Question: I have been taking statins for almost 10 years and notice that I am losing muscle mass. Why? Can statins cause a loss of muscle mass?
Dr. Hibberd's Answer:
Statin medications do not usually cause the loss of muscle mass. Remember that many statin users are older and less active. It is unlikely you will experience muscle loss when using statins as long as you remain physically active and exercise regularly.
Muscle aches are not uncommon and may be prevented by the supplementation of 100 mg of CoQ10 daily when taking statin medications. This dose, of course, depends on your diet, and some people may require the dosage to be adjusted.
Do not try to treat muscle aches with CoQ10. Once muscle aches occur, the statin must be discontinued immediately. You should be under the supervision of your physician to examine you for a very serious but rare condition called rhabdomyelosis, which is hallmarked by elevated CPK levels.
If CPK levels are normal, or your physician determines a CPK is unnecessary, begin taking the statin again with additional CoQ10, or try a different statin. Just be sure the muscle aches are totally clear before reinitiating statin treatment.
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