrote them all. I'm going to stop the medication today and get with Dr. to see what the next step will be.
I don't know the details yet ... but I just found out that my mother is in the hospital because of the muscle damage in her legs caused by the statins she had been taking. At this time she can no longer walk, even with the aid of a walker. I don't know what kind she was on yet ... but the family is defintely going to check into this more.
hello i have been having these muscle spasms for about 4 weeks and my wbc's have been running in the 15000 and 16000 and they would put me on antiboctics well now they are sending me to a hemotologist and i am worried does any one know what this could be. if you need more info please email me at darlenegraves48@yshoo.com i am not much of a blogger
Stopped Statins again, and fell better, 10mg of Zocor, took it for 5 years, thought I had arthritis, up all night with leg pains, cramps, thighs, hands, just thought I was getting old(55-60) all reversed thank God, excercising, watching my diet, and am looking for quality of life, not depression,fatigue and pain. No more zocor.
I am a 55 year old male in good health and physically active. I have been taking statins since 2002. I was on Pravochol most of that time with no noticable side effects. My doctor switched me to Lipitor about a year ago. Since the switch I have experienced weakness in my left arm and aching pain in my left shoulder joint. I have recently started to experience deep muscle pain/ache in the back of my right shoulder. The pain in either shoulder comes and goes but is there in one level of intensity or the other most of the time. I find that large doses of ibuprofen (600 -800 mg) a couple of times a day, especially at bedtime, helps but am worried about complications from that medication. I have also discovered that my stamina seems to have decreased. It is much more of an effort to mow the lawn or do other physical activity involving arm muscle strength. My blood test ranges are relatively normal. I am considering stopping the Lipitor for a while to see if the muscle pain subsides. Mr. Doctor has agreed that it would be worth a test and that I might have to make a life decision as to which risk I'd be more comfortable living wit: cholesterol v. Muscle and joint pain. I am also considering taking glucosamine & chondroitan for the joints.
B-12 can help relieve neuropahy caused by some medicines. Talk to your doctor about shots or sublingual pills (under the tongue) as it is broken down by the stomach acid. Tests will show your B-12 as normal so insist on a trial.
I'm wondering if anyone else here experienced severe constipation along with muscle weakness and pain? I can only think that the muscular action in the colon has to be affected as well, and then that makes me (like another who wrote here) wonder about the HEART muscle as well? After only 6 weeks on two different statins (one for 4 weeks then another for only 2 weeks before I stopped), I could barely stand up straight, or go up and down stairs, was in tremendous pain in my lower back and legs, and terribly constipated (something I had not had a problem with for decades). 10 days ago, I was so miserable and debilitated I could not do a single thing without agony, so I decided to stop taking the statin. I have not told my doctor yet. But I am much better now. My total cholesterol was 252 when I started the statins, and was down to 167 in one month. I altered my diet considerably, have lost almost 10 pounds, and am thinking I can keep my cholesterol down that way - but even if I cannot, I also cannot live my life curled up in a ball because of extreme pain and weakness. Thanks to everyone here who have shared your experiences - this has really helped me not feel AS bad for stopping my statin so early on!
I've noticed a lot of comments about taking statin drugs and a relationship to muscle pain and fatigue. I would suppose that most of the population that takes statins is older. Being older means that we probably have abused our bodies over a number of years and would like to reverse the results of our actions. Do these symptoms come with growing older? I am 69, in decent health since by-pass in 1989, and have been taking Lipitor for 19 years with little side effect. However, in recent years I have experienced a lot of muscle pain and fatigue. Is it the Lipitor or my age? My cardiologist just recently recommended that I take CoQ10 and niacinamide to combat my symptoms. It's too early to tell if that will help. Am I just getting older or just a woose who wants to complain about my aches and pains...of which I wish would go away? What are CK levels?
I have been on Zocor for 2 years and 5 months. About 2 weeks ago, I started to experience muscle aches in my arms and legs. Is this a side effect of the Zocor?
Ralph, Lipitor also affects the memory. Lipitor came on the market in 1997 (see http://www.adrugrecall.com/news/lipitor-lawsuit.html) It is impossible for you to have been taking Lipitor for 19 years. You should be thinking about taking a Lipitor holiday and getting a new doctor.
I am a 46-year-old self-employed carpenter/remodeler. Since May 08 I have had severe muscle pain (coincidently I had knee surgery for a torn medial miniscus). Needless to say, PT only increased the pain in my arms, shoulders, legs, back, and back of neck. I had been on Lipitor for a year, and my doctor had changed me to Vytorin. I have not been able to work since May. I have no strength in my arms - cannot lift 20 lbs. I need my muscles in tact to do my job. My doctor did various tests. Of course, he told me to stop the statin drugs immediately. Rheumatologist told me to stop statin drugs. After 2 to 3 months, nothing has changed. Only cannot do any PT to help my knee and that leg is useless. My blood tests (CPK enzyme) is normal, therefore, they dismiss the statin drug connection. But, they all tell me not to go back on the statins!!! I have been to neurologists, rheumotologists, and psychiatrists. My doctor thought maybe "this was all in my mind". I am not feigning this pain, I need to get back to work, and no one has the answer. This is very frustrating!!!
Iam a 44 year old woman. I was diagnosed with rhabdomyolosis in april 08. The statin I was taking was lipitor.I was on this medication for about 5 years. I suffered from terrible muscle pain for the last 2 years that I took it.I went to the doctors severel times and had many tests and also saw a neurologist.He claimed that it was probably just my fibromyalgia becoming more severe. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia when I was 28 years old. But I knew that it wasnt my fibromyalgia it was not the same kind of pain. My doctors did some blood work on me and found my ck level was 1,592. Which they said was way above normal.That was in January 08. It did not go back down to normal range until May of 08.During those months I had to go to physical therapy because I was not doing well. I also ended up in the hospital emergency room twice in april that is when they found that my kidney function tests were not normal. My blood pressure was high for me and I had had trouble urinating for two months before this.My kidneys were backing up and I had a horrible taste in my mouth. Thank God that my levels did go back to normal and things seem to be o.k. with my kidneys now. Then in May I ended up going to the hospital in the middle of the night by ambulance I was near syncope. I was kept for 4 days that time. They ran alot more tests but still really culdnt figure out why that happened to me. It was terrifying.I was extreemly week I could barely eat for days and all I wanted to do was sleep.My problem with the lipitor was more severe because of hypothyroidism. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in the fall of 07. Then in december my endocronologist told me that I needed to have radioiodine treatment to lower my levels,so I had it done. Then thats when all of my complications started.The radioiodine treatment I received nocked my thyroid levels to low and I was still taking lipitor at the time wich caused me all of this .My doctors tell me that I do have perpenent muscle damage and that they arent sure how much of it was caused by the lipitor and how much of it was caused by the hypothyroidism.Or if it was a combination of both things.I stopped taking my lipior in febuary and the severe muscle and low back pain did go away during the healing process,but came back in my neck shouler shoulder blade hip and thigh area of the right side of my body.That is where my permenent damage ended up to be. I now live on pain medication and lidoderm patches every day of my life I suffer. I would like to know more about rhabdomyolosis. Is my muscle pain caused by scar tissue or what? Isthere any kind of a cure for me? Is there any doctors out there that specialize in this type of problem? Also when i was in the hospital in May they kept me on a heart monitor they told me that sometimes my heart is beating to slow.I asked them why and they said that they dont know. Could the lipitor have caused me damage to my heart?After all the heart is a muscle. To anyone out there that has read this. If you have thyroid disease and you are on a statin you could be in danger. Make sure that your doctor does what tests they need to do for you. I know that I have written quite a long letter but I actually feel a little bit better now that I have told my story. I pray that this kind of thing stops happening to people.I would much appreciate any information that could help me in any way. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
I am a 41-year-old female who has been running for over ten years. My doctor is continually impressed with the shape my body is in; however, I have high cholesterol. My mother had a heart attack at 64 years of age, and has had two angioplastys. He put me on 40 mg of Zocor in April of this year. I have been racked with shoulder and neck pain ever since, so I take issue with this comment......"Myalgia has rarely been examined in clinical trials and it is thought that some type of muscle aches can occur in up to 30% of patients on statins. Unfortunately, many of these patients start a vigorous exercise program at the time they start their statin because they decide it is to "get in shape" and one doesn't know where the origin of the muscle ache is from." I have BEEN on a rigorous exercise regimen for years! A HA! Now I get it! Since starting Zocor, I have been to a neurologist, back to my doctor several times. I starting seeing a complex pain doctor. I am now taking skelaxin, topamax, fioricet as needed, relpax, prednisone. I have had cortisone and xylocain shots my shoulder, in my shoulder. This has all happened since starting Zocor. All that being stated, I still wish Dr. Richman was MY doctor, as mine NEVER ran any tests, and merely shrugged his shoulders at me when I came in complaining of constant pain in my neck, back and shoulders. I am glad I found this blog. I stopped taking the Zocor 2 days ago and I already feel better, will discuss trying a water soluble cholesterol medicine with my doctor this week, because I know that I have to be on something.
I have been on zocor for about a year and at first it was lipitor. I have always been in good health I am 45. Lately though my legs hurt more especially when I get up after sitting and I have a pain in my right side and I just had a mammogram which showed a benign cyst and some calcifications in my left breast. I don't know if this is all related to the zocor but it makes me want to take myself off of the medicine. It does make my cholesterol levels better although my good cholesterol is not where it should be, I have been hearing lately that it can cause some form of cancer weather it be breast or liver, you just don't know what to believe anymore. I just know how I feel along with everyone on this forum and somethings not right. It's so easy for doctors to sit back and prescribe meds to people and at times knowing the risk that their patients are under, so what do we do take the good with the bad? I do have high blood pressure also and take hctz for that and my doctor put me on potassium pills also. I don't like taking all these pills at all. Well good luck to everyone on this forum.
Allyson, Baltimore, Md.
Yes I must add one more thing, I just posted but I have to say also I experience tingling in my fingers and like a feeling like my hands are asleep. If anyone wants to chat or drop me a line about all this my email is (allyson8313@yahoo.com). Well my other post is right above this one, I do know that I will take myself off of my zocor, not liking the side effects at all.
Allyson, Baltimore, md.
I'm a 51 yr. old active female. I took simvastatin for about 8 mos.,stopping in Dec. 07 because of calf swelling, pain and weakness. Improvement started immediately. Then about June through Aug. I took red yeast rice (my doc told me that she heard some had been contaminated with simvastatin). I ended up in the ER with a severe piercing (like something trying to burst out of my leg)/cramping pain in upper calf which came every 2 min. for about 30 sec. and lasted 6 hrs. I tried to baby that leg for 6 wks., while having some lesser pains occasionally, and am now getting therapy because that calf muscle is significantly smaller.
I am a 38 yr old woman with type 1 diabetes. I have been taking Pravachol for about 3 months. I wasn't taking it but every other day and it dropped my cholesterol by 30 pts in the first 6 weeks. However, I decided I should start taking it every day like prescribed..this was 2 weeks ago. Within 3 days, I had some dizziness and major thigh muscle weakness. I finally called my doctor a week later and she did blood test, but I have yet to get those results..5 days later. Now, today, I also have veins bulging out all over my upper thighs...am thinking of going to the ER. I am praying my legs aren't damaged. I will NOT go back on statins...ever! Not to mention, I have tried zocor and lipitor, and all they did was swell my legs so bacd I couldn't walk.
I have been taking lipitor for the last year. I have had extreme pain in my feet and lower legs. Sometimes sharp pain, sometimes a tingly pain, similar I imagine to restless leg syndrome. I have low bad cholestorol, but high triglicerides and low good cholesterol, so in part I think my doctor has prescribed as an overall preventative for heart attack and stroke. However, the pain is now so constant it seems like it isn'w worthwhile, as the quality of my life has deteriorated. I excercise two to three times per week, slightly overweight and 47. I'm considering getting off a statin, and just pushing harder on excercise, diet and homeopathic remedies. Any ideas are welcome.
DC
I was taking simivastin for a few months when I developed very painful deep muscle pain in my thighs. The spasm-like pain would often spread to my abdomen and down my lower leg. The pain was unbearable. The episodes would last about 10-15 minutes leaving me with a lingering "pain memory" for hours after. During these episodes I could not stand or move. I took myself off the drug six eeks ago and have only had one episode since.
Dr. Richman:
I recently had blood work done and it showed that my muscle enzymes were elevated to 409 and I have had muscle pain especially in my legs. My doctor/nurse practioner has taken me off of Simvastatin to see if the pain goes away. Part of my pain has gone away but I still feel lousy. My whole body aches. When will I feel better?
My husband was taking Lipitor which gave him violent flu-like symptoms and was switched to Zorcor. He took it one year without incident then his dose was doubled. Within a couple of months he complained of left leg pain and was not fully lifting his feet. The PCP had him treated for back problems with a Chiropractor for two months with no improvement. At this point my husband told me it was more like a muscle weakness than pain. I told him to stop the Zocor. He was sent to a Neurologist two years ago and was diagnosed with a "Parkinsonism" He is getting progressively worse in mobility and function. I have read studies that indicate statins can cause Parkinsonism, without a reversal of symptoms. Two physicians, a Urologist and an Endocrinoloigst have agreed with this possibilty. I am posting this comment to warn people, if you are having ANY problems with statins, get off the medicine IMMEDIATELY.
I started on Lipitor 2 years ago. 1 year ago I informed my Doctor that I had unexplained shoulder pain. She blamed it on my weight lifting ... bare in mind that my weight lifting was low-weight, hi-reps, low impact. I told her that I disagreed, but she insisted. At three more office visits over the past year I told her about the pain and that it seemed to move around, down my arms and into my hands and upper back. I also experienced pain in my upper legs and knees from time to time. She still blamed my excercising and said it must be tendonitus or a shoulder rotator cuff issue ... even though I told her that my biceps hurt the most at times. 6 weeks ago I finally discovered these blogs and began to learn more about Lipitor's dangerous side effects. I took myself off of the drug 3 weeks ago with only minor improvements so far, but the improvement, minor or not, was noticeable almost immediately. My lower back now aches and I still feel shoulder & bicep pain, especially when sitting on a couch in the evenings. My body feels weak all over and I have a hard time lifting even grocery bags out to my sides. I am an "in-shape" 38 year old male, so this is rediculous. I have mentioned to my wife that I feel as if my muscles have been degrading. I see that many others, like me, are experiencing the same thing. Is there any recourse we can take against these Doctor's who ignore these side effects to the point of hurting their patient's? I am finding that I am in a constant state of depression now due to how I feel and not knowing what to do or who to turn to. When will my muscles heal? Will I always feel like this!!!? My doctor didn't even miss a beat wanting to get me on another chol med ASAP!! I am now considering going to see a naturopath doctor. As I am typing this, my arms feel like lead weights.
I recently had an adverse reaction to Tramadol I had taken for 3 days. After realzing the meds were not helping I stopped taking it. Too late, the muscles in my upper back to lower then spread to my stomach muscles. Unable to walk or move went to the hospital. It was moving to my heart they gave me a shot to keep my heart from stopping. 10/14 to present I am able to walk but am very limited and would like to know the odds of this becoming a muscular problem. My physician is having therapy come out to the house and took blood to see the strength in my muscles. What can you suggest for me to do on my own while waiting to heal and how long does this take to come out of my body? Thank You for taking time to read and answer my question.
On September 28, 2008 the following item, based on Univ. of California study, was posted on the Healthday News site: "Statins Can Hinder Muscle Repair - Small number of patients taking them will experience damage" The item goes on to say that "between 2 and 8 percent of patients taking them report having muscle pain." In my massage therapy practice which focuses on pain management, statins treatment is often present with otherwise unexplained muscle pain.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_69735.html
I am a 71 year old woman. I have been on Vytorin for about 2 years. This year, I started having pain in my left leg, mostly the calf, but sometimes from the buttocks down. Also my lower back. I have worked out for 15 years, and never had this kind of pain. The pain is worse at night and wakes me. I stopped the Vytorin Nov. 1. It has been a little over a week and the left still hurts. I would like to know how I can find out if it is the statin.
I had a cholesterol that kept on edging up until it was about 220 with low HDL and high LDL. Finally my triglycerides reared their ugly head and became elevated. My doctor tried two different statin drugs, both with equally disagreeable results, as I have metabolic syndrome also and my liver hurt, plus I had horrible stomach pains and gas/bloating. NOt to mention feeling like I had the flue, aching all over, and all of this after only a few days on each drug.
Having a "borderline" hemoglobin A1C blood test a few years prior, and rationalizing that my liver may be trying to deal with excess sugar in my blood by converting it to cholesterol/triglycerides, I asked the PA to start me on metformin, to which he agreed.
Six months later my cholesterol had dropped 40 points, my HDL and LDL's were normal and my ratios normal, with normal triglycerides.
My PA said nothing about the exceptional drop in my lipid profile, only to note that, "there ARE significant benefits to taking statins."
(Somehow I feel like that IF my lipid correction had been due to HIS drug suggestion instead of mine, I would have gotten a pat on the back at the very least, instead all I got was nothing.)
My person take on this is that persons with suspected high blood sugar, even part of the time, should FIRST try metformin (or similar agent) and see what results they get. I suspect there are a lot of us walking around with blood sugar issues that are not being addressed appropriately, and being given statins instead of a glucose-control drug.
I have been reading these comments since last March when the damage done to me by Vytorin reached it's peak. I should have joined the fight sooner, but I really didn't expect to live, the damage was so severe internally. Externally I was functioning so everyone just thought I was whining. I have to admit I tried to hide what was happening to me. The initial symptoms were dizziness, serious vertigo, passing out, brain confusion, loss of lust for all aspects of life, and severe muscle weakness and bumps in my upper arm muscles. My shoulders were drawing up into my head shortening my neck. The first muscular symptoms were not being able to turn over at night in bed. It would take about 5 movements to roll over and it took extreme concentration. I had very bad insomnia as well. I had trouble getting up at night to use the rest room. Lowering myself to the toilet was excrutiating. Yet I could walk forward beautifully. So when I went to the doctor's nothing seemed amiss. My doctor is a wonderful man and I do not blame him for prescribing the medicine. My cholesterol was 240 and had gone up to 280. I am a very physical person. I am 56 years old, female and love to garden, clean house, travel, play tennis, swim, cook. My ability to do all of these things ended abruptly with the consumption of the drug. Yet I did not feel a reaction immediately upon injesting the drug. I was instructed to take it at night which is why I probably never would associate the drug with the new limitations. I have HYPOTHYROIDISM. I feel no one with this condition should ever take Vytorin or any other statin. WE NEED TO BAND TOGETHER TO PREVENT THE DRUG COMPANIES AND DOCTORS FROM GIVING THESE DRUGS TO CHILDREN!!!!! At least I have lived a full life and as an adult I have the ability to discern that a drug is harming me. A child will not be able to. Last spring, 2008, I thought my life was over due to the drug. My neighbor forced me to take a 2 mile walk at the River in our city. It was the shot in the arm I needed. I thought I was going to expire! But I was hooked. Through the summer I walked 4-6 miles daily, but due to the way my muscles compensated for the damage done to them I would get horrendous blisters on my feet. I knew that I was walking totally wrong, but at least I was moving and relearning how to breathe. Yes, my breathing was affected by the drug, too. On the drug I was vomiting once or twice a week and it felt like I had a basketball in my stomach and that the food I consumed was melting over the basketball like candle wax. When the lower part of the stomach had enough, it would just expell suddenly without much of a warning. It was like the food was prevented from going any further. I lost about 30 lbs. When I quit the Vytorin, I immediately got insatiable cravings for MILK! I would drink a half gallon at a time. I felt like it was an addiction. I had to have it. It felt like my muscles were demanding it. I gained 60 lbs in six weeks. My brain was not functioning enough to make the effort to get help. I had to relearn how to cook. I would sit in front of the TV watching the Food Channel all day long, because I couldn't do housework since the muscles that allowed me to bend were shot. Think about it. Everything a woman does to keep a house clean requires bending. Emptying the dishwasher, emptying the dryer, making the beds, washing the floors. Even fun things like the computer, arts and crafts, gardening, tennis were excrutiatingly painful or simply not within my range of motion. Hugging my family became a chore. The worst thing was that I totally lost the will to go on. This was serious. About a month ago I was near a new specialized exercise facility in Tulsa. It appealed to me because the trainers were more like physical therapists. They had machines that could measure my very slow progress. I am a person who was never challenged by exercise. I loved it. But now I had a stomach so large I could not see the floor. I could not cross my legs at one point. My neck muscles were gone and I had fat in their place. I jumped in feet first and scheduled 2 days of Pilates and 2 days working with a personal trainer. Expensive, but what is the value of a life? I rewarded myself with a muscle release massage after every four sessions. I am far from over the muscle damage from the statin, but I have hope and after 3 weeks of INTENSE, FOCUSED WORKOUTS I feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel. BUT THIS NEVER SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO ME! I lost about 2 years of my life. I lost the ability to think, remember things, to work and to love. And my cholesterol went down maybe 10 points on the @@@@@ drug. I feel as it I had voluntarily taken a poison like cyanide. Slow acting but debilitating. I wish someone could have opened my arms surgically and seen the damage done to my upper arm muscles. This drug is terrifyingly dangerous. Now they have my husband on it to lower his cholesterol. They are giving it to diabetics as a precaution. This is a cash cow for the pharmaceutical companies. I am grateful for them for many reasons, but this statin thing a death sentence for many people. I still have trouble dressing. Putting my legs into shorts, pants, stockings, you name it is impossible without holding on to a counter or the wall. My elderly dad took a statin and that is when his troubles began. Statins damage your ability to balance. I am relearning that now. When I first started reading these comments I noticed a lot of people complained of problems with their feet. I only now realize that I had problems with my feet as well. Walking the beach two miles this summer (as I have done every year for 25 years, several times a year) I encountered the most unusual difficulty. My feet blistered with 3 gigantic blisters on each foot to the point that I was unable to stand or walk for four days. This is due to my body realigning my weight to use the undamaged muscles instead of the muscles required to walk normally. I hope that someone can relate to what I have gone through thanks to the statins. My advice to everyone is to never ever put one in your mouth. Change your diet, increase your exercise unless you want to use a wheelchair for the rest of your life. I am dead serious. I do not believe the damage is totally reversible even though I have improved dramatically through very vigorous, concentrated, expensive physical therapy.
I am 53 yr old male who had taken crestor for 2 years following angioplasty. I had virtually every symptom described in this blog and it was only thru reading it did I figure out what was wrong with me. It came on slowly, first in my feet but because I walk an hour a week, play golf and lift weights (I always did) so I thought it was overuse. It then became severe pain in one shoulder, then another shoulder, then my hamstrings. After a podiatrist gave me inserts it improved in my feet in awhile. All along all my tendons felt inflamed. I went thru 4 MD's without one suggesting crestor side effects. I knew it was a systematic thing but my internists said it was muscular/skeletal based on my activity level. I was thinking I had Lyme disease, lupus, Epstein-Barr etc. Only when I could barely walk with pain in my feet, inflamed hamstrings did I find this blog. I d/c'd the med right away and five days later it has subsided some but my wrist killed me this AM (it was always worst in the AM).
Is there anyone who has used statins and had no bad experiences who'd like to post a comment? I just started Crestor and this blog makes me wonder why. The literature says that such problems are fairly rare.
I am a 75 year old woman who has been in excellent health all my life. Enjoy walking a miles or more daily. I have been on Lipitor for about three years, after Zocor raised my liver enzymes. A year and a half ago I developed extreme pain in my thigh and leg muscles feeling like the muscles were going to rip out of my legs. The leg pain was followed by extreme muscle cramping in my legs, front and back thigh muscles and into my buttocks. Also my arms. I talked with my doctor three separate times and finally this past September she took me off Lipitor. I can still walk, but my feet flop, my legs have no strength and I cannot go up steps without a rail to provide me with support. My movements are extremely limited. The cramping continues, although not quite as bad as it was. My leg muscles are still tender to touch but no longer like taut ligaments. Has this drug robbed me of activity in the last years of my life??? I am furious. How dare they ignore this. Even my doctor was unbelieving, treating me as though I was imagining things.
I am a 52 year old women that is experiencing severe leg finger and back pains. The pains are in my muscles deep within. I have been on a different type of statin for about the past five years. the first was liptor I strted hqaving leg cramps and my doctor changed it to zocor and then back to liptor and now a pravastatin. The crmops are so bad that I have threaten to go to the ER on two occastions. My Internist stated she does not know what else to do and that I should see my othopedic Dr. and the othopedic Dr. says ZI shouod see a rheumatologist which AI have an appointment to see. I have seen my endocrinologist that says I need thqawt statin. My internist has tken me off asnd said she wants to run more blood work to check my ck levels. The pain is so bad i don't know how much longer I can stand the pain. It is crippling and I can't move. I'm scared to move afarid it will start another cramp. I wish I knew what to do.
Thanks to everyone- after a heart attack and stent placement in Feb 08 I went on Plavix, crestor 20 mg,aspirin 81 mg and two blood pressure pills.
Felt great- blood pressure is good-cholesterol dropped quickly.
I could not garden this summer, I had trouble reading- concentration and eyes. Last four weeks, my leg has had such pain- in knee, calf, ankle feet and now thigh. Sounds very much as described by othrs. Had xrays for arthritis. Have gone off Crestor- looking at Omega 3-which benefits so many body functions-and continuation of exercise. Maybe Vitamin B- niacin.
This pain caused me to stop exercising. Crestor also causes constipation- not good for heart patients. And if these meds are hurting muscles- while supposedly helping the heart muscle? This simply makes no sense.
I wish you all well.
And everyday I wake up is a good day :)
I have taken statins for the past 8 years. First took Zocor for 2 years without any results on lowering triglycerides. Then started on Lipitor 20mg. HDL and LDL were within normal limits for 2 years. Was then increased to Lipitor 40mg for 2 years with good results. At age 53 after taking statins for 6 years, I again had elevated Cholesterol levels with Triglycerides in the 500 range. Lipitor was increased to 80mg. Levels remained high. Was given Metformin with Lipitor and take 6 grams of Omega 3 per day. HDL and LDL are within normal limits and triglycerides remain 200. Have never experienced side effects.
Joan
I was prescribed Crestor 20mg 2 weeks ago with cholesterol level 7.6. First time on any medication. After approx. 4 days I started to experience severe muscle pain, thigh, buttocks, arms, legs to the extent that I can hardly get out of bed in the morning. Have been back to Dr. who advised stopping tablets. Have been off them for 3 days, very little difference. I am hoping these pains will go away soon. I will never take a statin drug again - would rather take the healthy option, diet and exercise and take the risk. Have never felt so bad. Usually very healthy, fit person.
Hi there everyone, On statins!!!
Taken them for 3 years, had leg and knee pains 6 months ago, told to have xrays, came back okay!
four weeks ago back at docs again with mucle aches in back of legs mainly, my hands lock up and you can hear them grinding when you make hand movement, worse first thing in the morning.
Red hot pain on right side near kidneys, could be kidneys.
Taken myself of statins and trying a natural way with a margarine manyfacturer, won't mention name.
Also started on no alcohol and no fats or very low fats, eating friut and veg like hell!
cholestral is 6.2(UK figure, States is different?)
Question now is, how can i rid myself of this statin now in my blood, organs and joints, then tell me when we are all getting together to take thesed rug companies to court?
I have been on 40mg Simvistatin for 3 years. The only problems have been muscle twinges in one shoulder that has failed to heal over time as most muscle twinges do. In fact, the source of pain seems to be growing or spreading, which is worrying.
Statins seem to be protective against some age-related dementias, as well as against cardiovascular disease (CVD), but there are mixed opinions about whether these are as a direct result of lowering blood cholesterol, or are "off target" effects of the statins.
My greatest concern is that I have heard that the incidence of CVD amongst people who have been on statins but have stopped is three times greater than would otherwise be expected. Can this rumour be clarified, pleased.
I'm 63 now. I took Lipitor for 5 weeks in 2007, experienced terrible side effects...cramps, weakness, severe pain. Went off it and all symptoms disappeared within two weeks. Also experienced a major resurgence of energy. Because of cholesterol issues, risk factors, and presence of occlusions, however, Dr. wanted me on a statin...tried Vytorin first. A disaster. Major weakness, loss of energy, cramps, muscle pain. Off it for 3 weeks. Everything improved, but body was still not back to normal. Went on Crestor 5 months ago (low dose, 10 mg/day) and everything seemed fine, but in the last 6 weeks I am not sleeping well, exercising normally or even moving normally....my knees and legs hurt so badly. There are days when I can hardly move, much less walk comfortably. Never have had anything like this before. Tonight I am writing this at 3 a.m. because I can't sleep...I describe the pain as "deep, deep pain, almost as if it is in the very core of my bones" in both legs, from high in the hip all the way to my toes. The muscles in both legs are always tense, and jerky as I try to lie still. For months now, I haven't been able to tolerate even a sheet and light blanket over my feet, because any weight at all on my extremities makes my legs and feet cramp. So I came to this site seeking information because I'm scared to death...now I think I've learned I'm not alone and the Crestor may well be the root of my problems. I'm calling my physician tomorrow. I had no problems at all when I was taking red yeast rice, so I just have to go back to that along with omega-3 fish oil supplements and hope I can return to normal. This is hell on earth. Life is literally not worth living if you can't even get yourself out of a chair....I'd much rather return to the (extremely) active person I was and trust that movement alone will keep me healthier than feeling (and acting) like a slug, albeit with lower cholesterol numbers.
I am 55yrs old in great shape as a builder/ contractor started Simvastatin within 5 weeks I got very sick, weak, muscle pain in total back which moved to my lower back legs and tingling and numbness in feet legs, hands. I was flushed in face and very weak. I stopped this statin durg and began to fell better after 5 days. I will go to Natural healing ways from now on. the side affects where a total nightmare.
I've been suffering for over a year w/restless legs watching TV, extreme tiredness, pain in my legs, low back pain, unbalance like, numbness in my left thumb and forefinger and now pain in my left heel. Can hardly walk at times.
Had all sorts of tests - MRI of my back/brain, ultrasound of my legs and the nerve test for carpal tunnel. All tests came back normal except for little arthritis/stenosis, but nothing surgical.
I got to thinking, hey, possibly the 40mg of Simastatin I've been on for over 2.5 years. I went on line and found all these people w/same symptons I have. I quit taking 8 days ago, and already feel more alert. I think my pain is some better. I did notify my Dr. and he told me numbers are good and will check clorestrol in 2months. If I continue to feel better, no way, am I going back on these pills. I had a minor problem w/Lipitor years ago too, but nothing like this. I'm not overweight and eat very healthy. My body just makes chlorestrol.
Keep posting, only way people can know about this stuff. It certainly isn't published. I do realize this doesn't affect everyone. What I don't understand is why the Dr. didn't suspect this when I kept going back. Oh, also my BP went up some which I've never had a problem. Will be interesting to see how this works out. Will post.
I am a 30 year old female. I've been on Lipitor since February. I've experienced all of the symptoms everyone has listed in previous posts...sometimes my body feels so heavy and weak it's like I'm underwater and can't move. My doctors just kept telling me to lose weight (I'm about 25 lbs overweight) and get more rest and I'd be fine. I could sleep for two days and still be exhausted. Last week I went to my doctor because I was so exhausted and my back hurt so bad I thought I was having kidney failure. She immediately told me to stop the Lipitor and sent off my blood work. I'm waiting for the results to come back; crossing my fingers there is no permanent damage. Thanks for all the useful info posted here.
Thank you for all your comments, you've all been very helpful. My physician finally talked me into taking Lipitor for high cholesterol. I have no other symptoms or risk factors for heart disease except heredity. However, he said I would start having heart problems in about 5 years, he guessed, because I'm post-menopausal. I've had a cardiolite stress test and my arteries are clean even though my cholesterol has been high for over 15 years (it runs in the family).
I listened to the doctor and started on the statin 2 weeks ago without adequate research. Within 2 days the muscle aches began. They spread rapidly, involving my gluteals and all thigh muscles. I now ache from head to toe and feel like I'm 90. I called my doctor but he hasn't been in to review my case and call me back. I stopped the Lipitor 2 days ago but am still hobbling around.
I did NOT start an exercise program - but this does feel just like I finished a marathon yesterday. It feels like lactic acid left in the muscle.
I will not use statins anymore after reading all your comments. I WILL start an exercise program and will live as long as God allows with less harsh measures.
Again, thank you all. Becky, RN
I am a healthy 51 year old female who has been on Zucor for 6 weeks. My cholesterol is at 280 but it has always been high. I am 135 lbs and my blood pressure is 90/70. I have been having all the symptoms listed above. I thought I was just getting old. I have had to result to prescription sleeping pills to sleep at night because of the throbbing pains in my hand and legs. After reading everyone's comments I called my doc who said to stop taking the meds today. I will never go back on them and hope my other healthy attributes will compensate what if for me normal cholesterol levels.
I have been taking Lipitor, Atenolol and Norvasc for several years now. For the past year I feel like I'm 100 years old! I am in my 60's and have aches and pains in my hips and legs with stiffness. Until reading these blogs, I thought it was maybe just "getting old." Now, I think it's the meds - probably the Lipitor. Maybe I'll switch to Pravachol, which my husband takes with no side effects - or maybe I'll just discontinue the Lipitor altogether and see what happens. Whaddaya think?
Hi Everyone,
My Dad was prescribed Crestor almost three years ago for high cholesterol. Within three weeks he began having muscle pain and weakness and immediately made an appointment with his doctor. He was taken off this strong statin and put on prednisone, which didn't seem to help. His doctor barely spent time with him at his appointments and didn't give additional useful advice. He just prescribed my Dad Vicodin, a painkiller.
Almost three years later, and many doctors and research, my Dad is still in pain. He owns his own business, which is a Kitchen and Bath Remodeling company which is obviously very slow in this economy right now, my sister and I are now both in college, our medical bills are piling up, my parents don't have health insurance..
It's completely stressful. I hate how the doctors he has seen just think it's a coincidence rather than the pain being caused from the Crestor. I have read so many things online about people suffering with similar side effects from statin drugs! Spacedoc.net was mentioned on this site and is a website my family has looked at for quite awhile now. It really shows how many more people have similar situations with statin drugs.
We can't make plans with the family, because we never know how my Dad will feel. He has trouble sleeping because of the pain. He doesn't know if he can go into work until the morning, so it is very difficult to make plans. Some days he feels okay, but mostly he is in pain, which is making him depressed. He is usally such a happy, fun guy! He was in a band when he was younger, has always played hockey, golf, etc. He hasn't been able to do any of those things. He is sick of sitting in the house and watching TV and taking Vicodin, which he takes every day and which sometimes just makes him whoozy and tired. My family hates seeing him like this! He has tried many new things-CoQ10, Fish Oil, Lidocine Shots (which help for a little bit but hurt to get). I believe his doctor was very neglectful. We have been trying to talk to lawyers. Class Actions Suits should definitely be put against these awful statin drugs!
PLEASE, PLEASE, do not go on a statin or let anyone you love try them! Try it the natural way first!! Eat healthy, exercise, take natural products!
I have been trying various ways to make money and I started selling Shaklee products in August. Everything is all natural, non-toxic, etc. The reason I decided to try out Shaklee was because of their good reputation and how I want to let people know to try things out the natural way first. There are natural products to lower cholesterol and help with other situations.
www.Shaklee.net/Shayna
My Dad has a doctor's appointment today. It just sucks because like many people have said, what is the diagnosis??
Also, my Dad has decided to apply for disability.. It really sucks. He is only 52!!
By the way, it's crazy how many people around my family have suffered with similar situations too. (We try and warn everyone)
I was at a fundraiser last weekend trying to sell some Shaklee products. The first person that came up to me asked how he could lower his cholesterol. I gave him some pamphlets and talked to him a little bit. He said he wanted to do it naturally because when he tried Lipitor, he started to have pain in his feet and they have never been the same.
A couple of years ago we had a customer who's father-in-law took Lipitor and was in pain and noticed a lot of problems with his memory.
Last year my Dad talked to someone who mentioned that he believed his Mom passed away from the statin drug she was on, but didn't know how he could prove it.
And lastly, and sadly, I had a Psychology teacher in high school who I really liked. After I graduated, my sister had her. One day, my sister was doing a presentation/debate about healthcare/drugs, etc. She explained our Dad's situation. The teacher took her aside after class and told her that her and her family believed that her husband got really sick and became paralyzed and passed away from taking a statin drug also.
This is how common it truly is and doctors don't understand!!
If you have questions or anything, let me know. I would especially appreciate advice if anyone has any.
Thanks everyone for sharing your situations also.
I started taking simvastatin (generic by Zydus Pharmaceuticals) in Sept. 2007 and it worked well and I really didn't have any problems. In Sept. 2008, the mail order pharmacy switched manufacturers to Dr. Reddy's from India, and they sent me simvastatin from there. About a week after I started it I began having vertigo, feeling very unwell (flu-like) and now for the past month I have had aching, weak thighs and lower back pain. I went to the neurologist yesterday and he thinks it is the simvastatin. Now I have to convince my primary dr. of that. My question is...do you have to wean off it or just stop cold turkey?
Lily
I have been taking Lipitor for 5yrs and developed severe thigh cramps as well as spasms in my shoulder and fingers. I am off the drug now after having a high myoglobin and CK level. I have very infrequent spasms of the muscles now ,but have a speech problem that developed along with the severe cramps. I don't actually slur my words, but my son says I talk like a person that has had a few too many drinks. I notice this myself. Has anyone else experienced a speech problem along with the cramps and spasms?
Eighteen months ago I started taking Vytorin. I am 62. I have type 2 diabetes, but well under control (total cholesterol=87) Otherwise good health. My endocrinologist has prescribed drugs for the diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure. Took Zocar before the Vytorin and I thought I was OK then.
One day I woke up and both of my calves were sore and weak and my both legs were very, very heavy feeling. I have not had pain though. I thought that I may have strained them somehow. Played golf twice after that. My legs got weaker and weaker. A neurologist gave me a diagnosis of statin induced myopathy. Said there was no treatment but to stay off my legs as much as possible so the muscles could repair themselves. My legs have gotten better little by little, but I still can barely walk, even with a cane after six weeks.
In retrospect, I think a number of mental and physical changes had occurred over the course of my statin therapy. My wife says I have been withdrawn and ill tempered for a long time and I did feel fatigued, I slowly seemed to lose overall strength and experienced a sort of brain fog. My golf game slowly deteriorated and my golf buddies nicknamed me “walkabout” because my mind did not seem to be on what I was supposed to be doing. My mind is clear now Most people apparently recover in 2-3 months after theropy adjustment. I am taking Coemzyne Q10 which helps some people.
After a lot of reading, I am beginning to question the cost/benefit analysis result of cholesterol manipulation using statins. While I certainly am not an expert, my reading indicates that while the statins may be touted as cutting the risk of a cardiovascular event by around 30% that may be deceiving. If your risk of such an event is 9% over five years, and statin theorapy cuts your absolute risk by 3%, the reduction is from 9% to 6%. Since the reduction of relative risk from 9% to 6% is a 33% reduction, a 33% reduction can truthfully be claimed. To me, a 3% absolute risk reduction versus the side effects of statins is a cost/benefit analysis one may want to consider. Such an analysis certainly should not be made without consultation with a doctor.
This blog is making the problems I had developed over the past three years make much more sense. Originally nine years ago I was placed on Crestor for elevated cholesterol findings. After taking it for six+ months I developed an allergic reaction to it (itching, rash). Then was tried on Niacin, but I was discontinued on that because of side effects. Eventually was placed on pravastatin, 40 mg. This kept my cholesterol readings in check until about a year ago when it was increased to 80 mg. I started suffering from leg, foot and hip pains which were attributed to increasing osteoarthritis which I have had for many years. I had previously been placed on CoQ10 and also take Omega-3 capsules.
I am a 71 year old active healthy female who has always been able to exercise and work without any problems. This past year has been spent in increasing pain and stiffness and so thinking it was arthritis I was placed on 1000 mg of acetaminophen and 50 mg of tramadol 3X daily. It hasn't been very effective and a week ago had fasting lab work that showed my enzymes to be 486. My Dr's office called yesterday to ask me to stop the pravastatin immediately and to retake my blood work in two weeks and reschedule a visit. I spent last night awake with pain for most of the night. Will try more careful diet and exercise but will not consider statins again.
Looking over the past statements here is like someone reading my mind. Thanks
I am so glad we read this blog! Not because of Dr. Richman's poor advice but because of the poor victims of the Cholesterol hoax
cooked up by greedy drug czars, who have written in their experiences with these drugs. It makes a person realize that drs. eveidently don't listen very well. we also learned about CoQ10
and the possible relief of the leg and foot pain that my husband is experiencing because of being on cholesterol meds, including provachol, simvistatin, zocor etc.
We will get him on Q10 stat! He went from being able to do anything he wanted in work, to not being able to do anything workwise, in just 1 year. Please don't take these drugs. He took himself off. Said he would rather die of heart attack than live as a cripple.
How long does it take to get better? The foot and lower leg persists 5 weeks off crestor. The extreme muscle pain is gone but I'm still not right.
Has anyone had problems with taking Pravastatin?
well i do not have any pain .. what i do have is lot of my muscles shaking .. mostly my legs and hips, but also my shoulders and back now ... not sure why .. i do have lupus.. and i am 49 yrs .. does anyone have any ideas as to why my hole body shakes...
Thank you,..
Beth
For those of you who have been injured by statin, and I see most of you who have posted here have. I would like to suggest reporting your experience to the statin study at the university of california San diego. Google "statin study UCSD"
Also there are helpful internet groups. One called "stopped our statins" and a Yahoo group called "Taking Lipitor and Hate it"
You can also find excellent information from Dr. Graveline who suffered amnesia from lipitor. His site is spacedoc.net
Also medications.com and askapatient.com have reports from others that have suffered from statins. Just enter the drug name.
Folks,
Spent the last hour reading every blog. Seemed as if I was reading my own life story covering the last 6 months. I was on Zetia for a year and now Vytorin for the last year. I work two jobs and have atrributed all of these problems (in my mind) to overwork and exhaustion. I am now convinced the statin is most likely my problem and took my last pill TODAY. Looking forward to getting my life back (hopefully). Thank you for your feedback. Let me know when the class action is organized. Signed-46 year old active male with moderate cholesteral problem.
Hello everyone,
Well, I just read all of your blogs and I must admit...they scare the crap out of me! I am a newcomer in the game! I am a 43 year old male and after getting a routine physical my blood work revealed total cholesterol of 268, 52HDL and 191LDL. My Dr prescibed simvistatin 80mg and I have been on this medication for only 5 months. Other than elevated cholesterol, I was in terrific health. I excersize regularly and started noticing sharp pain in my left outer elbow. I have had a slight case of tendinitis in the past and could easily work thru it.
The pain has gotten so severe I have not been weight training for over 1 mo. I know my body well and I should be healing and feeling relief by now but the pain has gotten worse! I`m even feeling pain & numbness in my other elbow and left knee. I called the simvistatin help-line and reported my problem and the lady told me to stop taking the med and see my doctor! My Dr basically gave me the brush-off! I have been off the statin for about 1 week and still feel the pain! I began taking Wobenzyme N, Coenzyme Q-10 and just ordered cod liver oil. After doing a lot of Internet research, I chose the treatment of enzyme`s & cod liver oil to hopefully get my joints back to normal! As for my cholesterol, I am trying green tea capsules and chewable fiber pills. Sounds weird but my sister`s Doctor told her to do this and she had great results!
I am convinced that the statin messed me up! I hope I caught it early enough! Good luck to all of you and God bless!
Very interesting reading. I have been taking Red Yeast Rice and COQ10 for several years--no side effects, and great results. HDL over 100--very rare, my dr. says. But all these stories scare me--a new doctor has suggested that COQ10 is totally unnecessary, although most, if not all, ads for Red Yeast Rice include COQ10 as part of the treatment package. Any ideas/experiences/comments regarding this particular "natural" statin therapy?
My husband has always been very active and full of energy. Then his doctor discovered that he has high cholesterol. He decided to put my husband on Lipitor and Niaspan about two years ago. Let me tell you, the change was immediate! Now he has constant pain and weakness in all of his muscles, he has constant fatigue (he literally can't stay awake some days),he has bad stomach cramps and bloating, and even his mental alertness has deteriated drastically! He barely eats most days because, if he eats, his stomach hurts so bad he can't stand it! And the sad part is, it really hasn't changed his cholesterol levels that much. His doctor acts like his symptoms are not important. I read everyone elses blogs and have decided that I will be taking him off these statins TODAY!! Thanks everyone for the info.
Thank you for the information on the red yeast rice. I went to CVS and bought a bottle today! I can only hope I have as good of results as you!
Goodday, for over a year I've been having this cutting pain just above my stomach, on the left side below my left breast direction. I've had a gastroscope done because of muscle spazims, and nothing was found. The spazims have now turned to this cutting pain like someone is passing a razor blade on the inside of my. Please shade some like on what I'm going through. I have had medications to controll stomach valves and food not staying down.
I am 46 years old, slim, active and not overweight, with a total cholesterol of 209. I was started on Symvastatin (generic for Zocor) last week. After taking the drug for just three days, I've already developed severe calf and thigh pain and it bothers me to walk--walking is my passion. I am NOT going to take any more, especially after reading this blog. I feel this stuff is toxic. My late husband died of complications of rhabodmyolysis (not from statins)--no thanks. I'm going to further modify my diet--I'd rather cut out the microwave popcorn and once-a-week omlette than destroy my muscles and vital organs. I'll let my doctor know I'm stopping but am not interested in being switched to anything--I'll try the "au naturale" approach first.
Years ago, anything below 200 was an "acceptable" cholesterol number--now suddenly it must be lower than 120? When did this occur?
I was recently put on Zocor and after just 3 days have had severe leg cramps and dark urine. I've discontinued the med. altogether and question whether I should have been on it in the first place. Here are my stats:
46 y/o female, no hypertension, no diabetes, slim, not overweight.
Cholesterol 289, HDL 113, triglycerides 56, LDL calc. 165
There is family history of sudden cardiac death in a couple of relatives.
These numbers are slightly elevated, but are full-blown statins warranted here?
Has anyone been placed on statins with these (or lower) numbers?
I feel providers are far too quick to put people on this stuff before trying other less "dangerous" methods of cholesterol lowering.
I feel the same way no relief from the pain in the adomomen right and left signs. Please let me know if something works.
Does anyone know whether muscle damage due to statins can be discovered in an autopsy? I am an organ donor, but I want the medical community to look at my muscles and heart to see what has happened due to the Vytorin. Also, be sure to check out drcate.com, More About Cholesterol Pills. Very informative. Now we need a solution, a cure, a remedy. The next step for me is a total juice diet or raw food. We all know the terrible damage done from the drugs, but we need a solution. Pls let us know what worked for you. I am desperate. I am still experiencing all the symptoms 9 months later. Mainly concerned about breathing difficulty and fatigue. Got a Dr. appt next week and a physical at the end of the month. I will present all my research to my Dr. next week. He is not to blame, the drug companies, who are usually very dependable, have let us down.
I am a 53 year old female, healthy, exercise 6 times a week and eat good foods - I do not eat meat. Over the past 6 or 7 years I had been on various statins: Pravachol, Zetia, Vytorin, Crestor. I had blood work done every 3 mos and my blood levels never ever revealed any abnormalities. I had been switched to each new statin after developing mild muscle aches but more bothersome was intense burning in my feet, mainly the balls of my feet. My doctor was not convinced these were from the statins I was taking at the time but he switched me to the next one anyway. I was put on Crestor in April 2008. Not only did the burning sensation return on the balls of my feet, but I had a strange sensation in the heels. I also started having weird muslce pulls, particularly in my calfs, which never have been injured in my active life, and experienced thigh pain and tendonitis in my elbows and stiffness in my shoulders. I felt if this was old age, I would have killed myself - I was turning into a cripple. I saw my orthopedic doctor for the joint pain and when he found out I was taking Cresot, he went ballistic, telling me statins are poison and that the damage may be permanent. I freaked out. I then decided on my own to stop all statins in September 2008. It took till now (January 2009) to feel like I am getting my life back. No longer do I have the calf pulls or the extremem tightness and pain in my thighs. Mild tenderness in the knees and elbows still but they are not at all crippling. Shoulder tightness completely gone. I feel like a complete new woman. I am taking plant extracts now to control the cholesterol but like someone else above posted, even if the plant extracts are not fully effective, I will take my chances with higher cholesterol rather than being a total cripple as I was becoming.
I took Zocor for over 5 years and ended up with excruciating pains in both legs (from toe to hip). My doctor was horrified when he saw the muscle wastage in my legs. I also suffered a narrowed (and blocked) ureter and had to have a kidney stent for a couple of months last year and it was suspected that this resulted from statins too. I know of at least 4 people (just at my workplace) who have suffered similar effect too. Of course I no longer take statins and I am amazed that the facts about these drugs have not yet made the headlines in the UK - in fact you can buy them without prescription and I feel the public here urgently need to be made aware of the dangers.
When I tried to find this area of Statins and Muscle Pain on WebMD I discovered it is no longer easy to find. I guess you will have to put Cholesterol Management 101 into the search. I refer people all the time to visit this area. What I had to do today to pull it up will prevent others from ever making it here. There is now a number to call for reporting side effects from drugs. It is: 1-800-FDA-1088. Let's all be proactive and do our part. Please call your Senators and Representatives to make them aware of how damaging these drugs are to many people. Physical education for children and young adults, diet modification, but NO STATINs for young people! It is creating expensive disabilities already in adults.
My 65 year old brother was on lipitor and tricor. He had health issues but none life threatening. His physical in March of 06 was excellent and his colesterol was 116. In June he went to his diabetes doctor [ had been diabetic for 5 years] hIS CHECK UP WAS GREAT. His test that Friday showed perfect control for his diabetes. Doctor raved about how well he was doing. On the way home my brother gives me a NEW prescription NIASPAN I ask why and my brother said it was for colesterol. On Sunday he took his first and last dose of NIASPAN. I was downt stairs doing laundry and came back upstairs and found my brother less than an hour after taking his medicine. I first thought he was asleep, he had died. I tried cpr called 911. He was warm but he was gone. NIASPAN is a very dangerous drug and I am going to go ALL the way in warning people. The diabetes doctor is a quack and I have just started with him. He has a lot to explain. My brother DID NOT need more medicine.This doctor also Lectures all over the country about how great Niaspan is. He told me that. Statins are dangerous and so is Niaspan. Go to askapatient.com about Niaspan. Lots of problems......
CRESTOR JUST ABOUT STOPPED MY LIFE!!! I do NOT CARE what the doctors say-it is awful. I took HALF the dose of a 5 mg pill and oh yes, my cholestrol hit rock bottom but 8 months later- almost overnight I fell "apart." Now 3 years later, I still have the nagging pains to remind me what a fool I was taking Crestor. ONE DAY-just like with the female harmones they use to want to give to everyone-it will be found that these statin drugs do more harm than good. You just wait. I only WISH the companies who make these drugs had to PAY OUT THE $ to everyone who has had all these pains due to their money making poisons!!!!!!!!!
My husband and I found out his cholesterol was high in 1999 when applying for a 30 year term insurance policy. He had to pay $1500 but I insisted he was healthy! I started treating his cholesterol with all sorts of herbals and low dose Zocar. In 4 weeks, he landed in the hospital with signs of a heart attack. After all tests, he had had a spontaneous pneumothorax in a lung lobe. All of his cholesterol numbers were normal. Dr said Zocar wouldn't have dropped it so fast, so I called Colestin who made a Ma Huang/Red Yeast Rice drug in 1999 and asked them if it could have caused this? The scientist said it stripped his body of cholesterol at the cellular level leaving his lungs exposed when all tissues require cholesterol. "I strongly urge you not to give this to your husband again," he said. I gave that insurance company a full look a his labs and completely clear heart cath from that admit (they took 4 days to find out what had happened with the lung because the heart was in great shape!) The insurance company put me up to the preferred plus rate and sent me back the overcharge of the yearly rate and we pay $764 yearly as we had asked for. They were sure he was a good risk after checking out his heart cath and medical record. Our cardiologist did not blame the statins though. He just said he had never heard of Cholestin. A few years later we tried Lipitor and he could not ride his bike from work to home a mile away without falling out on the bed the third day and saying "I will never take that stuff again." It felt like being poisoned he said. His muscles were so weak. He has now had a rotator cuff repair and tennis elbow repair when he could not till our garden, hold our newborn, and finally pick up a cup of coffee without severe pain. As a cardiac RN, I told him I saw more harm than good in the CCU/CSU and so we decided to do as he always has, eat a Mediterranean type diet. He has never been much for sweets either and his triglycerides are normal. A year ago, we started taking herbals when getting into shape and I found that I could get Red Yeast Rice without the Ma Yaug that has been taken off the market. After a month, my husband was totally impotent and at 53 he has never experienced that! His muscles were weak and he has said he feels they have never been the same since 1999. I could have died when I read up on that stuff to see IT IS WHAT THE FIRST STATIN MEVACOR IS MADE OF! I found that Spacedoc.net site I think it was and it told of men having the same problems and we learned about CoQ10depletion. It took 2 full months for things to be back to normal and yet he went through a depression that I felt I could not get him out of until his system was better. Now, we have 4 children instead of the 2 we got the first insurance for and in applying for insurance we found his cholesterol was 287 (but we had just eaten out the night before) and HDL 62 with a ratio of 4.56. Not bad in my opinion as the healthy cholesterol is high and his ratio almost normal. But since it is not 260 total with a 4.5 ratio, guess what? They want him to have a standard rate one above a smoker and charge us almost double for 30 years! When the standard rate allows a 280 cholesterol with a 6.5 ratio! How RISKY is THAT person and they can actually be on statins that cause all of these problems we are reading about! NO WAY WE ARE TOUCHING A STATIN. His family lives into their 90's and 80's when they smoke. I have read a lot about high cholesterol and longevity lately that also makes me think we are right to stay away from statins. I could drop his cholesterol in a short period of time to get a great rate but would not for the damage it may cause my Baby. God Bless the person who is able to get Congress to listen to this poisoning of so many people!
After reading some of the comments on this website I decided to post some of my problems with Lipitor. I am a seventy-eight year old very healthy woman..not overweight and exercise and eat very sensibly. I was fine until my doctor-daughter thought I had had a TIA. She sent me to the neighboring ER, where they did numerous inconclusive tests and sent me home with a prescription for 80 mgs of Lipitor daily. I didn't read the monograph accompanying the med, and so went my merry way having a glass of wine with my meal each evening. After a week of Lipitor and wine, I got terribly ill. My primary care doc said to stop the Lipitor and cut out rich foods. Liver function was fine. I gradually felt less nauseous and strength returned to my legs, but six months later I still get very nauseous for as long as a week or ten days when I eat anything the least bit rich or buttery. Is this going to go on forever? I love food, and I'm sick of feeling so tired and sick at my stomach! What can I do??? If anyone else has had a similar experience, I'd like to know about it.
Janievince@Yahoo.com
This sure is enlightening. I came to this site looking for answers regarding the use of statins and muscle weakness. I am a 72 year old woman who has taken Lipitor for almost 3 years. I have never had muscle pain; however, over the past few months I have noticed that when getting out of my car my legs tremble and it is difficult to I stand up. Also, I cannot stand up from couch height without something to help push myself up. I have had neurologic damage in the past but it had resolved several years ago. I am basically a very active person and this new onset of weakness has troubled me. Now I am concerned that the ongoing use of Lipitor may have caused this problem. My mother was strong at 72(until she developed cancer) and my sister lived to age 91. I am now determined to discuss this with my doctor and ask that I be taken off this drug. I may ask to go to Pravochol, which I have read is not as strong as Lipitor.
glad to see I am not the only one with these problems. All of the doctor just roll their eyes and tell me it has nothing to do with the statins. I also took red rice because the doctor told me I had to take something to lower my cholesterol or I would have a Heart attack. I stayed on it for about 2 months and now my tendon in my foot is so bad I wear inserts all of the time I have no balance in it. I am only 53 and I can not walk without shoes and my inserts.
At age 56 I began Liptor. Four months later my insurance wouldn't cover it and I switched to Pravachol. Within a few weeks I developed serious edema in weight-bearing joints and myalgia. My doctor took me off it immediately and the conditions cleared up within a week or so. Several months later I decided to go back on Lipitor, since I seemed to do well with it. Within a couple weeks I experienced myopathic symptoms. I got off it immediately and within the week the pain went away. About six months after having taken no statin I went on Zetia. Within a week the myalgia returned, as well as difficulty breathing. I got off it and it cleared within a week. My doctor decided statins weren't for me. My doctor retired and a few years later my new endocrinologist talked me into taking Vytorin since it wasn't metabolized in the liver and therefore not really a stating, so he said. Within four days I suffered the same symptoms all over again, went off it and was lucky enough to return to normal. Each time I tried a new drug my symptoms came on faster. For example: I normally walk 1.7 miles in 25 minutes. When on statins I'm lucky if I can make one tenth of a mile in 15 minutes. Since the last go-round with a statin [a few years ago] I've found that TDAP booster now affects me the same way, as do several meds that fall in the cytochrome P450 family.
I've had doctors tell me that I really need to take statins. My cholesterol levels are barely out of the normal range. I tell them to fotget it and not bring it up again or I'll fire them.
I have taken Lipitor for about 2 years. About 2 months ago I developed severe muscle pain in my groin, then my side and now my leg. I cannot lift my leg more tha 2 inches. I stopped Lipitor 2 weeks ago and the pain seems worse. My CK test was normal. How long will it take to get the drug out of my system? can I take pregnasone? I am close to house bound. I am 63 and until this in perfect health.
Would it do any good to leave a comment about how Zocor destroyed my husband and destroyed our way of life? Nobody will take on the drug companies to stop the statin drugs even though...now...they finally admit to causing muscle damage and kidney failure...and finally gave it a name..."rhabdomyolysis"...shame on the medical doctors that still prescribe statins and back up the drug companies by saying that the risks justify the people lives they are destroying...my husband is a human being and the drug Zocor destroyed his quality life and shortened his lifespan...he is still alive today because of a nutritional product, but our lifestyle and his successful construction business ended because of Zocor and we ended up having to file bankruptcy. The statin drugs need to be pulled from the market and compensation made to all the people that these statins drugs have destroyed.
Thanks to all your comments I think I now know why all my muscles ache. I have been asking my doctor for months why I hurt so much. This morning I called and demanded a complete work up. I told her that this isnt right and something is wrong. Then i found this sight. My concern is that the drug companies push these new medications thru the FDA without fully doing studies on them. We are the guiney pigs. And after people get ill they take them off the market. I notice what used to be considered the normal range in blood work keeps getting lower. Hmmmmm wonder why??? Could it be the billion dollar drug companies want to make even MORE money and get everyone on these medications???. God knows they charge enough for these medications.As you might of noticed I am not happy. After reading how all of you and myself have suffered. Are there any organizations who track the testing of these drugs that are made available to the public?? Let me know at lenorecook@hotmail.com..
I'm a very healthy 50 year old male, lift weights and do aerobic exercise regularly, UNTIL this past Christmas. All of a sudden I developed horrible "apparent" migraines and extreme fatigue. I could not get out of bed early this past holiday (I teach, so I had a couple of weeks off), and I went to the doctor, and he prescribed migraine medication. Then, the body and muscle aches came on, numbness and tingling in my right hand and foot, and still the headaches. I went again to the doctor and he told me it was just trauma from all the years of working out. Well, this after only a few months of Pravastatin. I stopped it on my own and the muscles aches and pains have gone away, although I'm still fatigued, and the neck pains and headaches continue. MRIs showed nothing, so what else could it be. I've decided I'll control cholesterol my way. I can't work out as much as I used to, although I force myself out there. I can't do aerobic exercise for as long a period as I used to, but I still force myself. I won't stop working it, and I hope it will all get out of my system, and I don't have permanent damage, especially in my head. The headache just won't go away. When I told my doctor about the muscle aches and pains, including chest (muscle)pains, he did and EKG and all was fine, and he said he wasn't going to "pursue it." Now I know, and I won't take any more statins.
I'm sorry, I meant numbness and tingling in "left hand and foot," not my right side.
Question.
can your ck levels be slightly elevated and have A.L.S.? i have B.F.S. and my CK was 318 a yr ago now its 219 the high for the lab is 210 needs help with thios before more $ spent on testing ect
If you have a comment about this blog post, you are in the right place. However, if you have a question for Dr. Richman, please visit him on the Cholesterol Management message board.
I started taking Simvastatin last fall. Within a month I started having trouble with my knees but attributed to getting older. I also had wrist and elbow pain but blamed computer use. I had difficulty stooping. I am a 59 year old female and an accomplished downhill skier. I was able to ski early January reasonably well. I did not fall or in any way injure myself. But 3 weeks later my knee pain suddenly elevated and started to have trouble walking, using the stairs. I also had muscle pain in the legs radiating from the knee. After getting really bad, losing a week of work, I decided to stop taking Simvastatin. Within 2 days I began to feel better. Within 4 weeks I was able to go skiing. I skied wonderfully and pain free. Unfortunately - just in time for the end of the ski season. I do not plan to restart this medication. My doctor says I have arthritis. Well the arthritis went away too.
I wrote earlier to Dr. Richman re: my husband on Lovastatin. My husband could not move at all and had to be hospitalized for a week. Now his muscles and bones hurt so much he can't do anything. The doctors finally think that he may have: PMR Poly Myalgia Rheumatica, an inflamatory disease of the bloodstream. He cannot make red blood cells. So now he's on 20 mgms. of steroids for 3 to 6 months to see if that will help him. Thank you. Barb Nagle
Glad I found this site. Stopped taking lipitor d/t 8x high creatnine kinase level which kind of freaked me out. 6 wks later after I stopped taking it and back in normal range I noticed the nighttime cramping in my thighs went away. Noticed that the pain between my shoulders lifting a suitcase also disappeared. Thought I need stronger reading glasses but now notice that the bluriness is gone. To the physician in the 4th post "seeing comments from so many people that don't have a clue what they are talking about and have absolutely no prospective clinical evidence from any trial to support any of their claims made. Certainly everyone is entitled to their opinions",
We are the clinical trial and we're telling you the very real side effects we are experiencing, real live human subjects, what more do want, you can't make this stuff up. The lab test wasn't my opinion. As a physcian why don't you post your name like Drs. Richman and Rosenthal?
Feeling better every day.
We are the mice that can speak about all of this & others have not. The outcomes occurring via statins violate our first sense of well being we are hurting and something is wrong.
After feeling very good after open heart by pass surgery. Then 3 months later a cartologist put me on Vytorin and the pain was horrible and occurred at night before taking the Vytorin. I called continually and knew it was the Vytorin causing this. I was told to continue taking the Vytorin. I myself stopped taking Vytorin after 3 months. I was also taking the 81mg aspirin and high blood pressure and a duretic med. I then stopped all meds because my heart was definately impacted. So was my sight and large muscels.
My internist put me on Lipitor about 6 months later along with blood pressure medicine and diabetic med. The results were worse. I awoke one morning unable to walk and the next day the meds in the bottles went into a plastic bag and remain there as a reminder.
Through all of this my thinking also became suspect and I knew that was abnormal and also something new and considered all of the results as being my body telling me that something was wrong and changing and abnormal for me and my previous life results.
I can only hope now and in the future as I change to eating and drinking closer to nature that science will learn the lessons again from us the talking and able to relate to science what their findings can not is this> Unless they know how to reverse the outcomes of what they prescribe, medical science is risking our lives and current and future health outcomes.
It all seems to be a test and we are the testers with nothing more being done than to collect answers put on a chart/survey confirming results preferred confirming the medicines only. And then asking the mice what happened.
I agree with this posting board that statins are dangerous and so much so that, I can no longer take aspirins or vitimins. While now having to live with a much more deteriated body and life. As many others have stated I got that 90 year old body long before I should have.
So, I will begin with what science is so amazed by the "half life" of what is still the something, something of uncertainity and unknowning. Hopefully the risking of my half life beyond my knowledge of their science and medicines has taught me what I needed to be reminded of regarding science. I need to stay skeptical and use great caution whenever presented the cure that has no reversal if the cure can kill.
I also certainly agree that children and young persons should avoid all man made medicines.
If you have your health you have everything. If you do not you might end up on this post, telling us about the results.
I am seeing my dr tomorrow and have stopped Lipitor after sudden, unexplained severe,thigh pain when minutes before I was fine. A couple of months before, the same happened in my upper arms. A month before, it was only at night about 3AM. Unlike anything I had ever had. No more statins ever! My blood tests are fine! This is ridiculous. I hope that means no permanent injury. Ibuprophen for 3 days took away most of the pain. I walk a lot and am healthy in all other ways. Would like to contact the Cleveland clinic dr!
I can't believe I have stumbled on to this website.I was on WEB MD looking up rotator cuff tears and clicked on muscle pain and here I am.Amazing!!! I am a 47 year old female healthy ,normal weight, have been physically active all my life.With one exception. High LDL cholesterol.I started this battle 17 years ago. I have tried low fat diet, low carbs,niacin, and finally in 2003 after a lot of hesitation, Lipitor.The 10 mg dose was the lowest I could take and within 3 months my LDL had dropped 94 points.This got me into the NORMAL range.My good HDL was high 78 and TRIGS 56 which they had always been even before Lipitor.My doctor was happy and there did not seem to be any adverse effects.All tests were normal for the next 3 years.I still was uncomfortable with taking statins and some of my family members thought they were dangerous so I decided to stop them and see what my numbers were.About that time strange things started happening.I had pain in my right arm in one spot in my Bicep.It came and went.Then I had pain in my elbow .Then down my arm and up to my shoulder.My doctor said it was "nothing".Then my upper back got sore like I had over exercised without stretching.Then I started to have anxiety, couldnt eat, tingling in my hands and back of neck.I ended up on the sofa for 4 months thinking that I was dying and slowly losing my mind.I could not think anymore and not even able to make decisions or even balance my checkbook. My vision was becoming blurry which I could not believe because it had been 20/20 before I stopped the Lipitor.My husband thought I was going to have to go to the psych ward at our local hospital.This all happened mind you AFTER I went off the Lipitor.Finally my doctor put me on a antidepressant which started me on the slow road back.I finally got my appetite back.I had developed and ulcer during the time I was anxious& depressed, so I had to take nexium to get the ulcer healed.It was like I had been going down for months after I stopped the Lipitor and I had to hit a bottom before I could start up again.Slowly I got off the Nexium, back on vitamins, started fish oil,and was able to get back to work and back closer to my self.Then this past December I started having pain in my shoulder again.I went to my doctor and he said it was probably a shoulder inpingement or maybe a slight rotator cuff injury.I reminder him of my last issues with pain in that area and he gave me vicodin and told me to bump up my anti depressant dosage.This did not help the shoulder but made me tired and worried that I was going down again.I then started to get pain in the muscles on both sides of my neck and when I inhaled deeply it felt like I had a broken rib on my left side.This pain was so strange because it would come and go from one side to the other.I went to another doctor and was told the same thing but this time was given muscle relaxers , anti inflammatories and more vicodin.By this time I was getting pissed and started a very gental yoga stretching routine and weaned myself off all medication.My pain started to slowly subside all but the rotator cuff pain which was what I was looking into on WEBB MD when I found this blog site.This whole time no one including myself figured out that my problems were likley the Lipitor that I had taken for 3 years.I can't believe this.I have a lot of family with all kinds of cholesterol numbers and many friends my age and younger on statins.My 74 year old mother in law has very high LDL for 43 yearsShe has refused to take statins.She is healthy in all other ways on no meds and helped me finally decide not to take statins ever again saying that the science is not there to offset the risks and the drug companies have essentially bought and paid for the research to support the explosion of the statin epidemic.It's all about the MONEY people.Again she told me this before I found this sight and put this all together.I hope that you all get better.Don't get discouraged. The human body is an amazing machine .Keep trying!!!
My experience with statins has not been good. The muscle pain has been severe and did not stop when changed (I've tried 5 different brands). The doctor's comment about working through the muscle pain is the feed back I have received. However, the pain was in the chest muscles, so any deep breath was painful. I am now on Zetia. It may not be as effective but it sure makes the quality of life 100X better. Not all medications are meant for everyone.
Five years ago, I was put on a statin drug because of elevated cholesterol. I experienced tingliing weakness in my left leg and severe arm/ shoulder pain. I stopped it and the pain went away. Out of curiousity, I tried it again and the symptoms returned. I told my doctor I would not take statins. The women in my family have always had high cholesterol readings after menopause, but the ratio has always been very good and there have never been any deaths related to it. Two years ago my aunt died from ALS. Her symptoms appeared after taking a high dose of Lipitor for only 3 months. The first symptom was a numb tongue and slurred speech. Six weeks ago my doctor told me to take 1200 mg of RED RICE YEAST twice a day. I now have had a numb tongue for five weeks and am experiencing a slight difficulty pronouncing certain words and seem to have become more clumsy than normal. I have stopped the red rice yeast and will begin taking COQ10 (recommended by my son, a family practitioner).
When I called my son to explain these symptoms this morning, he looked up the ingredient in red rice yeast and discovered it was a statin, something he wasn't aware of.
Naturally, I'm concerned.
I am a 63 year old white woman. My mother died at age 72 from a sudden heart attack. Eight years ago my Dr. recommended Lipitor to reduce cholestrol levels. Shortly afterwards as getting out of bed one morning, I fell as my right let 'gave way' for no apparent reason.
I saw my Dr. and he could not explain why this had happened. After one week, I was able to walk again.
As months went by I still had the deep muscle aches in my right thigh.
I stopped taking Lipitor about two years ago and now take 2000 mg Niacin and an aspirin each day. My cholestrol is currently 288, but my triglycerides are improved and 'good cholestrol' levels are improved.
However, I STILL have severe and what I consider permanent muscle damage in my right thigh. I was always active, fit and healthy, and until I discovered this site, thought all my leg problems were due to age and arthritis.
I struggle daily to cope... have two horses to care for. I have great difficulty sleeping and feel that I will have to live with these disabilities for the rest of my life.
I simply don't understand why my Dr. has not taken my symptoms seriously. Are the numbers of patients who have permanent disabilities been virtually ignored? My retirement years with plans for travel, horse riding, walking,etc. seem to have been shattered.
I am not convinced that these symptoms will ever go away. They are permanent!
I want to suggest that the two ladies ( and anyone else with memory issues even minor ones)that left the most recent two posts read this book."LIPITOR Theif of Memory Statin Drugs And The Misguided War on Cholesterol",by DUANE GRAVELINE,M.D. I just read this book and can't believe what is going on with the lack of information for patients and apparently our doctors Dr. Graveline tells about his own experience with Lipitor and memory issues.This man was also an astronaut,aerospace medical research scientist and a flight surgeon.This book really helped me realize the magnitude of the statin problem.I bought this after reading these posts last week and leaving my story three posts back.The more I read the more shocked I am about the lack of information on the side effects.People are suffering and and there doesn't seem to be anyone paying attention.We need to inform ourselves and each other and not wait for our doctors, the FDA, or especially the drug companies to inform us about what is going on.
I am back to write some more.(Boyd Fry) I am one of the very first people to post here. I am still not taking any statins. I have had a couple of very serious conversations with my physician about them since then. I am going to have a CT scan to check my heart and aretery status in June. Our discussion came about the "Quality of Life" issues concerning statins. Her argument is that it is the lesser of two evils to suffer the statins than the results of a stroke from plaque build-up in the arteries. I said she has to suffer what I have gone thru to make a judgement call of this nature. Why live miserably to the point of disfunction from statins? Lesser of two evils? I think it is a choice of an evil or a risk. I have no family history of ANY relative suffering the consequences of elevated cholesterol levels. All my ancestors suffered the consequences of smoking or just plain wore out from time. No strokes. They just stopped ticking. I am more inclined to await the end of "ticking" without the misery bestowed upon my being by statins. I notice the number of people posting here is growing rapidly. The statin medications are just too big a business to interrupt with the results of long term studies. They are like tobacco and alcohol to the government. Revenue enhancers for their insatiable fiscal appetite. The drug lobby is too large and rich to seriously set aside for the sake of the populace. The politicos survive and thrive on the funds for their elections so they will forever turn a blind eye to the problem. I believe many of them are victoms of the "Thief of Memory" themselves. They forget what they promised everyone but the financial donors. Make no mistake, this problem is a matter of money over substance.
I am 49, white female,and had heart stent 3 yrs ago.Started several meds including zocor.After 9 mths I had dizziness that progressed to vertigo and I found myself passed out in my backyard trying to let the dog out.I woke up to her licking my face.That eventually passed but after 1 yr started to have severe fatigue and tiredness, weakness in all muscles.Condition has progressed to severe pain in tops of ankles, heels,calf back and front,knees,shoulders,elbows,forearm,wrists and back.Like others, I have read about, it takes several tries to roll over at night, and getting out of bed is a task.I have to stand in one spot to get my feet to start working as it feels like I am walking on tree stumps! Steps are difficult up and down and I feel like I am 90.
After 18 mths on zocor I began to have trouble urinating, and sought docs help.Found kidney stones and in the last yr have had 2 treatments of lithotripsy for stones.
I am very ambitious person and the only thing that makes me push on is desire to not be crippled. My mind wants to accomplish but my body is not coming along for the ride.I have been so frustrated in my declining health. My family thinks I am nuts and whining because, like others, I seem to be functioning day to day.What they don't realize is that it is taking every bit of mental energy I have to keep pushing. I am glad I found all of you.I can finally stop thinking I am going crazy and put a reason to why I feel like I do,as the doc has tested me for various diseases like lupus, RA, and other autoimmune disorders at my urging.I think I know now what is wrong with me thanks to all of you.Needless to say I have stopped taking statins and will not take them again. I don't know about you all, but I am furious, and feel like making it my mission to get FDA to rethink this whole statin issue. From what I have read in statistics they are the number one prescribed drug in this country, and the thought of the medical community pushing statin drugs on overweight children just infuriates me more. My line of work puts me in contact with lots of attorneys, maybe I can find a firm that will take it on. The people suffering from the effects of these drugs need to unite in a class action.Comments welcome.
I am a 57 yr old, white woman. 5 years ago I had angioplasty after finding a 99% blockage in my Mid LAD. My total cholesterol at the time was 138! After 18 months on statins and loweing it to 106, I was taken off as my entire body hurt and I could barely get into my car.
I did not tolerate the statins well. Zetia was the next choice and now at my 5 year mark, I took myself off it. Surprisingly enough, 90% of my body aches have disappeared. I see my cardiologist in 2 weeks for my check-up and to discuss options. My cholesterol now is 165 with HDL at 65.
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I am a 51 year old Black Female and have been on 5mg of Crestor for about a week. I am a type II diabetic who was given Actos (which has a statin in) with devestating results. I took it for five days. By day two, I was bed-ridden. My doctor was upset that I stopped despite my physical symptoms...needless to say, I found another doctor but not before this same one put me on 20mg of Lovistatin-same effects only I was smarter. I stopped after two days-then found another doctor. My endocronolgist put me on the Crestor 5mg and also suggested I try Coenzyme Q. I have to say that my symptoms are less severe with the Crestor than with the Actos and Lovistatin. I just started taking the Coenzyme Q tonight so I have to wait and see. My endo has scheduled liver labs in six weeks and if anything is even minutely off, I'm out of the Crestor game. One thing that was helpful with both my primary doctor and my endocrinologist is the fact that they listened to me when I voiced my intense concerns about statins. I'm willing to try 5mg and no more than 5mg of this statin for a short period of time but you better believe I'm going to be very vigilant about any kind of side effects (sp?). I have had heart to heart talks with both of my doctors and I am convinced that they truly want me as a patient to do well but I know when something is really wrong with my body and I will not give up that power ever again. I am truly convinced that many doctors are killing us with kindness in prescribing too high a dosage of statins. My endo is convinced that a little does a better job. I really think that doctors should rethink "How" they prescibe this drug. I had many of the same side affects with higher doses of statins.I felt like I was dying. There's no amount of benefit that outweighs that risk...sorry. Now that it's out there what statins do to the muscles, please...be careful how you prescribe it. Thank you.
I have been on statins for 4 years and found that my CPK was high, I stopped statins and even after 2 years CPK is around 900. I do exercise and modified my diet, but my cholesterol is high, 277 mg/dl. I have no DM and I am not a smoker. How do I proceed now?
I am 57 and found my total cholestrol is at 309. I started with simvastatin, then pravastatin and now vytorin 10-20. I have had all the same symptoms with all three. I have just stopped the vytorin because as a phramacy tech I am on my feet all day and the pain in my legs, back and feet were about to interfere with my ability to do my job. I will NEVER take a statin again. I also unknowingly tried red yeast rice inbetween the statins and became very ill with stomach issues. I was unaware that it was a statin at the time. I would like to trust the medical field but I don't. My doctor is very nice but I have had nothing but health issues since I have tried medications for what she feels is a medical condition. I ended up hospitalized for protonix which I didn't think was the drug I needed for what was happing at that time and therefore ended up with acute pracreatitis. So I am off the statins and will not go on any medications. Quality of my life is more important then what they think will be a longer life on meds. Besides the older I get the more the government controls the treatment I am allowed anyways!
I am a 56yr old woman of Nordic extraction, initial cholesterol reading of 308... lipitor controlled it nicely for several years, then doc changed it to simvastatin because of the cost... Now I have leg pain and have stopped taking the med. I plan to keep off it for two months and if pain subsides, I guess I'll ask for the lipitor again. Unless I chicken out because of these blogs... sure don't want to stroke out though!
I am a 28 year old female with genetically high cholesterol (I am only 115lbs). My total cholesterol used to be almost 300. A few weeks ago I developed unexplained severe lower back pain. It is difficult for me to go from sitting to standing (and vice versa). The pain also makes it very difficult to lift my 2 year old son. Just walking and trying to hold my trunk up is painful. I am going into the doctor on Thurs and telling her I am going to do a trial hiatus from the drug. If my mom can lower her cholesterol through diet & exercise, I can too!
Like many here, I have experienced the muscle pain of Lipitor, as had my husband, who lost a month of work to the severe leg cramps. We dropped the Lipitor like a hot poker and I consulted an herbal pharmacist. We are taking 5 gms a day of Flax seed oil, CoQ10 50 mg, 3gms of Lecithin, and Zyflammend twice a day. Hubby's cholesterol is down to 170 from 310 and mine is down to 158 from 240. Both are significantly better than they were after taking the Lipitor for 2 months. The only dietary changes we made were to add some fiber in the form of fiber snack bars in our lunches. Hubby's exercise hasn't changed but he's always been active as an electrician. I have not added any additional exercise.
Heart attack and stroke are all about inflammation. The drug companies just don't want you to know there are natural ways to fix it in many cases, and I feel for the poor docs who are stuck prescribing them for fear someone will have a heart attack and blame them for not doing all they could medically. We are responsible for our own bodies and our own choices.
Just found this web page and read it with interest. I have been taking various statins for about 10years and am currently taking 40mg of Zocor daily. I have recently developed some chronic muscle aches and am wondering if they're a statin side effect.
It's interesting that many here have stopped statins and their aches have subsided. I'm going to stop and see what happens. BUT, if the aches go away I'm going to resume the Zocor and see if they come back as further evidence that I'm experiencing a side effect.
Know the difference between correlation and causation.
It appears to me that medical research indicates statins are too valuable to dismiss lightly if you have high cholesteral.
Add me to the list. I took Vytorin suffered memory loss went on Pravachol (generic) oh joy... muscle pain everywhere, horrible rash, tingling feet and hands, heart palpatations. I have been off this stuff for one week, never again will I take this toxic poison. My muscles hurt so bad, this rash is only a tiny bit better. My muscles now are trembling, Lord only knows how long it will take to get through this while being on it two years and having this rash for over one year. I am so angry, this medicine is good for one thing, profit... I wonder if the makers of this crap take it - I doubt it. This stuff can ruin your life if it doesn't kill you first.
I have tried several of these statins for five years,after my open heart surgery. The first one Vitoryn almost kill me,the second one Pravacol,gave muscle pains,but not as severe as with Vitorin.
I tried Lipitor 20mg and Zetia,and I did not have problems with these two medications.But my Clinic advisor want it me to lower my cholesteror more,and put me on Crestor 40mg.Again muscle pain and discomfort.After lowering the dosage to 20mg,a year later my cholesterol was very low 120.After that ,about 3 months ago I have developed terrible Neck pains,and headaches,as well as nausea,and loss of appetite. My GP has run all kind of tests,and Xrays,and he said nothing was wrong,but never addressed the Crestor side effects problem.I am going to tell my Cardiologist,that I am going to stop the Crestor for awhile to see if the neck and muscle pains dissapear,and ask him to put me back later on Lipitor 10mg,which it looks like it is the statin that will not hurt me as much as the others.There is no a single Statin without side effects.We have to try the one that give us the less problems. Take care guys!
I have had all these muscle problems and doctors that kept saying it is not the medicine. What is the latest study on Omega 3 supplements and Red Yeast Rice? I seem to be tolerating this so far. Thanks
To the commenter asking about red yeast rice:
While you're waiting for feedback here, read this blog entry from Dr. Richman about this product.
Just started 10mg of Lipitor abut a week ago. I've previously been on Zocor and Crestor which gave me bad leg pains. This time around I'm experiencing lower leg pain and foot tingling. I've been on a regiment of CoQ10 100mg/day for about a month. No help. I'm wondering if going to twice a day will help. I felt so healthy when I went off these drugs and hate the fact that now I have to be a slave to them. Please comment
-Frank-
I take 100 Co-Enzyme daily with 10 mg of Lipitor. Drs tried to raise this dosage..but I have MS and all of my muscle pain is being blamed on the MS. I have been on Lipitor about 9 years..and before that ,other Statins..I do have blood work every 4 months.but one can have terrific muscle problems arise, without any problems with their blood work,if taking statin meds. Good luck, I would love to quit, but I carry the C-Reactive Protein for heart trouble so trying hard to stay with it.
I recently had a hemi-laminectomy to repair a ruptured disc. On returning to my room from recovery, I had a severe period of stridor which sent me to the ICU overnight. And after no more complications was sent home on the third day. At 10pm that evening I took my night time meds including a muscle relaxer and a pain med to get ready for sleep. Approximately 20 minutes later, I had such severe leg spasms my daughter had to call 911 and was back again in the hospital that night. Nothing was ever disclosed as to the cause of the leg spasms and I was sent home. I have been using Lipitor about a year previously for high cholesterol levels. I took myself off the Lipitor when told by my PCP that this might have been the cause of the "attack" Since coming home from the hospital I cannot seem to get the strength back in my legs. It is now a month out from surgery and I still cannot walk without the help of a walker and cannot go for more than a few steps, until my legs shake so bad, someone has to be right beside me to catch me if I start to fall. My neurosurgeon says this isn't because of the type of surgery that I had, and that I should be back on my feet by now. Yeah right! I am at my wits end on trying to find the cause of this. Any help out there??? or suggestions, would be appreciated.
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