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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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After 20 years on 10 mg Crestor I developed nightly leg cramps. I gradually stopped taking it . The leg cramps have stopped. I have tried a low cholesterol diet and hoping that has helped with my cholesterol levels.
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2 ReactionsOn the website
https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Medications-that-Can-Cause-Peripheral-Neuropathy.pdfStatins: Atorvastatin Pitavastatin Lovastatin Simvastatin Pravastatin Fluvastatin Rosuvastatin
Lipitor
Livalo
Mevacor or Altocor Zocor
Pravachol
Lescol
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1 ReactionThank you!
I have an appointment next week with a neurologist after my testing all coming out showing nothing that would cause neuropathy (bloodwork, cervical MRI, Nerve conduction study/EMG). I did share my concerns with a nurse practitioner neighbor and she told me it would take as long a time that I was taking Rosuvastatin for the symptoms to diminish (I took rosuvastatin fir 6 months, so it’ll take 6 months + fir the symptoms to diminish. Hoping she’s right.
How did youn taper off Crestor? And what do you plan to take?
I tend to think my tingling is not due to Crestor because it started before I went on Crestor. I do suspect the leg crsmps are though.
My primary physician told me to simply stop taking it which is what I did.
I’ll see (and hope) my symptoms go away or at least get a whole lot better over the next 5-6 months. At that point, my primary told me there are non-statin drugs for cholesterol that we may consider.
Im looking forward to hearing what the neurologist says about all this.
I’ve had 4 RNs, a NP and retired neurosurgeon friend of mine all tell me to stay off the statin. I found it odd that my primary didn’t know about statins causing neuropathy. I had to show her what I’d found about it on line.
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2 ReactionsI have high cholesterol. I take the shot. One then another one three months later and then one every six months. My cardiologist applied for patient assistance so I don’t have to pay anything. Leqvio it is not supposed to affect the neuropathy. I read up on it and spoke to the cardiologist. I have been allergic to all other cholesterol medications. They have caused my liver enzymes to skyrocket or severe bone pain some even caused blisters. I am hoping the side effects will not be as bad.
I hope they diminish for you. My Aunt was told that and hers never got any better.
Hoping your choice works for you!
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1 ReactionI hope so too! Sorry your aunt got no relief.
I hope it works also! I get my first shot in July. I haven’t been able to tolerate statins along with my allergic reactions. My cholesterol is close to 300. I have family genetic high cholesterol. I cook with less butter and everything than my mother and mine is higher than hers but she is on statins and it’s still high.