I have been taking atrovastatin for 2 years and suddenly with no obvious cause my lower legs began to hurt so much so that it was painful to walk or climb stairs.No relief by taking paracetamol and after 5 days stopped atrovastatin and within 36 hours no leg pain.Spoke with GP who reluctantly changed me to another statin but insisted it was highly unlikely atrovastatin had anything to do with leg pain as had been on it a couple of years.Is it possible to get side effects from medication,statins in particular years after commencing said medication?
Statin side effects: I have been taking... - British Heart Fou...
Statin side effects
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have a chat with your dispensing pharmacist or indeed the pharmacist employed at your doctor’s group of surgeries. They are the real experts on medication and their side effects.
I am on crestor (rosuvastatin) because my GP believed that it is a most effective statin. I am on it for a very long time and I am just fine. I am not sure if I would want to try atorvastatin.
I had a quadruple in 2004 and was prescribed Crestor. It crippled me with pain so I moved to another - Simvastatin with no adverse effects. But now on Lipitor - Atorvastatin with no adverse effects.
That is great that you are fine now on your new statin drug. I should maybe switch to Atorvastatin but I am just staying on crestor because it is a most effective statin plus I tolerate it well.
I am on artorvastatin too & have started suffering with weak & aching muscles, particularly in my thighs. I did wonder if it was these. It could be be the manufacturing, as I’ve heard it could be different depending on the make. But who knows? Doctors don’t tend to think they should cause these side effects 😩
Best wishes
after 9 months I developed muscule ache leg cramps, doc changed me to ezetimide aches went in two days.
Appointment with dr is needed I think. Thanks for your reply.
I could not tolerate artovastatin, it affected me almost immediately with aching limbs. My GP hasn't given me another one though. So I go without.
If you are unconvinced by your GPs response, you could trial stopping atorvastatin for 2 or 3 weeks to see if your pains go away. Whilst your heart health risk will increase in that period it wont seriously affect your long term risk profile. However if you go down this route you should do so with blessing of your GP.
Hi Frank
My husband has been on atrovastatin for over 20 years with no problems, he did have the dosage increased last year. Late last year he started suffering with hand & arm problems, numbness/pain and on his nurses advice he stopped taking it for 2 weeks. That had no effect so it was decided that that the problem wasn't as a result of his staring & he's now awaiting an MRI.
Definitely have a word with your medical team/GP about it
That's a coincidence because I've been taking atorvastatin for years at 20mg a day.
After a stent my dose was increased to 80mg to get my LDL down to 1.7
It was ok at first but lately I've been getting leg pain as well as general aches and malaise.
I wondered if generic meds are not made exactly the same no matter that the docs say they do.
I've read that all sorts of fillers are in them.
I'm going to reduce back to 20mg see what happens.
Could you change to rosuvastatin (crestor) I am on a maximum dose and I am just fine?
Rosuvastatin is a most effective statin and my GP wanted me on it. If you want low cholesterol than try it. I actually believe that it is better for me than Atorvastatin.
If you switch to crestor ( rosuvastatin) than start with a 10mg daily dose and build up slowly to the dose without a requir side effects sufficient to achieve your goals of LDL. The best is if to take it late, but you can take it anytime during the day.
It sounds like you're discussing experiences with statins and side effects, as well as exploring potential medication changes. Here's a summary and some considerations based on your points:
1. Atorvastatin Side Effects:
Muscle pain, general aches, and malaise are recognized side effects of statins, including atorvastatin, particularly at higher doses. These symptoms could be due to the medication itself or its interaction with other factors like lifestyle or other drugs.
2. Generic vs. Brand-Name Medications:
Generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts, but the inactive ingredients (fillers, binders) may differ. While this is typically not an issue for most people, some individuals may be sensitive to specific fillers. If you suspect this, switching to a different brand or formulation (brand-name or another generic) might help.
3. Switching to Rosuvastatin (Crestor):
Rosuvastatin is a potent statin and often recommended for people who need substantial LDL reduction. Many patients tolerate it well, even at high doses. Starting at a lower dose, like 5-10 mg daily, and gradually increasing as needed could help reduce side effects. Unlike atorvastatin, rosuvastatin can often be taken any time of day due to its longer half-life.
4. Timing and Dose Adjustment:
Taking statins in the evening is traditionally recommended for medications like atorvastatin because cholesterol synthesis in the liver is higher at night. However, rosuvastatin's longer duration of action allows more flexibility in dosing time.
5. Reducing the Dose:
If you're planning to reduce atorvastatin back to 20 mg to see if side effects improve, consult your doctor. It’s crucial to ensure that your LDL levels remain controlled to reduce cardiovascular risk.
6. Monitoring and Medical Advice:
Regular blood tests to monitor cholesterol levels and muscle enzymes (like CK) are essential, especially when adjusting doses or switching medications. Communicate with your healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment.
Your experience and the suggestion to consider rosuvastatin highlight the importance of personalized medicine. What works for one person may not suit another, so working closely with your healthcare provider is key.
ChatGPT said
My doctor and the details in the accompanying documentation say that Atorvastatin can be taken at any time of the day provided it is taken at the same time each day.
I agree that it is a mistake but honestly we all know that it is always better to take them as close as possible to the bedtime. We all know why. I am on the maximum Daily dose of rosuvastatin therefore I don't really care much because my cholesterol is low. My doctor wanted to test my cholesterol but I refused because I like to save money. Actually I don't like waisting even if it is not my money. If you are on the maximum Daily dose of rosuvastatin than you are doing fine and no need to check.
It’s true that rosuvastatin and atorvastatin differ slightly in terms of timing flexibility due to their pharmacokinetics. Here's a breakdown:
Timing of Statins:
1. Atorvastatin:
Atorvastatin has a long half-life (approximately 14 hours) and active metabolites, meaning it can be taken at any time of the day, as long as it’s taken consistently at the same time each day.
This flexibility is convenient for patients who may struggle to remember to take medication at bedtime.
2. Rosuvastatin:
Rosuvastatin also has a long half-life (approximately 19 hours), which allows it to be taken at any time of the day. However, some doctors still prefer recommending bedtime dosing for statins in general, as cholesterol synthesis in the liver is most active during the night.
3. Shorter-Acting Statins:
For statins with shorter half-lives (e.g., simvastatin), bedtime dosing is generally preferred for maximum efficacy.
---
Points from the Discussion:
1. Maximum Dose and Monitoring:
If you’re on the maximum dose of rosuvastatin and your cholesterol is well-controlled, frequent testing may not be necessary. However, periodic monitoring is still recommended to check for side effects like liver enzyme changes or muscle damage markers (CK levels).
2. Cost Concerns:
While skipping tests may save money, it’s important to weigh the risks, especially if you’ve been on high doses for a long time. Occasional tests ensure the medication remains safe and effective.
3. Personalizing Timing:
For both atorvastatin and rosuvastatin, timing is less critical than consistency. If taking the medication at bedtime fits into your routine, that’s fine. If not, taking it at a consistent time during the day is just as effective.
---
Summary:
Both atorvastatin and rosuvastatin offer flexibility in timing due to their long half-lives, but bedtime dosing has traditionally been emphasized for statins in general. If you're on a stable regimen with good results, that's a sign your approach is effective. However, skipping tests entirely might overlook potential side effects, so an occasional check-in with your doctor is wise.
ChatGPT said
I am doing lots of test very often but I am not going to test my cholesterol because it is not critical. I don't want to fast if it is not necessary for my other tests. Believe me I have all the tests except cholesterol because I am on the maximum Daily dose and I don't really care. Ok I know that my cholesterol is not extremely low. Therefore no cholesterol testing for me.
"...we all know that it is always better to take them as close as possible to the bedtime. ...We all know why...."
No.!! 'We' don't all know it is better to take them as close as possible to bedtime. What 'we' should be doing is following the advice of our health professional when to take medication, and/or following the advice on the patient information sheet. So as far as atorvastatin is concerned,the patient information sheet is clear that it can be taken at any time of the day, with our without food, as long as it is taken at the same time each day. However the patient information sheet for each and every other statin may give different instructions to this, and, as far as I am aware, that applies to simvastatin.
Thanks for clarifying.
You are correct that rosuvastatin (Crestor) is more water-soluble, while atorvastatin (Lipitor) is lipid-soluble. This difference in solubility can influence how these medications are absorbed, distributed, and metabolized in the body, and it may partly explain differences in side effects.
Key Differences:
1. Water-soluble statins (e.g., rosuvastatin, pravastatin):
Primarily act on the liver and have less penetration into non-liver tissues (like muscles).
Tend to have fewer muscle-related side effects in some people because of reduced tissue distribution outside the liver.
2. Lipid-soluble statins (e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin):
Can more easily penetrate muscle and other tissues due to their lipid solubility.
This property might increase the risk of muscle-related side effects in sensitive individuals.
Is rosuvastatin better tolerated?
Generally, rosuvastatin is considered less likely to cause muscle pain in certain populations due to its pharmacological profile. However, tolerance to statins is highly individual. Some people tolerate atorvastatin or other lipid-soluble statins just as well, or even better, depending on their genetic makeup, coexisting conditions, and medication interactions.
If someone experiences muscle symptoms with one statin, switching to a different one—especially one with a different solubility profile—can be a useful strategy.
Always consult with your doctor before switching or stopping any medication, as they can assess your overall risk and help guide the best choice for your specific circumstances.
ChatGPT said
That Chat GBT knows everything who needs doctors
I am double checking everything with ChatGPT what my doctors say and I feel better. ChatGPT makes mistakes but we humans also make mistakes therefore it is a good idea to double check everything.
Who indeed 🤣
My doctors just prescribed the medication and I am just taking it and it works.
You’re quite right about ‘fillers’…..more correctly called excipients. Unless your GP specifies precisely the specific statin, the pharmacist will go with the least expensive statin he has to hand that day; these are more likely to have cheap excipients in them. If you have any known allergies (lactose, cellulosesorbitol etc), it may be worthwhile checking your prescription (use Google).
I imagine it's possible that side effects come and go, influenced by diet, health, cold etc. I've been on 80 mg atorvastatin for nearly 4 years and there are definitely times when I think my lower legs are achy because of it, then it passes.
A side effect of statins according to small print can be muscle weakness or sensations xx
I believe that they also have anti-inflammatory properties therefore maybe not everything is so black. Maybe it could even help with joint pain? I feel fine on crestor but who knows?
My good lady had exactly the same problem, leg pains. Stopped taking it and cleared up within a day or two.
I had bad side effects with both Simvastatin and Atorvastatin, one had me needing sticks to walk, I was like a 90 year old but only late 60’s at the time. I now run 5k events most weekends.
I’m now on Rosuvastatin and it’s been side effect free, really appreciate the difference. GP wouldn’t prescribe it though, took OHS and a heart attack to get there, prescribed by cardiac team post surgery.
I don't understand why your GP would not prescribe rosuvastatin if you had side effects with Atorvastatin?
I hadn’t been diagnosed with any heart issues at the time. I got a shrug of the shoulders and ‘oh well you must have naturally high cholesterol’. I also believe Rosuvastatin used to be reserved for heart patients due to cost at the time.
Cost more.
I live in Sydney and I never had any problem getting rosuvastatin. I am getting a generic rosuvastatin from Sandoz 40 mg in a chemist warehouse for 6.7 dollars. The full price is 17.9 Australian dollars and the tablets are cuttable. I am just taking 40 mg but if you are on 20 mg you could cutt them into half. I actually never did that because I am on the maximum Daily dose.
I am cutting into half my perindopril arginine tablets also generic from Sandoz as well.
In order to save some money.
Thank you Seasid. It's available on the NHS ,so called free to patient's,but we pay national insurance ,well those who work do.The cost plays a big part in GP decision making I'm afraid .
GP practices are not employed directly by the NHS( get contracts along with money to run) and can decide on what to spend it on,to a point.
Glad you found a cost effective route! X
I've got a stubborn cardiologist who loves atorvastatin he won't change me to rosuvastatin what can I do?
My Cardiologist prescribed Atorvastatin.... 80mg of it daily. When I had big problems with it, my GP changed it to Simvastatin, then Pravastatin, both of which gave me similar problems. He wouldn't move me onto Rosuvastatin and prescribed Ezetimibe instead which is a statin enhancer, but of course I wasn't then taking a statin. Result after one year of Ezetimibe... zero effect. A complete waste of time and expense. It took the curiosity of the staff of the Cardiac unit in the local hospital to move things on. They tried to find out why I'd had a heart attack and referred me to their Pathology department. There the Pathologist asked me to consider Rosuvastatin and it worked. I got it prescribed and my GP had no say in it.
It appears that what may have happened is that your body has said "I've had enough of Atorvastatin". I had a similar issue with Amoxicillin antibiotic.... had it prescribed by my GP for years, then all of a sudden I came out in head to toe itchy red spots when I took it. Since then the same happens, so I have asked for an alternative.
The other thing that could have happened is that your pharmacy has changed the brand of Atorvastatin. Strange, but it can happen - my mother-in-law has to have a certain brand of the beta blocker she is prescribed.
Interesting,that was something I thought as well I'd read recently that some generic medication has been found to be not as good as the real version one mentioned was atorvastatin I'm not happy taking it originally it was called lipitor and it's only recently I've had problems
In Australia they say they that it is the same.
Until very recently I would pay more to get crestor in order to support the pharmaceutical company, but because now I am in a big saving money mood I am now much more reasonable and very happy to pay less for generic rosuvastatin from Sandoz. Sandoz is a Novartis company.
Hi, I've tried 4 types of statin and have had similar side effects from all of them including severe muscle pains, feeling totally drained and fatigued, brain fog, memory loss. As soon as I stop them I feel better within a few days. I'm now on Ezetimibe and Incliseran with no significant side effects. Its possible you have developed an intolerance so see your GP and ask about other types of statin or other medications. There are alternatives, and its important to have quality of life as well as length of life. Diet also made a massive change for me too; lots of nuts and fruit/veg.
Yes your right I hadn't thought of that.My diet is very good no junk food lots of fruits and veg I'm not a smoker and im normal weight you have given me ideas to act upon thank you
That is exactly what happened to me. Was about 2 years in and I was finding it difficult to pivot out of chairs and the pain in my legs was getting unbearable. Also the muscle in my legs was disappearing even though I walked over 20000 steps a day for my work. Went to GP, they did not agree, but took me of Artiovastitan for 2 months, the pain all but disappeared and I regained my mobility. They then insisted I start taking Rosuvastatin, within 2 months the pain was back and my knee muscles were not letting me pivot out of chairs or even stand up from the bed. I stopped taking all the tablets and pain is subsiding slower this time. The Doctors attitude, you know the risks, no looking at alternatives. Did you get any cramps while taking them, just don't understand why GP's won't listen no more.
Drinking water can indirectly help with some statin-related side effects, but it is not a guaranteed solution. Staying hydrated supports overall muscle and kidney function, which can mitigate certain issues associated with statin use. Here's how hydration might help and its limitations:
---
How Drinking Water May Help:
1. Muscle Cramps and Pain (Myalgia):
Why it might help: Dehydration can worsen muscle cramping and soreness, so adequate water intake may alleviate these symptoms or prevent them from becoming more severe.
Limitations: If muscle pain is directly caused by the statin (Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms, or SAMS), hydration alone is unlikely to fully resolve the issue.
2. Preventing Kidney Strain (Rhabdomyolysis):
Why it might help: In rare cases, statins can lead to a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis, where muscle breakdown releases myoglobin into the bloodstream, potentially harming the kidneys. Staying hydrated helps the kidneys flush out toxins and reduce the risk of damage.
Limitations: If rhabdomyolysis occurs, it is a medical emergency, and water alone is not sufficient to address the problem.
3. General Well-Being:
Why it might help: Staying hydrated supports the body’s natural detoxification processes and keeps muscles and joints functioning optimally.
---
Practical Tips for Managing Statin Side Effects:
1. Hydration:
Drink at least 8 glasses (2 liters) of water daily, or more if you are active or in a hot environment.
2. Timing with Statins:
Taking statins with water and a light meal can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
3. Electrolyte Balance:
If muscle cramps persist, ensure your electrolyte levels (e.g., potassium, magnesium) are adequate, as imbalances can worsen symptoms.
4. Exercise and Hydration:
Avoid overexerting muscles during physical activity, and stay hydrated to reduce the risk of cramping.
5. Monitor Symptoms:
If side effects like muscle pain, weakness, or dark-colored urine occur, contact your doctor. These could signal more serious conditions.
---
When Water Alone Is Not Enough:
If side effects persist despite good hydration, your doctor may:
Adjust the statin dose.
Switch to a different statin.
Add coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplements, which may help with muscle-related side effects.
Explore non-statin cholesterol-lowering options.
---
Summary:
Drinking water can help with statin-related side effects by improving hydration, supporting muscle function, and protecting the kidneys, but it is not a standalone solution for serious or persistent issues. If you experience significant side effects, consult your healthcare provider for tailored management.
ChatGPT said
I also experience muscle cramping if I don't drink enough water but today I am really fine. Maybe you should start with the lower daily dose?
I was on Simvastatin (Zocor) for many years then I developed muscle pain, my cardiologist was quite happy for me to stop taking statins altogether. I was off them for about 3 years. I moved from Scotland to England and GP put me on them again. That was last year so I've been on Atorvastatin since and so far so good.Internet sites say Simvastatin may be more likely to cause muscle pain at high doses and that Atorvastatin has less side effects than other statins.
So to answer your question - Yes pain can happen after years of taking. You have proved it yourself by stopping and your pain subsided.
But everyone is different and maybe you should ask your cardiologists advise. A different statin may help but you'd have to seek advice on this. Hope things work out for the better.
P.S. i just read your post again and see you're on a different statin so hope it works this time for you.
I have tried atorvastatin for a year, sinvastatin for 6 months and finally rosuvastatin for 3 months .
They all made me feel terrible by giving me bad muscle aches and cramps that used to stop me sleeping, I am now on a 3 month break from them to reset and then I am going to try a non statin medication that my gp recommended.
I'd change doctor if I were you. I was on parvastatin for couple of years and all of a sudden I had these pains (mums will know what I mean, sort of pain when in labour and you think "OMG it cannot get worse than this...and it does) I went to see the doc and he took me off straight away and explained that statin break the muscles basically. I've been on Ezetimibe for 4.5 years and no probs whatsoever.
I'm not medically trained but have been on statins for several years and tried several different ones. They have all left me feeling fatigued and with aches. I came across Organic Red Yeast Rice Capsules which are supposed to be an alternative.
I've read a great deal of bad press concerning Statins and decided to stop them altogethr a year ago. I have half yearly tests for cholesterol and have had 2 now. My cholesterol hasn't increased. I'm not advocating you do what I did but do your own research and make your conclusions.
The aches and fatigue have pretty much gone now. Try watching Dr Aseem Malhotra onYTube.
A statin tale
I have a friend who, like me, takes statins. He was taking Lipitor whichis the brand name of Atorvastatin. He had no problems for a couple of years. But then was given a generic clone and there were all kinds of aches and pains. He insisted on being provided with Lipitor and all was OK again. The pharmacist's explanation was the generics can have other different chemicals (supposedly inert) in them and that he thought the issue, in his case, was caused by those other chemicals.
But who can really tell? The drug companies have no real interest in finding out, I guess. But I do wonder what else is in the pills we all take, apart from the active ingredient.
Food for thought perhaps .....
See reply to fairgo45
Both my parents suffered this, exactly how you described. My Mother found a statin that suited, my Father can't take them at all. It's put me off. A Pharmacist will know more about options.
Atorvastatin can be associated with peripheral neuropathy, especially with long-term use.
Hi Frank I have suddenly began to get a lot of leg and feet and hand cramps can't be anything other than Atovastatin.
I'm a great believer in listen to what your body is telling you .
Well I'm not a GP but I disagree with that opinion. I had the same problem approx two years after I had been on Atorvastatin so my GP stopped them. That was in 2021. I had also been diagnosed with periphoral Arterial Disease (PAD) which has been proven to respond well to statins, so in 2022 I was referred to hispital and was tokd I shoukd go on to Simvastatin I explained my previous probkem and was tokd "not all statins are the same" since then I have been on Simvastatin with no oroblems and it has helped my PAD, incidentally PAD also causes leg and foot pain. I have never had high cholesterol so that was not why I was on statins in the first place but bcause I am also duabetic. I hope this helps.
thats exactly what i had. Leaden legs after taking atorvastatin for 2 years
I'm on the highest dose 80mg of atorvastatin...I was put straight on the higher dose 4yrs ago..I believe that I have lost a lot of muscle mass and gained weight,since I started them.ive also told my gp and cardiologist that a couple of years ago I've been having pain in my legs and also unexplained cramp in my not so muscular limbs since I've been taking them ..however,they've all said that it's the best statin to take with the meds I'm on and also as its a slow release etc and the benefits out weigh the negative side effects..so I've been pushing to change to something else ..no luck yet...so yes I think my pain,at least,is after long term use of statins.
My husband had terrible leg pains on atorvastatin but that was very soon after starting it, not after 2 years. I had stomach pain and was changed to simvastatin. My husband refused to try any others. Have any of your other meds changed that might be not mixing well with atorvastatin?
Hi Frank, Everyone reacts differently to Statins and some have no problems but if you are suffering then you need to try another as is it important to take the Statin as it could save your life.
My aches and pains got so bad that I could hardly walk as if I needed Hip & Knee replacements. My GP acknowledged that this was down to the Statin so I had a months break and was pain free and then I started ROSUSTATIN which has made a huge difference.
If anyone is suffering with pains and aches in their muscles and bones then go see your GP and ask to be changed over.
The Consultant at my Lipid Clinic are experts in cholesterol, Statins, and artery plaque said the Golden Rules for Statins are -
take Statin at night, no Grapefruit and to stop Statin when taking Anitbiotics and then re-start after antibiotics course.
I hope this helps x
I took Ramipril for a year with no problem and no side effects to speak of, then I suddenly got a rapidly spreading impossibly itchy rash, arms, legs, abdomen, I stopped Ramipril, started on Losartan, OK for a year then the same itchy fast spreading rash, I’ve also worked out that in my case Atorvastatin was causing me memory problems, these meds cause some people real problems that they really can’t live with, the box insert leaflets have a scary amount of side effects written on them, some really serious, immediately call for an ambulance serious, it probably depends how old you are as to whether you persist and put up with the serious or not so serious side effects of some of these meds or weigh up the odds and risk yourself, depends I suppose what existing cardiac problems you have and how helpful your GP is, anyway that's just me.
Good for you. Investigative analysis saves a lot of time/effort, as long as it is done quickly and with medical support.
In this case, 36 hrs is minimal risk.
But advice should always be to notify your medical support when altering drug usage.
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