Connect
Statins that won't cause/worsen neuropathy
Are there statins that won't cause or worsen neuropathy in my feet? I began taking Atorvastatin in 2018 and in 2020 my feet started tingling from the balls of my feet to the ends of my toes. Over time the tingling has spread to include my whole foot (both feet) and started to spread up the left leg. There is no pain with the tingling. My PCP didn't know the cause. I went to a neurologist, a podiatrist and a vascular specialist and none could determine a cause. In March, 2025, my sister sent me a study done by the NIH in which 17% of patients taking Atorvastatin and 50% of patients taking Rosuvastatin developed neuropathy. I took a 5 month break from the Atorvastatin and there was a slight improvement in the tingling but it didn't go away. I need to go back on a statin. Can anyone recommend one that won't worsen my neuropathy? Does anyone have experience with CoQ10 keeping neuropathy from worsening or even improving neuropathy when taking a statin?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
Connect
@phpilgrim
Thank you for the info. Re: Ezetimibe alone being adequate to lower your cholesterol bc the nurse practitioner 4 my primary dr does not know much...no really...every question i ask her she sez I'll have to ask the dr, my dr who I've only seen twice...& im an RN myself & i get a message in my chart online fr NP saying dr sed to cont simvastatin, even tho on most sites online to avoid statins bc of their affect on muscles...which mine are so week already.
Thanks...michelle🤷♀️
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsYou're welcome, Michelle. I didn't mention previously that I am following a heart healthy diet and also do aerobic exercise (ride a recumbent bike and walk my dog) 150 minutes a week (recommended by the American Heart Association). Good luck to you. Maybe a new primary care physician would be more involved in your care.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@mkk0124
👋
I do have terrible peripheral neuropathy, but it is d/t a very bad case of cervical & lumbar DDD.
Now, im suffering from severe neuropathy in my rt hip & down my leg...
MRI was not so gr8...L4-5 disc bulge w/ L5 nerve entrapment & severe cord compression so, btw the MG & DDD w/ herniation & nerve issues, i spend most of my days in bed or on sofa.. ive had much muscle wasting & am having trouble walking & I fall alot!
I live alone & have osteoporosis too...maybe I nd a Life Alert button!😢
Anyhow, for all those above reasons, I wanted to come off the statin...thank U for all of your helpful replies
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@mkk0124
So very sorry to hear about your health issues. A chiropractor may be able to help you. Search on the internet for "Can a Chiropractor Help with a Herniated Disc?" If you decide to try it, ask others who they recommend and/or check out reviews online. Also, have you ever done chair yoga? Search on You Tube for chair yoga for seniors. It helps to strengthen your body and in turn improves muscles and bones. Physical therapy may help, as well.
I wish you the very best!
I was on Atorvastatin for a year before I figured out it was responsible for my muscle pain and weakness. I switched to Rosuvastatin, which helped but I'm still getting discomfort.
Today I found out about a product called Amla. It is actually a gooseberry and is common in Asian countries.
Studies have shown improvements in cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. I'm going to give it a try.
My goal is to get off my statin.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionFrom what I know Amla is a fruit. I have heard it is gredat for diabetics. However not sure about effects on cholesterol. Amla is not easy to come by. I have not seen it here in Australia. Even if it were available I suspect it would be seasonal.
Welcome @marydavid, I'm not diabetic but am in the pre-diabetes category so my doctor wanted me to go on statins but I chose to work on lowering my cholesterol using some lifestyle changes and losing a little weight. I haven't tried Amla or any supplements containing Amla but did find some interesting research about the effects on cholesterol.
-- A comparative clinical study of hypolipidemic efficacy of Amla (Emblica officinalis) with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme-A reductase inhibitor simvastatin: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3326920/
Mayo Clinic has a list of cholesterol-lowering supplements but doesn't mention Amla - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol-lowering-supplements/art-20050980.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have AMPD1 deficiency and promptly react to every statin with pain and neuropathy which apparently are permanent. My cardiologist insisted on trying Repatha and it’s kind of miraculous. Within six weeks all of my levels were perfect—a major improvement. One shot every two weeks at home with no side effects and a $35 monthly copay. Easy and effective!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@mkk0124 I never had terrible peripheral neuropathy. I (born 1949) developed a limp with some back and left knee discomfort and had hip replacements in 2013 and 2015. I felt recovered from them in about 2017. I still had some back pain. In 2020 I noticed unsteadiness when standing. In 2021 I was diagnosed with Ataxia (feet mostly), foot drop, and was fitted with AFO's for both feet. I tried PT, chiropractic, Rebuilder, Shockwave, Sanexas, and LZR Ultrabright over the next few years with not much improvement. In January of 2024 I had back surgery with posts and pins connecting L4-5 and S1. The surgeons said the surgery should prevent the foot drop from getting worse and may improve it. I have been waking daily with AFO's and a walking cane since then. After 2 years I feel I am recovered from the back surgery and my stamina and walking speed are improving.
I took Atorvastatin and Gabapentin for a while but refused after reading more about them.
I hope you can check with your neurologist (and insurance) to see if back surgery is an option and I hope you are on Medicare. I have not tried the other suggested drugs mentioned in these comments.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions