Leg cramps and use of Zorcor - High Cholesterol Message Board

carolcopp · 12-08-2007, 07:33 AM

I have been on 40 MG of zorcor for several years. One year ago I was awaken with a severe charlie horse in my lower right calf. It would not go away and lasted for hours. I was treated with muscle relaxers etc. and told to see my Dr. ---I had xrays-a bone scan-did physical therapy (which did return strength to the leg)---but I still have problems-a feeling of numbness and cramping almost nightly when I try to sleep-there is always a strage feeling in the leg--could this be related to zorcor use ???

bluefox · 01-09-2008, 03:57 AM

Sorry for a late reply, but only today joined this health board and saw your msg. Any statin drug for cholesterol can cause leg cramps, so yes, its possible that Zorcor is causing yours. I was on Crestor for abt 6mnths and the legs cramps were so bad that I was eventually sleeping sitting up in our Tv room - had no idea at the time it could be Crestor. I was usually ok until I went to bed - as soon as I laid down the muscles in my calves would start to tighten and twitch, when I sat up they would lessen. It was very strange, uncomfortable and so painful. When my diabetic surgeon told me abt it I stopped taking them immediately, within 2wks all the cramping stopped. <removed> Now I'm struggling to find some kind of alternative for cholesterol as I refuse to take any statins again. I had tried a few different ones in the past and each one gave me horrible side effects. If you can read the package insert it should tell you abt side effects. Hope this helps you.

mod-anon · 01-09-2008, 04:25 AM

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carolcopp · 01-10-2008, 06:42 PM

Thanks for your reply---now I am really suspicious as I also have the cramping at night when I try to sleep---I have no problems during the day--I am going to check it out further-thanks again.

Lulubells · 01-10-2008, 09:43 PM

I was on a different statin but I had leg and foot cramps the whole time on them. Took me awhile after I got off of it to realize I didn't have them anymore.

That feeling of numbness and strage feeling is called peripheral neuropathy, a common side effcet of statin drugs. I had a itching and burning feeling in my feet and that is how I described it to my doctor so he, nor I, connected it to the statin drug...Later I realized it is all in the wording but it means the same thing.