Statins - muscle pain
That persistent muscle pain may be drug-induced!
Complaints of general muscle pain, weakness, tendonitis, and lupus-like symptoms maybe be caused by the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins). Statins such as Lipitor, Mevacor, Socor, Poravachol and Lesco, all lower cholesterol by inhibiting a specific liver enzyme. Without this enzyme, the liver cannot make its own cholesterol, so the liver removes cholesterol from the blood for use in producing hormones and other cell functions. Reported musculoskeletal side effects include muscle pain, inflammation and destruction of the muscle tissues. When muscle tissue is destroyed, it releases iron into the blood stream. Excessive concentrations can clog the pathways of the kidneys, leading to kidney failure and eventual death. Most patients tolerate statins extremely well though a few experience side effects serious enough to discontinue treatment. Multiple drug therapy, along with the statins, increases the danger. Statins represent only one drug with ‘rare side-effects’ and the benefits must be weighed carefully against the risks. In general, for mild and moderate elevations of blood fat and cholesterol, an altered diet is usually sufficient and is the initial step in treatment. Dietary changes usually should be tried for at least six months before determining that a drug is also needed (Merk Manual).
Complaints of general muscle pain, weakness, tendonitis, and lupus-like symptoms maybe be caused by the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins). Statins such as Lipitor, Mevacor, Socor, Poravachol and Lesco, all lower cholesterol by inhibiting a specific liver enzyme. Without this enzyme, the liver cannot make its own cholesterol, so the liver removes cholesterol from the blood for use in producing hormones and other cell functions. Reported musculoskeletal side effects include muscle pain, inflammation and destruction of the muscle tissues. When muscle tissue is destroyed, it releases iron into the blood stream. Excessive concentrations can clog the pathways of the kidneys, leading to kidney failure and eventual death. Most patients tolerate statins extremely well though a few experience side effects serious enough to discontinue treatment. Multiple drug therapy, along with the statins, increases the danger. Statins represent only one drug with ‘rare side-effects’ and the benefits must be weighed carefully against the risks. In general, for mild and moderate elevations of blood fat and cholesterol, an altered diet is usually sufficient and is the initial step in treatment. Dietary changes usually should be tried for at least six months before determining that a drug is also needed (Merk Manual).
Comments