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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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@artemis1886 - wondering if you are still taking Leqvio? My cardiologist has recommended it but there is little in the way of data regarding side effects. (I, too, have peripheral neuropathy likely caused by rosuvastatin. For that reason and others, statins are not an option for me.)
Thanks in advance!
In 2019 I started having foot and leg pain. I couldn't walk a block nor stand for more than a few minutes without a lot of pain. It was impacting my quality of life. I had a lack of sensation on the bottoms of both feet. My feet constantly felt like I had tape stuck to my soles. Within weeks the sensation (or lack thereof) progressed up about 6" on both legs. Over the next 9 months I saw a podiatrist, orthopedic MD, spine MD (and had a spinal injection), 3 neurologists, a vascular MD, had x-rays, multiple blood tests, as well as several PT sessions. I was prescribed a megadose of gabapentin which did nothing to improve the pain or feeling in my feet. The PT therapist called it "sock and glove." No one could figure it out. Diagnosis: idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. And NONE of these medical professionals within one of the largest and most respected medical systems in the country even hinted that it might be caused by a statin. In early 2020 the only MD who even questioned the statin use was my primary care MD, only asking how long I had taken the drug. Months later I googled rosuvastatin and neuropathy and stumbled across a study about rosuvastatin causing neuropathy. Forums such as this one were nonexistent (or unknown) in 2019-2020. Symptoms can take in excess of 18 months to manifest. I had been on rosuvastatin since 2018. I stopped taking it the same day I read that study. The neurologist and cardiologist were skeptical but over time, with no negative changes in A1C or any other value, and the evidence I provided they gradually accepted I may be right but offered no counter argument or solution. The neurologist told me if I didn't get the feeling back within a year (by then it was 2022), it was unlikely that the nerves would heal. It is now mid-2025. I have less pain but the numbness in my feet and lower legs is still there. My balance is terrible. The condition hasn't gotten worse but it is not better either. So YES, statins can - and do- cause neuropathy.
Yes! I am still taking Leqvio and it is working. It does not have the side effects that statins have because it’s not a stain. It has lowered my cholesterol and put it in range. My cardiologist had me fill out the information for the manufacturer to pay the 700.00 dollars that was my portion. I was approved and pay nothing. Since, I was approved it is given by an approved infusion center. They call it an infusion but it is a simple shot. I do not understand why the manufacturer had it approved under infusion. It does not affect my neuropathy.
As an RN I did continuing education credits on it. That’s why I started it. I have had three shots of it. The fist one, three months later second shot, third month later every six months.
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1 ReactionThat's very good news. I'm happy it is working for you -- and for free! Your reply raises a few more questions, if it's not too personal:
Do you have commercial in insurance or Medicare? (I've been told the injections would be covered by Medicare Part B and the patient responsibility would just be the usual in-office copay. )
What was the paperwork? Did it involve giving the manufacturer copies of your tax filing and other financial data?
Have you had any of the other common side effects ("Pain/itching/swelling/redness near the injection site, joint pain, urinary tract infection (UTI), bronchitis, diarrhea, pain in the arms and legs")?
Thanks for the update. This is helpful.
Commercial insurance through department of. Defense
Had some problems husband stationed in Germany
Iam in Dallas- the paperwork included the income taxes as financial information. No side effects.
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