Is my statin causing peripheral neuropathy?

Posted by natejr @natejr, Dec 22, 2023

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

jan64 | @jan64 | Oct 29 1:17pm

In reply to @janieel "Yes, and my side effects started in about 2-3 MONTHS!" + (show)

I just printed out that blood test for treatable cause of small-fiber neuropathy; atthe very bottom it says statin use was found not associated with SFN! However, the one study pertaining to SFN and statins only included 5 mg of rosuvastatin. I was on 20 mg for 2 years (much too high most likely given my ratio of HDL to LDL and total). I don't know what to think. So much conflicting advice and studies. I didn't save that study.

janieel | @janieel | Oct 29 2:41pm

In reply to @jan64 "I just printed out that blood test for treatable cause of small-fiber neuropathy; atthe very bottom..." + (show)

Agree. Very confusing. I took 20mg Rosuvastatin for just a few months and wow,! I definitely had terrible side effects!
Not sure why my doc gave me 20 mg. Maybe because I was on 20 mg of the Simvastatin previously.
Best of luck to you. I hope you and your doc can figure it out!

kforrest | @kforrest | Oct 29 3:30pm

self diagnosed on a walker achy legs hips back. stopped statins cold turkey after reading alot about muscular skeletal connected to statin use. good news is it's reversible (4 mos). I am at 2.5 mos.

janieel | @janieel | Oct 30 6:05am

In reply to @kforrest "self diagnosed on a walker achy legs hips back. stopped statins cold turkey after reading alot..." + (show)

Yes, statins can have their downfalls! Hope you find full recovery.

kforrest | @kforrest | Oct 30 6:29am

In reply to @janieel "Yes, statins can have their downfalls! Hope you find full recovery." + (show)

thank you for your comment

celia16 | @celia16 | Oct 30 7:15am

In reply to @jan64 "I just printed out that blood test for treatable cause of small-fiber neuropathy; atthe very bottom..." + (show)

I’m on 10 mg of Crestor and I’ve talked to my primary about my concerns. He really doesn’t think it’s the culprit and neither do I. I had my early symptoms start before I started on it so…..also, I took it for years about 10 years ago without issue. Then I stopped after suspecting muscle pain. I now don’t think it caused that either.

So, with my Type 1 diabetes, I’ll stay on the Crestor. It really does help avoid cardiac complications. All my doctors agree on this and it’s the only med they really encourage. I’ve read the info too. Even though Zetia worked great and my numbers were excellent, I feel compelled to stay on Crestor. For someone without diabetes, Zetia is an awesome option to a statin, based on what I saw.

mayonaise28 | @mayonaise28 | Nov 2 6:47pm

In reply to @jan64 "Why did no doctor ever mention that rosuvastatin can cause neuropathy?? Why did no doctor tell..." + (show)

Just about every cardiologist and primary care doctor I have been to in the last 30 years has been pushing statins on me. I have familial high cholesterol. I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy around eight years ago. Doctors are still pushing statins. I tried simvastatin in the early 2000's and it messed with my memory. Then pravastatin and rosuvastatin in the last 10 years, both for just a brief time because of neuromuscular symptoms. This has diminished my trust in the medical and pharmaceutical establishments somewhat.

janieel | @janieel | Nov 3 4:55am

In reply to @mayonaise28 "Just about every cardiologist and primary care doctor I have been to in the last 30..." + (show)

I don’t blame you. We have to be our own advocates. Did you try asking about a statin alternative? There are things you can take now if you can’t tolerate statins. My doctor mentioned this to me in case I have a problem with the Simvastatin she put me back on. I didn’t have a problem before when I was on it so my fingers are crossed. 🤞 I do admit that I think I have a slight memory on it. Not bad but sometimes annoying.

mrsr1234 | @mrsr1234 | Nov 3 5:49am

In reply to @mrsr1234 "WHAT!!!!! Do you have the link to the article please??" + (show)

So as an update; I spoke with my PCP regarding this. She said that the possibility of the med causing it are not as great as it preventing it (by doing its job in the first place). So...