Did statin cause PMR?

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

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.

Hi @vfaye, I don't think any of us diagnosed with PMR like the idea of taking prednisone which is why there is such a push to get off of it once the pain and stiffness is under control. It's great if you can find other ways to help with the symptoms. My first occurrence of PMR lasted 3 years and during that 3 years I was continually trying to taper off of prednisone. Then when off prednisone, the PMR went into remission for 6 years. The second occurrence of PMR put me back on prednisone for about 1-1/2 years before I was able to taper off again. My PMR has been in remission now for about 2-1/2 years and I really hope it doesn't come back. I've added a turmeric supplement to my daily routine to hopefully help keep the inflammation down in my body. Whether it really works or not is another question.

I think diet may play a part in PMR as well as a lot of other autoimmune diseases so I've tried to make some lifestyle changes by eating healthier but I do have my days. Hope you find some answers!

For the record, I did take statins maybe for 3 or 4 years before getting PMR and I stopped partly because of perceived muscle pain. I also had a lot of diarrhea. Also for the record I was able to taper off Prednisone completely by the end of August 2019. I was originally diagnosed with PMR in August 2018 but probably had it for a couple of months before diagnosis. I believe that Prednisone caused me to have memory problems. This is somewhat improved since being off Prednisone.

I had PMR for a couple years (maybe more) before I could no longer stand the pain. I was started on 35mg of Prednizone, down to 20 mg after 1 month, down to 15mg after 6 weeks. Sayed at 15mg for another 18 months, then tapered off over the next 6 months. The pain never totally left. I used a CBD/THC balanced oil, both orally and topically till Mid October this year. When I got my second Pfizer shot, I went into remission. NO PAIN. October 20 I had pains on/in my back and some in my left arm. Went to emergency, was treated as if it was a heart attack, it was not. Now the cardiologist has prescribed a water pill, Amlodipine and Atorvastatin. I am OK with the Blood pressure and water pill but the warnings on the Statin worry me. My cholesterol is not extremely high, and I can usually control it with diet. Has anybody dealt with this

I am new to this group. Diagnosed with PMR about 6 weeks ago. I don't know if statins contribute to this disease, but I can tell you I've been on statin drugs for the last 20 years or so. To my knowledge, they have never caused me any problems. Removing the statin drug was the first thing my doctor did for 2 weeks, to see if there was any improvement in the pain. No change. So, the next thing was blood work. And three tests were all elevated for inflamation. So, no, I don't think the statin was the culprit in my situation. I tend to believe it has something to do with the Covid vaccine.

Hello @aspine, Welcome to Connect. You mentioned being diagnosed with PMR about 6 weeks ago. Have you started a treatment with prednisone or other drug?

Hi, John,
Yes, I was immediately put on 15 mg. of pred. It worked within 3 days. I feel almost completely normal now. All pain is gone. BUt am experiencing weakness in my legs, which I don't like. THe doctor is suggesting doing strengthening exercises for that. I am now on 10 mg. of pred., and will soon be backing down to 9. So far, the pain is non-existent.

@aspine It sounds like you are doing great tapering down. Did your doctor or rheumatologist provide any suggestions or possible lifestyle changes to help with the PMR? You might find the following article helpful if you haven't already seen similar information.

Can Diet Affect Symptoms of Polymyalgia Rheumatica?: https://www.healthline.com/health/polymyalgia-rheumatica-diet

Thank you for sending the link. Coincidentally, I actually printed out that whole article a couple of weeks ago, so I could refer to it as needed. I found it very interesting, particularly because I tend to break ALL the rules regularly. Guess I'm going to have to work on that a bit.