Statins causing muscle and joint pain.

[Wellworth]

80mg Atorvastatin, 10mg Ezetimibe, 2.5mg Ramapril, 90mg Ticagrelor, 2.5mg Bisoprolol, 75mg Asprin, 20mg Omeprazole.

Had my MI in August 2023 and had a single stent fitted. Another artery was slightly clogged but the hope is medication for cholesterol will keep the blood flowing .

From August I have been experiencing very vivid dreams and have not really slept well since. In the past few months I have started getting muscle discomfort in legs shoulders and hands, and also some hip and knee joint pain. Not great for my exercise routine. I am aware and my GP confirmed that these can be side affects of Atorvastatin.

My GP suggested there would be no danger in stopping the Statin completely for 2 or 3 weeks to see if that may be the cause of these issues. If it is the culprit, I could then start taking a lower dose and build up to see what works for me, or try some other medication.

Has anyone else done this, and how did it work out for you.

Thanks in advance

[bluemoon572]

atorvastatin is lipophilic but rosuvastatin is hydrophilic with much less incidence of muscle inflammation or interactions with things like grapefruit juice,supplements or other medications. A blood test,total CPK, if elevated proves that muscle inflammation is present. Beta blockers have been known to cause vivid dreams. Your GP may recommend trying rosuvastatin after your muscle symptoms (and total CPK results) have improved.

[Wellworth in reply to bluemoon572]

Not sure about Rosuvastatin. Seems to be some bad press on it, its even been withdrawn from use in some countries.

I think sometimes there is too much information through Dr Google.

[bluemoon572 in reply to Wellworth]

At this time it hasn't been taken off the market in any country as far as I can tell.

Mgm for mgm it is more potent than other statins so it should be started with a low dose and titrated upward. It's safety profile is no different than other statins. Properly used I think it's a great medication.

[Wellworth in reply to bluemoon572]

Thanks Bluemoon572. Will keep in mind and discuss with my GP as we move forward.

[DWizza]

Hi , I think you can search my previous recent posts , I’ve been on a similar journey and on my 3rd statin that appears to be working and agreeable to me. Had same symptoms plus a longer list 🤦🏼.

[Wellworth in reply to DWizza]

Hey DWizza, thanks for the reply.

Its great to come across a fellow runner here and reading through other replies there seem to be quite a few on here. Having had quite a lot of muscle injuries over the years I was on the verge of packing it in when my HA brought a natural end to my running career. To be fair I am equally happy now taking a brisk 3 or 4 mile walk.

I have read through a lot of your posts and those of other people. Makes for interesting reading but probably raises even more questions.

I was put on 80mg Atorvastatin after my HA to help bring down my cholesterol level, the level the cardiologist wanted was not achieved so my pharmacist gave me Ezetimibe as well. This has achieved the desired results.

I know I had sleep issues before I took the Ezetimibe but cant remember if I had any muscle and joint issues.

If there has to be a trade off, I think I could live with the sleep issues as getting out for a long walk without any pain makes me feel so much better. I may quit the Ezetimibe first as it was an add on to the cardiologists original prescription and see what happens.

Will post again when I decide what to do and what results I have.

[Class52]

I had problems with 80 mg of combatting and had it reduced to not needing it. Then got a bit older put on atorvastatin 50 then 20 mg bad problems with legs and feet. Now on rosuvastatin legs better but disturbs my sleep can’t bear sheet touching.

[YITOPM]

I was raised to 80mg Atorvastatin a number of months back and then started suffering daily and intense calf cramping. Queried it with GP and 3 weeks ago was changed to 20mg Rosuvastatin on trial, no cramps have occurred since then. Confirmed with hospital and cardiologist that the 80mg Ator to 20mg Rosu was an okay move. Thats just my statin experience so far. Hope you’re situation improves 👍

[Wellworth in reply to YITOPM]

Thanks for the reply YITOPM. Will update with the changes I decide upon and any results as we go along.

[Dave678]

I’d been taking 80mg Atorvastatin (amongst other tablets) for about 2 yrs when I developed bad achilles pain last August - even when wasn’t or hadn’t been exercising! GP suggested I stopped taking for a month and that slightly improved situation.

Then switched to 20mg Rosuvastatin but pains still came back although not as severe. Have had blood tests & BP checks in arms & legs at same time to see what cause is & ultrasound next month to get to bottom of cause!

GP says pain should hopefully go away naturally and, although possibly caused by meds, likely to be other factors which maybe some physio might aid!

Obviously can’t use ibuprofen tabs but for any particular pain - ibuprofen gel, paracetamol, ice packs, cold spray, stretching muscle area and gentle exercise might help.

So, no worry with stopping your statin for a few weeks - GP might try another one with you after or even go down other routes but good luck with your outcome👍

[Wellworth in reply to Dave678]

Thanks for the reply.

I may quit the Ezetimibe first as it was an add on to the cardiologists original prescription and see what happens. I cant remember if muscle and joint pain was an issue before I started Ezetimibe.

Will let you know how I get on in a few weeks.

[Thaifan]

hi I do not tolerate most statins. I have tried various over the years. I currently have Rosuvastatin on the lowest dose as that is all I can tolerate. I also only take it 3 days a week. 12 months ago I removed dairy from my diet and after 6 months my cholesterol level dropped by 2 points. I have a pacemaker with mild blockage in a couple of vessels.

[newstent]

Hi W, I’m on Atorvastatin 80mg and have been for 2 years. I get the vivid dreams which don’t bother me but a lot of leg aches and pains. I haven’t tried stopping it as I have similarly partially blocked arteries which I don’t want to get worse and taking it has lowered my cholesterol numbers considerably. I’ve been wondering about trying a different brand but don’t know if that might throw up other issues! I’d be interested to hear if stopping it for a couple of weeks would make a noticeable difference. C

[Wellworth in reply to newstent]

Hi Newstent, thanks for the reply.

Your situation sounds similar to my own, although as well as 80mg Atorvastatin after my HA , the LDL level the cardiologist wanted me to get too was not achieved so my pharmacist gave me Ezetimibe as well. This has achieved the desired results.

I think I may cut out the Ezetimibe for a few weeks first to see if there is any change to the muscle and joint issue. If no change I will resume that and cut out the Atorvastatin.

One way or the other I will follow up this post in a few weeks.

[Sixtychick]

I take Atorvastatin and have no problems with that. I also take COQ10 supplements, as Statins reduce the COQ 10 levels in your body. That might help you and I also take 500mg of Omega 3. I had to reduce that from 1000mg to 500 mg when I was started on anti coagulants, but GP says that dose is ok. Both are supposed to help with muscle and joint pains.

[Velda1]

I had reactions with statins, was only on them for 6 months since HA in September and was in pain the whole time also bad sleep...so a couple of months ago, I was advised to come off Atorvastin (lowest dose) for a couple of weeks then go back on, to see what happens the pains returned. I was then put on Rosuvastatin (lowest dose) and same thing happened. I am now off them as I seem to be statin intolerant. I take Aspirin ticagrelor empagliflozan bisoprolol entresto & ezetimibe. I don't eat dairy, drink oat milk. Not had my cholesterol checked for a few weeks since coming off these so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all is good.

[Wellworth in reply to Velda1]

Thanks for the reply Velda1.

Will post an update in a few weeks.

[EastchurchTwentyOne]

Hi after my stents I was prescribed atorvastatin and it caused really bad diarrhoea I was taken off it for several months. It stopped pretty quickly. Now on Rosuvastatin. Years ago I had Simvastatin that affected my muscles, pains in arms mostly that was stopped and not replaced… that’s another story! Anyway other drugs out there to be prescribed until you find one that suits. All the best

[Wellworth in reply to EastchurchTwentyOne]

Thanks for the reply. Will update in a few weeks.

[sandandkev]

What are you on atorvastin for?? As ezetimibe will lower cholesterol

[Wellworth in reply to sandandkev]

Thanks for your reply.

Was put on 80mg Atorvastatin after my HA to help bring down cholesterol level, the level the cardiologist wanted was not achieved so they gave me Ezetimibe as well. This has achieved the desired results.

I know I had sleep issues before I took the Ezetimibe but cant remember if I had any muscle and joint issues.

If there has to be a trade off, I think I could live with the sleep issues as getting out for a long walk without any pain makes me feel so much better.

Will post again when I decide what to do and what results I have.

[dipt]

Atorvastatin I had muscle cramps very painful doctor took me off them. I am know on rosuvastatin 100% better.