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PMR & Statins
Recently, I’ve been trying to research out the possible connection of PMR and the use of statin drugs. Does anyone have any information they would like to share regarding this subject matter. Apparently there is now some concern that statins “might” cause PMR however, it is hard to sort out what is PMR pain and what is the muscular weakness/pain caused by the statins. I have been on statins, most recently Crestor, for a total of 20 years. I decided to take a statin “vacation”10 days ago. I recently had my cholesterol checked…. my results were all within range.
In November 2023 I was diagnosed with giant cell arteritis (GCA) & polymyalgia. I am told that both of these often go hand-in-hand. I was put on 60 mg of prednisone to control the inflammation in my head. (42 days of headaches). Once the GCA was under control and polymyalgia pain was diminished. I was able to start a prednisone taper per my rheumatologist. April of 2024 I was down to 3 mg. The month of May I dropped down to 2 mg when I hit the wall and the polymyalgia returned. In June. I upped my prednisone to 3 mg. With “minimal” pain relief. I have experienced many side effects while on the prednisone. Currently I have taken myself off of the statins and the prednisone to see if I can manage my pain. I have also been following an anti-inflammatory diet for several months and I am now trying to add in some physical therapy exercises geared to help with PMR. I have been off prednisone for almost a week and I do not see that much of a difference in the pain level from 3 mg to zero. We shall see what happens.
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I firmly believe my PMR was a direct result of taking Simvastatin for three years. Same exact pains and muscle weakness. Eliminated the statins and 95% of the symptoms went away.
I would never recommend statins be take by anyone. Never.
I am 77 yr male in excellent t health. Reluctantly finally agreed to take statin maybe six months ago. Despite good cholesterol. Maybe two months ago diagnosed PMR. Suspended statins. Prednisone now. No idea if related.
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1 ReactionBack in 2022 it was decided that a statin drug (pravastatin) would bring my cholesterol down below 200. Within a month I had terrible pains and stiffness in both my thighs and right upper arm. I stopped the drug but the pains never went away. It took three months before the doctors figured out what was wrong with me. Thank goodness my friend suggested it might be my immune system. Fortunately, I had an appointment with my rheumatologist that week. I was given 15mg of prednisone and blood work. I have tried twice to get off the drug but have had relapses. I am now down to 2mg and working towards 1. I still have some pain and stiffness mostly in my left thigh and problems related to the steroid. The doctors say no to the statin causing this but I say YES. My health was perfect before this. I exercise a lot, do Yoga and line dance. Good luck......this is no fun. I just turned 78.
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1 ReactionI have been taking roasting for years I think it’s from Covid shots or flu shots
Rovastation
i been on statins {crestor, lipator, rosustatin }for 40 years and had bad tremors, but my cardio doc said it was worth it so i hung in there, Eventually it got so bad i took myself off the statin pill... guess what, no more tremors.
LDL up to 178 So He suggested trying "Repatha" self injections. After 2nd shot i went down and could not dress myself , was in bed for months - pain 24 hours -it was a nightmare, thought i was dying- after many doctors who tested me for Lupus, RA, Lyme, etc...i finally found a Rheumatologist who nailed it correctly: PMR.
She started Predisoninne 20 mg. within a few days I was able to function again . it's been 8 months and i am down to 1 every other day and starting to experience some mild flare ups, plus night time sweats while sleeping [really soaken wet need to change clothes} . Recent blood test w/good numbers- will see her again next week.
I find if i have a couple cocktails it gets worse.
Does anyone know if alcohol makes recovery worse?
@rooster65 Interesting. I got my PMR about the same time I started Repatha. But the PMR did come first. I fought every statin they make and could not take them. Prednisone was making my cholesterol numbers worse. I started Repatha. No issues. My total cholesterol of 310 came down to 140. My LDL of 205 came down to 75. My triglycerides were not elevated . I have been off prednisone for 3 years now. No issues. Prednisone left me a little bit of a GERD. Alcohol tends to flare that. Seems especially wine.