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Hello @vfaye, I've had 2 occurrences of PMR and am thankful that it is now in remission. I did take a statin years before I developed the PMR but I'm not sure that caused mine. I do sort of think the statins had something to do with my developing small fiber peripheral neuropathy. I no longer take statins. Prednisone was the magic pill for relieving the pain and stiffness symptoms for my PMR. There is another discussion where your post will receive more visibility if you post your question.
> Groups > Autoimmune Diseases > PMR Anyone?
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pmr-anyone/
There does seem to be some evidence pointing to statins can cause PMR. Here are a few articles on the topic.
Statin-Associated Polymyalgia Rheumatica. An Analysis Using WHO Global Individual Case Safety Database: A Case/Non-Case Approach
-- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3402515/
PMR, GCA Tied to Statin Use: Case Report
-- https://www.rheumatologynetwork.com/vasculitis/pmr-gca-tied-statin-use-case-report
You mentioned you are trying alternate treatment for the PMR pain. Have you found anything that helps you?
Here are some alternate treatments for PMR from 2015:
-- https://www.rheumatologynetwork.com/jointbone-health/2015-treatment-recommendations-polymyalgia-rheumatica
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Hello John,
This is the 18th day of the “alternate treatments” since the Rheumatologist diagnosed me with PMR. I awoke this morning with the lowest pain level in my shoulders since September - a notch above “stiffness”.
I doubted the diagnosis, since none of the blood tests confirmed PMR. Despite the doctor’s recommendation I won’t risk taking prednisone (hypertension, kidney disease, depression — and a plan to have surgery in February.). An integral medicine doctor I trust suggested taking LDN, which I started 17 days ago. In addition (my idea), I have been taking CBD oil (without THC), using CBD salve on my shoulders with heat in the morning, and take a bath in Epsom salts every day.
I continue to feel fatigued, and the shoulders & hips are not exactly normal. But the improvements beg the question, did I even have PMR - or are these symptoms the result of the statin?
I don’t find others trying anything other than prednisone, so I’m pretty much alone on this. I have to admit, the promise of activity without pain was certainly tempting me to take prednisone, so I don’t fault anyone for that. I’m hopeful my condition will eventually be resolved, praying that the one to two years prognosis doesn’t fit my case.