Question: I am a 64-year-old female. I took statin drugs from 1996 to 2002. During that time I had “charley horse” like cramps in my legs, feet, arms, organs, chest, and back. I reported them to the doctor several times. The doctor changed the drug, but would not take me off the statins. Finally, when I had the severe cramps in my chest, which nearly took my breath away, I just quit taking the drug.
I did extensive research and discovered the possibility of “drug induced myopathy,” but all studies I read said the problem was reversible after about two to three weeks off the drug. The severe cramps in my legs and feet stopped, but my arms and organs have been a real problem and I want to know if it is possible that the drug played a part.
The muscles in my entire digestive system have slowed to a crawl, and I am also having much trouble with bladder muscles.
I want to know if there can be any connection between the statin drugs and all these muscle problems, and your suggestions for getting my elevated cholesterol down.
Dr. Hibberd's Answer:
It is too bad your professional could not recognize what was happening to you. The statin drugs do cause skeletal muscle pain in some, and serious myositis in a few. Nuisance muscle aches can often be prevented by taking 50 to 100 mg of CoQ10 daily with your statin medication. Serious myositis and rhabdomyelosis are rare, but can be life-threatening if not recognized early. Sustained myopathy is unusual, and the smooth muscle of the intestines is not involved in this myositis that I am aware of. The muscle aches often last longer than two or three weeks, and some patients report months of aches before they stop completely.
You need to consult your cardiologist or lipid specialist regarding the advisability of trying a statin medication once again supplementing with CoQ10. If you do restart statins, have periodic blood tests (CPK, and chemistries) and be sure your physician monitors you for problems.
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