Question 1

how can i distinguish muscle pain from statin use vs muscle pain from ms?

Accepted Answer

Some ways: If it is indeed a statin problem, should likely see elevation of muscle enzymes especially cpk, creatine phosphokinase.  Cannot especially confirm ms pain in limbs by a simple blood test, but if there is confusion, documentation of new lesions, especially in the spinal cord can bolster diagnosis.  If statin is stopped, problem may depart, but not so simple with pain of ms.  Neuro can sort out.

Question 2

took statin drugs 9 years side effects made me stop the drug will the 9 years i was on statins be a credit when i get into my 70s and 80's?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol karma: Lets start by saying statins simply control a risk factor (hypercholesterolemia). There is no evidence that they extend your life. The more important question would be, what are your current risk factors? Are you eating right? Exercising?  Whats your bmi. What's your blood pressure? What's your cholesterol now? Talk to your doc. They can assess your risks and set you on the right course if action.

Question 3

are statins safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Statin medications used to treat high cholesterol are considered safe.  As with all medications and medical procedures, we weigh the risks vs. The benefits.  The risks of statins is very low (may adversely affect the liver but this is rare) and the benefits are great (significant reduction in heart disease and stroke.) discuss this with your doctor, in light of your individual medical conditions.

Question 4

statin pain duration

Accepted Answer

Muscle pain: Statins are well known to cause muscle pain and to a lesser degree joint pain. You can take vitamins coq10 150- 200 mg per day to help your symptoms. If no releif you have to contact your doctor for further management.

Question 5

where will statin pain occur?

Accepted Answer

statin pain: When statins cause muscle pain, it can be generalized or just localized to the most heavily worked muscle groups. Often the leg muscles in runners or exercise walkers. It is often helped by coq empirically but should be evaluated by your dr.

Question 6

can statins lead to one-sided pain?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Statins can cause muscle pain.  This is usually in the legs.  Talk to your primary care and depending on your health and the timing they may offer you other options from the statin.

Question 7

why are generic statins so expensive?

Accepted Answer

Statins: Generic statins are much cheaper than branded statins. They are still more expensive than we'd like probably because they still sell despite the price.

Question 8

what are the downsides of using statins?

Accepted Answer

Many!: Liver disease, diarrhea, muscle aches (one form called myopathy can be quite serious).  It's not a benign drug by any stretch.  That is why lifestyle changes are still recommended as the first step.  The problem is that most people won't do that.  However, changing your diet and lifestyle is far cheaper, safer, and longer-lasting.

Question 9

what's the cheapest effective statin drug?

Accepted Answer

Walmart: Lovastatin (mevacor), and pravastatin (pravachol) are available from walmart and many other pharmacies for $4 (for a month's supply). Simvastatin (zocor) is available generically but costs about $30 for a month's supply (20 mg). Atorvastatin  (lipitor) has also become generic but i don't have access to the price. A double strength pill of any of the above  cut in half  will cut your cost in half.

Question 10

why do statins need to be taken at bedtime?

Accepted Answer

Increased efficacy: The thought is that cholesterol formation in the liver is highest when sleeping, so a shorter acting statin would have the highest blood levels in the blood if taken at bedtime.
Some statins that have a longer time in the blood, so less of an issue.   
   According to their fda package inserts:
pravachol, crestor, and Lipitor (atorvastatin) can be taken at any time. Zocor is reported to take in evening.

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Doctor answers about:

Pain from statins

A member asked:

How can i distinguish muscle pain from statin use vs muscle pain from ms?

A member asked:

Took statin drugs 9 years side effects made me stop the drug will the 9 years i was on statins be a credit when i get into my 70s and 80's?

A member asked:

Are statins safe?

A member asked:

Statin pain duration

A member asked:

Where will statin pain occur?

A member asked:

Can statins lead to one-sided pain?

A member asked:

Why are generic statins so expensive?

A member asked:

What are the downsides of using statins?

A member asked:

What's the cheapest effective statin drug?

A member asked:

Why do statins need to be taken at bedtime?

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