Statin Side-effects: Muscle pain and weakness

Posted by ginnyjm @ginnyjm, Nov 12, 2024

I’ve been on a statin drug for over 25 years. In the last year my legs have gotten very weak & painful. I now have to use my arms to get out of a chair & it’s still difficult. Can the side effects start after I’ve taken the statin for so long? Anyone else have this sudden problem?

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@grrranny

I also had muscle soreness and leg cramping until doctor prescribed the smallest dose of Crestor for me.

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I hzve been reading so much about statins that I was hesitant to take them but knowing my risks because of my genes, my cardiologist prescribed me a low statin the lowest dose, pitavastatin 1mg daily at night and to take it with CoQ10. I started last night. Will see. Thanks for your input. Stay well.

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@naiviv

Anyone with muscle problems whilst taking statins? Did your doctor discontinue it? I am taking pitavastatin 1 mg daily and have muscle soreness. Thanks in advance for any input.

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Interesting article. I started taking Pitavastatin 1mg daily at night with CoQ10. I was reluctant to take them because of the side effects but I have high risk having high LDL and high Lipoprotein A. My parents had heart disease so I needed to balance the pros and cons. Hopefully this one doesn’t affect me too much.

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@daisy22

That is a common side effect. Both my husband and I stopped taking statins and the pain went away. Doctors always act like this is something new or unheard of. I wish our clinic had a PharmD to talk to about prescriptions. Good luck.

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So if I may ask did your doctor gave you any other alternative to protect you from heart issues?

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@naiviv

So if I may ask did your doctor gave you any other alternative to protect you from heart issues?

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No, we just went off the drug. Now we exercise more, try to eat better and still get lab tests every year.

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@naiviv

Anyone with muscle problems whilst taking statins? Did your doctor discontinue it? I am taking pitavastatin 1 mg daily and have muscle soreness. Thanks in advance for any input.

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You may try to change your statin? I know some individuals that have good luck on the injectable Repatha used bi-weekly. Your concern is valid as it can be a side effect in up to 20% of individuals I have read. As others mentioned, change in diet, exercise etc may be beneficial

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In reply to @naiviv "Thank you." + (show)
@naiviv

Thank you.

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If you have an interest, there are two common formulations of CoQ10. The cheapest, most easily had, and most popularly consumed, is the 'ubiquinone' formulation. However, research over the past decade suggests that the other, more costly, and less known formulation, 'ubiquinol', (an alcohol formulation) is significantly more effective. I purchase mine from Costco on-line (delivery locally). I live in British Columbia, and the Webber Naturals brand is what can be delivered to me locally. You may find a cheaper and different brand nearby. But please do consider the additional cost. The literature says it's worth it.

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Yes weakness and fatigue after 15 months getting off for 3 weeks to c if there’s a difference

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I've been on statins for the same amount of time with the same issues. I have to lift my legs into a car. Argue with my doctor every year and she brings out a chart showing my cholesterol levels and percentages for having a heart attack or stroke and strongly advises to continue the statin prescription. The graphics are probably provided by a pharmaceutical company.

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@naiviv

Anyone with muscle problems whilst taking statins? Did your doctor discontinue it? I am taking pitavastatin 1 mg daily and have muscle soreness. Thanks in advance for any input.

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Statins can cause serious muscle damage called rhabdomyolysis. Best to contact your doctor for serum labs and maybe a dosage or brand change.

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