My pain is usually in the lower leg best described as and ache similar to a toothache that lasts for minutes and disipates. It will reoccur when sitting, standing, or laying down, walking, driving, almost anytime.
My cardiologist told me this is not statin caused pain. He said it should be in the thigh or buttocks.
Comments appreciated, thanks!

Well, I understand what you're saying, and I've heard doctors say pretty much the same thing. But I don't exactly buy it. Statin pain can certainly manifest itself elsewhere. Peripheral neuropathy is one good example. My father ran into problems while he was taking Zocor, and he developed peripheral neuropathy in his left foot, which is certainly well below the thigh and buttocks. So much for that! And the doctor told him that his blood tests were all normal!

Why not take a break from statins, and then see how your leg feels? Stop taking it for several months and see if your leg feels any better. That's one way of determining whether or not statins are the cause of your problems.

Donsabi,

I agree with Arizona73 - statins can cause muscle pain/atrophy in any of the skeletal muscles. For me, it caused a lot of pain and extreme weakness in both of my arms...

I also agree that stopping the statin to see if your pain diminishes is a good test - but don't be surprised if it takes a while for the pain to subside. For me, it took almost 10 months off Lipitor and on CoQ10 for my condition to noticeably improve.

Hope you respond quicker...


HubbleRules

For me it was very definitely a burning ache in the thighs that lasted nearly a week when I first started Lipitor, then went away never to return in the 6ish years I;ve been taking the stuff..

My knees often hurt when I squat but then I attribute that mostly to wear and tear and a couple of torn cartileges.

Knock on wood, but my chronic back pain from mutilated discs has been BETTER with the Lipitor, but then that's probably just coincidental too.

Permanent peripheral neuropathy in both feet after taking statins for 3 years , has not resolved itself after quitting . don't wish this on anyone .

Don't get me wrong folks - I'm not knocking statins.

They have clearly benefited millions by reducing their LDL cholesterol level. For those with very high LDL levels, or a personal history of heart disease, or CHD in siblings or parents, statins have clear benefit.

God Bless Lenin - I hope you will always have good results with statins.

I do believe however that they are overprescribed by doctors who too quickly buy into the drug company marketing hype of the benefits from very low cholesterol levels. I've yet to hear of one study that indicates that statin usage decreases total mortality levels....

What I am stressing is that for those who become intolerant to statins, the damage can be severe, and there is no known effective treatment for the side effects.

It is critical when taking statins to be aware of any sudden, chronic loss of memory, inability to concentrate, or unexplained muscle pain or weakness.

I guess my motto is 'try the statins, but be very watchful for side effects'...

HubbleRules

Don't get me wrong folks - I'm not knocking statins.

They have clearly benefited millions by reducing their LDL cholesterol level. For those with very high LDL levels, or a personal history of heart disease, or CHD in siblings or parents, statins have clear benefit.

God Bless Lenin - I hope you will always have good results with statins.

I do believe however that they are overprescribed by doctors who too quickly buy into the drug company marketing hype of the benefits from very low cholesterol levels. I've yet to hear of one study that indicates that statin usage decreases total mortality levels....

What I am stressing is that for those who become intolerant to statins, the damage can be severe, and there is no known effective treatment for the side effects.

It is critical when taking statins to be aware of any sudden, chronic loss of memory, inability to concentrate, or unexplained muscle pain or weakness.

I guess my motto is 'try the statins, but be very watchful for side effects'...

HubbleRules

Hubble,

For some studies on statin results, here's a good condensation:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/445150

It's a completely non-commercial site so I hope it's ok to post.

Lenin,

That was a great link - most people should take a look at it - it goes into the studies behind statins in detail, and demonstrates that they are effective and safe (for most people)...

I admit that I'm biased against statins - due to the fact that after about 7-8 years on Lipitor, I ran into serious arm-muscle pain, extreme weakness, and exercise intolerance - and I'm still not fully recovered - although I'm quite a bit better than I was 11 months ago... I personally wouldn't dare go back on a statin...

Statins are good for the majority of people who use them. I was one of the unlucky minority who developed side effects...

I would suggest though that those who use them take CoQ10 supplements to avoid myopathies...

HubbleRules

I have been on /off statins for the past six years. I started on Zocor, but was taken off after approximately 3 years due to unexplainable muscle pains. After a short period of time, I was put on Zocor, which I quit taking about a month ago. I had developed peripheral neuropathy in both feet and both hands shortly after starting statins . NO REASON for the neuropathy was ever found after numerous tests by a neurologist. He never even hinted it could be a result of statin use, stating some people just develop it. My muscle pain is in the abdominal area along the ribcage, both calf muscles (sore to the touch), left arm and finally in upper shoulder and neck area. Dr. took me off Lipitor about a month ago. Not much change yet, but SEEMS to be getting better very slowly.
The statins worked great for reducing cholestral. Before starting them, chostral was 247(HDL low). Last blood workup showed total cholestral 117, with HDL 41. Definately better than where I started. Hate to see where they will go now that I have quit statins, but, if they are causing the muscle pains, I will stay off them.

Hi all,
Wife was on Lipitor, Zocor, and Pravachol. The later drug caused serious sides in 2002. Symptoms were the severe muscle ache and flu like problems without the runs or upchucks. Research at the time suggested "STATINS" were the problem. It was the week-end so we just stopped cold. The result was an 80% LOSS OF ALL STRENGTH. It has not returned even with rehab assistance. You should also know she was taking CO-Q-10 all along.

Bottom line is it has ruined her life and our retirement. Most doctors do not even recognize the symptoms and poo poo so many people and just do not make the connection. SO SAD.

Our advise***be cautious, careful, and vigilant, as "Rabdomyolysis " may do you in before you even know what the problem is all about.

My best to you all.

Jim

i dont know if this is related but im on fenofibrate for about 1 1/2 years now and 2 1/2 weeks ago developed a very sever pain in my hip, thingh and knee now the pain in the hip has almost gone away but the knee and thigh continue to hurt constantly since this onset and i have not injured it in any way could this be from my meds

Hi Jim! I so agree with you. I refuse all statins at this point. I have taken lipitor for about three yrs b4 getting off it, then zetia. Now my cardio wanted me to start pravigard. I refused. Then she gave me niaspan. It caused flushing so badly that i stopped taking it.

Instead, since my cholesterol problem stems from diuretics, i just half the dose.

When I first started taking lipitor about 8 months ago, I experienced acid indigestion during the night; I took tums with the pill to calm my stomach. About two months ago, I started feeling weak and tired after working out--stairstepper and running. Recently I ran and worked out on a treadmill. Afterwards, I could hardly walk. I recently stopped taking lipitor, but no relief yet. My legs just ache. The pain starts at the hip joint and runs down through the thighs and into the calves. I continue to work out. Exercise seems to relieve some of the pain until just before I go to bed. During the day the dull ache drains energy. I hope I heal fast.