How do statins cause muscle pain

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Sign Up. Close Thanks for visiting. While statin-related myalgia, myositis, and rhabdomyolysis will resolve once you stop taking statins, rhabdomyolysis may result in irreversible muscle damage. Additionally, a study showed statin-associated autoimmune myopathies are also a side effect of statins. This serious muscle wasting condition is rare and occurs in a fraction of patients.

While there are several theories as to why statins may cause muscle pain, none have been confirmed. Research has shown that the gene atrogin-1 may be the source of muscle pain in those taking statins. This gene turns on at the beginning stages of the breakdown of muscle, which is associated with illnesses such as cancer , sepsis , and AIDS. Research has also shown that people taking Mevacor lovastatin have higher levels of atrogin-1 than those not taking the drug. When the drug is removed from the cells, it does not appear to cause muscle damage.

Additionally, scientists may be able to manipulate this gene, or others involved, to prevent muscle damage caused by statins. Another theory is that statins can potentially interfere with the production of CoQ10, a coenzyme in the muscles. Research has suggested that taking CoQ10 supplements might lower your chances of experiencing statin-related myopathy, but available data is still not sufficient enough to back this up. High-dose simvastatin brand name Zocor appears to present a higher risk for muscle pain than other statin drugs.

The risk appears to be significantly lower with Lescol fluvastatin , Pravachol pravastatin and Crestor rosuvastatin. As such, it's recommended that the dosage of simvastatin be limited to 40 milligrams mg per day, which can reduce the risk of muscle problems.

Statin-related muscle problems are more likely to occur in people who exercise vigorously, especially if they begin to do so at a rapid rate rather than slowly building up intensity. It is also more common in people taking a variety of other medications, including Lopid gemfibrozil , as well as steroids, cyclosporine, or niacin.

Furthermore, studies have also shown that people with vitamin D deficiency also tend to experience muscle problems with statins more frequently than others.

Some experts have reported that administering vitamin D to these people helps ease these symptoms. People who have the muscle disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ALS are also at higher risk for muscle pain while taking statins. Millions of Americans take statins because they effectively target all aspects of one's lipid profile by lowering low-density lipoprotein LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising high-density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol.

They also reduce the chance of stroke and heart attack. Because of these benefits, the decision to stop taking statins because of related muscle pain is carefully considered. If you have started statins and experience muscle pain, see your healthcare provider.

While it may be likely that it is indeed the drug that is causing your discomfort, they will consider the possibility of other causes as well. Your practitioner will likely also test your blood for increased creatine kinase CK levels—an indicator of rhabdomyolysis. If detected, statins will be stopped right away. Your doctor may be able to come up with an alternative treatment plan that can help you lower your cholesterol without uncomfortable side effects.

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This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks. Products and services. Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks Statins are effective at lowering cholesterol and protecting against a heart attack and stroke, although they may lead to side effects for some people. By Mayo Clinic Staff.

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Show references Controlling cholesterol with statins. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed Jan. Rosenson RS. Statins: Actions, side effects and administration. Rosenson RS, et al. Statin muscle-related adverse events. Ferri FF. If your muscles start becoming sore one to two days after exercising, you may be experiencing delayed onset muscle soreness DOMS.

This type of…. Tendinitis results in pain that makes it difficult to move the affected joint. Not all muscle soreness is the same. Acute muscle soreness is felt during or immediately after exercise. With delayed onset muscle soreness, your…. The serratus anterior muscle spans the upper eight or nine ribs and helps you rotate your shoulder blade and move it forward and up.

Learn common…. Heat cramps are one of the first signs of heat exhaustion caused by dehydration. They often occur during strenuous activity in hot weather. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Pain Treatment Risk factors Takeaway Overview Statins are a common group of drugs prescribed by doctors to treat high cholesterol.

Statins and muscle pain. What to do about muscle pain. Risk factors for side effects. Talk to your doctor.