How long do side effects from statins last once you stop taking them?

Posted by con123 @con123, Jul 30, 2024

I have been taking 20mg of Lipitor for almost 2 years and have felt yucky since shortly after starting. My cardiologist allowed me to go off one week and I did not see a difference. He also cut back daily to three times a week. I ache all over - neck, back, hips, knees, elbows, and legs are weak. Recently had a normal CK test, but PCP said we might consider a trial off statins since I am below 200 now. Has anyone stopped taking statins and saw a significant decrease in muscle pain, and if so, how long did it take?

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Profile picture for valleylil @valleylil

Almost 2 years on statins that make you feel awful - that is 5 lifetimes for me. I just posted what happened to me on Atorvastatin through 7 months of hell. You do not "get off" statins for one week and expect any changes. My recovery started at 3 weeks off and was pretty complete at 5 weeks. Still a left-over in my wrists - but otherwise, life is good - WITHOUT the statins. I am changing my diet, and lowering cholesterol without meds. I did it once before - I can do it again. If you are still on a statin - God bless you! If you want to get clear - it will take at least 3 weeks. Best of luck! My prayers are with you!

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@valleylil am thankfully off a year now and feel so much better. In my chart, it says I am statin intolerant, so I won’t take them again! I have small aches and pains but nothing like when I couldn’t roll over or get out of bed or play with my grandkids!

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Profile picture for valleylil @valleylil

Almost 2 years on statins that make you feel awful - that is 5 lifetimes for me. I just posted what happened to me on Atorvastatin through 7 months of hell. You do not "get off" statins for one week and expect any changes. My recovery started at 3 weeks off and was pretty complete at 5 weeks. Still a left-over in my wrists - but otherwise, life is good - WITHOUT the statins. I am changing my diet, and lowering cholesterol without meds. I did it once before - I can do it again. If you are still on a statin - God bless you! If you want to get clear - it will take at least 3 weeks. Best of luck! My prayers are with you!

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@valleylil
After having 2 other statins prescribed the first gave me kidney function issues the second made me feel like I had lymes they said Repatha is the answer. 2 injections later I quit due to severe shoulder pain and immobility. I went from 50 pushups every morning to can’t buckle my seat belt. No injuries, not 1 but both shoulders 7 months later through physical therapy I am STARTING to recover. Absolutely no help from the doctors at Mayo that I have discussed this with

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Why did my Dr. prescribe statins when I don't have high cholesterol or high blood pressure?

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Profile picture for gailss @gailss

Why did my Dr. prescribe statins when I don't have high cholesterol or high blood pressure?

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@gailss I would ask your Dr that question. Some doctors think everyone should be on statins.

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Profile picture for gailss @gailss

Why did my Dr. prescribe statins when I don't have high cholesterol or high blood pressure?

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@gailss You ask a great question.

According to Mayo Clinic, “ Lowering cholesterol isn't the only benefit of taking a statin. These medicines also have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. Statins also may help reduce the risk of certain blood clots.”

Here is a link to the complete article providing information to help determine if statins are right for you. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statins/art-20045772

Are you currently taking a statin? If so, how long and have you had side effects?

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Profile picture for Janell, Volunteer Mentor @jlharsh

@gailss You ask a great question.

According to Mayo Clinic, “ Lowering cholesterol isn't the only benefit of taking a statin. These medicines also have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. Statins also may help reduce the risk of certain blood clots.”

Here is a link to the complete article providing information to help determine if statins are right for you. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statins/art-20045772

Are you currently taking a statin? If so, how long and have you had side effects?

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@jlharsh
I am taking statins and I have become a borderline diabetic and my kidney function is reduced. These are new results on my bloodwork.

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Profile picture for gailss @gailss

@jlharsh
I am taking statins and I have become a borderline diabetic and my kidney function is reduced. These are new results on my bloodwork.

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@gailss Oh, dear. If I understand correctly you started taking statins and they have increased your blood sugar and impacted kidney function. You aren’t quite sure why you are taking them.

If it were me I would have a conversation with my doctor to understand why statins may be beneficial. I would also want to figure out if taking a statin is the culprit impacting blood sugar and kidney function.

I recently discontinued a drug because of possible side effects. My doctor had make note of my concerns (where pain was), discontinue for 30 days then reevaluate. This approach made it straight-forward to evaluate.

Are you concerned taking statins is causing the changes on your recent bloodwork? Do you plan to have a conversation with your doctor? What is your diet and exercise like, and have you had other changes?

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Profile picture for gailss @gailss

Why did my Dr. prescribe statins when I don't have high cholesterol or high blood pressure?

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@gailss your doctor prescribed a statin for you based on your personal history and your family history as well as your chances of having a life changing cardiac event. There is a clinical formula available to doctors where they can enter numbers from your test results on file. The physician needs to document his thinking in the medical record for placing you on a statin as well. You need to have trust in your physician and you can always ask the as well.

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