Statin discontinued due to neuropathy. What are some alternatives?

I stopped taking statins after prescribed back in 2017 because it was causing severe muscle aches. and 3 yrs. later my new cardiologist (who I went to for a "wellness" check up because I had no symptoms and had not been to one in 25 yrs. ) did 6 tests and on the 6th one (camera ) found a triple blockage ( yes no symptoms !!) that was 2 yrs. ago, and since then tried 2 statins, both after approx 6 wks, I developed muscle damage (severe pains and leg cramps.and on top of that, I had to stop exercising which was depressing !! I am now going to get a CK (creatinine kinase ) to see if in fact there is muscle damage. I have now gone back to a non statin, which is only 10mg but did not lower the cholestorol enough, and after 2 wks, muscle pain subsided, so now I added an FDA approved supplement -Cholest 1MD to see if in 3 mth, it has helped ,along with another called Nutrim . So, we will see !!!!

Hi Jeff @jeffrapp, My primary care doctor wanted me to take a statin to help lower my cholesterol. In my case, I made the decision not to take it and work on lowering my cholesterol through lifestyle changes. This was shortly after I received my initial diagnosis of idiopathic small fiber PN and started doing some research on what helps and causes. I had neuropathy long before being diagnosed and at one time was on a statin in my 50s for high BP but my meds were changed after I participated in a Mayo Clinic heart study and my diagnosis changed to primary aldosteronism and I was given spironolactone instead of the statin if I remember correctly. I had found articles discussing statin induced neuropathy which I discussed with my doctor as the reason to not take a statin to lower my cholesterol and to figure out how to do that without meds. Here's some of the research I found:

-- The implications of statin induced peripheral neuropathy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3103035/
--Statin Neuropathy Masquerading as Diabetic Autoimmune Polyneuropathy
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/28/8/2082.1
-- Statins Have Unexpected Effect on Pool of Powerful Brain Cells
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/2051/statins-have-unexpected-effect-on-pool-of-powerful-brain-cells.aspx
-- Medication Induced Neuropathy
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11910-003-0043-8

As there are many types of peripheral neuropathy, and, as I understand it, the evidence for statins causing PN is present, but not strong, I would appreciate it if those who have discontinued taking statins because of a concern that they might cause PN provide us with studies that support this action. Also, what type of PN were you diagnosed with?
Hyperlipidemia is a strong predictor of heart disease, stokes and other serious problems. Treatment with statins should be discontinued only if there is strong evidence of of serious harm.
BTW, I don't believe nexlizet is covered by MediCare. Paying out of pocket would hurt.

That drug is extremely expensive - over $ 1000

My dr put me on nexlizet which is a non statin cholestoral reducing drug and it is working even better than statin as far as bringing levels down, It is a little costly but I couldnt take statins any longer with the neuropathy

I was on a mild statin but moved to Texas and therefore changed Doctors. He told me to get rid of the statin drug and take vitamin B3(niacin) 500mg daily there is also a prescription strength at 1000mg. Niacin does the same thing as a statin drug of course check with your doctor but also read up on niacin ( vitamin B3) also take Coq10 which is vital to your heart because statin drugs also deplete this from your system

I developed small fiber neuropathy from taking simvastin over a period of 7 or more years. If I had know that my feet, toes, legs and finger tips would have developed numbness due to the statin I would have rethought the doctors recommendation. Statins seems to be a quick fix but I believe now I should have reduce my intake from 20 mg to 10 mg and then perhaps every other day. At the moment, I am taking 2000 mg of fish oil, 100 mg of Magnesium and CO Q-10 100 mg. I am testing my LDL monthly as I reduce statins to 3 to 4 times a week at 10 mg. In addition, I am talking to an alternative doctor for healing. Is it better to develop neuropathy or reduce the risk of a stroke/hear attack? My doctors decisions were to protect me from heart disease 20 plus years ago. At 65, I am rethinking if I want to let this neuropathy progress faster by taking statins and reducing the risk of heart disease. It is a tricky corner.

I decided to “just say no” and gave up the Atorvastatin. I feel great and I do ‘t stress. I had a doctor tell me once that stress is the real killer. So now I have just resigned myself to the fact that none of us are going to live forever. I enjoy the garden, the birds, the blue sky, sunshine, the fog and even the restful rainy days. It feels good. At 76, I’m just not going to worry about how much cholesterol my liver has decided to produce. I feel better. Life is meant to be enjoyed. If a statin makes you happy, take it. If not, don’t. In the end it’s our choice how to live.

Sorry, but red yeast rice has the same active ingredient as statins. I found this out the hard way.

No, because I started not trusting his other recommendations.