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Is my statin causing peripheral neuropathy?
In June 2023, my physician prescribed Rosuvastatin Calcium 40 MG to lower my LDL below 70. In September 2023, I started to experience numbness and tingling in my fingertips so I was referred to a neurologist who ordered an EMG for carpal tunnel. The test results indicated that there was no Electrodiagnostic evidence of neuropathy in either upper extremity or of right cervical radiculopathy.
Based on that diagnosis, I was left with the conclusion that I did not have neuropathy and started to pursue other reasons this could be happening.
In the meantime, I noticed that when I took Doxepin 10 MG; a medication I had been prescribed for insomnia, the pain when away. So, I started taking 1 capsule of Doxepin each night and the pain subsided for the entire day so I continued taking them on a daily basis. Over time, the numbness and tingling in my fingertips stopped and that’s when I started experiencing what felt like I was being stabbed all over my body throughout the day. At this point, I was taking 1 Doxepin capsule twice a day and it helped manage the nerve pain.
In November 2023, I received the lipid panel results of being on Rosuvastatin. My LDL was reduced from 78 to 55.6; which achieved the desired results. On a positive note, my HbA1C remained at 5.4 but my Creatine Kinase increased to 300 (Normal Range: 60 – 270). Also, for the first time, I had protein in my urine with a value of 30 mg/dl; which is the highest level of normal. At this point, I stopped taking Rosuvastatin and started taking Atorvastatin Calcium 80 MG. In addition to this, I started taking Gabapentin 300 MG; one capsule three times a day. I have an appointment to see a neurologist to hopefully diagnosis what’s happening with me but that’s not until May 2024. In an attempt to better understand neuropathy and taking a statin I learned that the National Institutes of Health indicated that neuropathy was observed in a neurological examination performed within the first year in 50% of the Rosuvastatin users and 18% of those taking Atorvastatin. The severity of the polyneuropathy increased with the duration of the treatment in the Atorvastatin group (p=0.030).
Meanwhile, I continue taking the Gabapentin every eight hours but there are times when the pain is almost unbearable. My current schedule is: 7am – 3pm, 3pm – 11pm, and 11pm – 7am. The time frame that’s the most difficult for pain is 3pm – 11pm and for whatever reason, the medication’s effectiveness during this time frame only provides relief for and average of four hours versus eight hours during the other two periods.
Has anyone had any experience taking either of these statins and have been diagnosed with neuropathy? If so, are you aware of a statin that effectively lowers your LDL without causing neuropathy?
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I just went through my records, and I have been on rosuvastatin for 2 years. I sent a message to my PCP asking about alternatives. When I saw my PCP in mid July with pretty severe symptoms (burning feet, calves, hands,) she did nothing for me and made no referrals to neurologist. She suggested I find a neurologist and offered lexapro when I asked for something for sleep and anxiety. I took the first neurologist appointment I could get (6 hour roundtrip). He has not been helpful at all, did not order SFN biopsy, but did give me RX for gabapentin and eventually raised the dosage. I had an MRI, extensive bloodwork before seeing the neurologist as I was admitted to hospital when my left foot was "sticking". I am waiting for the biopsy; nothing is showing why I have this so far. I just want answers. Reading the neurologist's report to my doctor makes me feel like he thinks I'm fine and just crazy. He doubts I have PN; he thinks I have central sensitization syndrome. I'm very upset because he mentioned that at the end of my last visit without explaining anything.
I do currently take the Rosuvstatin and I was taking Atorvastatin, the change happened due to pain in my calves. Now I have tingling in the hands, my feet go from being cold to aching most of the day. I only take gabapentin 300mg 3x a day. My hands feel the relief the most, my feet do not feel relief at all. I do have a question for you though. Do you still work a full time job?
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1 ReactionSo sorry to hear of your suffering. I certainly understand what you’re going through! How long have you been taking Rosuvastatin, and have you mentioned the timeline of staring the medication and your onset of our symptoms. I assume you did NOT have these symptoms with Atorvastatin, but had leg cramps (which is the common side effect of any statin. )
I’d have a serious discussion with your doctor and gave him/her do some research concerning “Rosuvastatin and neuropathy “. You google it too.
It’s SFN (small fiber neuropathy) that gives you the tingling/numbness in your finger and toes. I also had numbness on the tip of my nose because it is also a most distal part of the body.
No, I don’t work. I’m 72 and retired.
Feel free to reach out to me with your questions.
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4 ReactionsSeems like you need to find a new doctor that will take the time to really understand you. I am sure this isn’t “ just in your head”. I went through it!
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2 ReactionsJust google “Rosuvastatin and neuropathy” and you’ll see many articles.
My neuropathy, after lots of testing, turned out to be SFN, Small Fiber Neuropathy, which affects the most distal nerve fibers, like in fingers, hands, and I even had numbness on the tip of my nose.
I stopped the Rosuvastatin and it took close to 6 months for these fibers to repair themselves (which is what the neurologist said would happen)
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2 ReactionsThanks. I know I need a new PCP and a new neurologist. My insurance is changing soon, and I hope for more options. I will be able to make a decision once my biopsy comes back.
And I am 57y/o
https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Medications-that-Can-Cause-Peripheral-Neuropathy.pdf
Here’s your answer
I do not have link. It was in the NIH: "Peripheral neuropathy in patients receiving long-term
statin therapy". The study considers log-term use greater than one year!!
Yes, rosuvastatin can cause peripheral neuropathy, which can include small fiber neuropathy (SFN):
Peripheral neuropathy
Statins, including rosuvastatin, can increase the risk of peripheral neuropathy, which can cause weakness, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet. The risk increases with long-term use.
Small fiber neuropathy
SFN can be an early manifestation of statin neuropathy and can affect both sensory and autonomic fibers. A skin biopsy can diagnose SFN by demonstrating reduced nerve fiber density in the sweat glands or epidermis.
Association with other statins
Rosuvastatin has a weaker association with neuropathy than other lipophilic statins, such as atorvastatin and fluvastatin.
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