Atorvastatin & PMR is there a connection?

[Dipsepat]

Hi, I was diagnosed with PMR in August 2017. Started on 10mg and now down to 5mg for the second time. I also have familial cholesterol which was diagnosed approx. 10 years ago. So I take 40mg of Atorvastatin every night. is there any clinical evidence that there is a link between statins and PMR. Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Statins are known to cause muscle and joint pain - and since there is no definitive test for PMR, where do you draw the line?

Simvastatin lists PMR as a potential adverse effect on its data sheet. I was given atorvastatin some years ago, after PMR had been diagnosed and much against my will, and within a week was almost unable to walk. I don't have familial hypercholesterolaemia - so I refused to take any more.

The statin opponents say yes, the supporters tell us it is all in our minds.

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Interesting PMRpro, Docs tried me on Statins , I tries 3 different types, each time I had unacceptable side effects and felt absolutely awful on them. I refused to take anymore even though my cholesterol was regarded as high 6ish. Later I developed PMR

[Dipsepat in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[Dipsepat in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Simvastatin gave me sore leg muscles. Atorvastatin is better but still a little cramping. How different we all react to these meds! It's the balance of personal needs/pain that counts. Or should be!! 1st. line prescription always the cheapest I think!

[Hidden]

There were some studies that statin actually "turned out to be" anti-inflammatory and there was a suggestion that patients should take it. But after reading these, I wonder if it was funded by...P.

[Sandy1947]

First thing Dr, did was eliminate simvastatin at initial diagnosis of PMR. Intuitively, I thought there was a causal relationship between the drug and the illness. For months my diets was great...simply protein and vegetables. However, my cholesterol numbers were not good so she put me back on the drug. My father had heart disease. I’m not sure what the answer is. I would love to eliminate the statin.

Ideas???

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sandy1947]

Have YOU had a cardiovascular event? Not your father. The figures suggest that statins do not make a difference in the occurrence of a FIRST event in women. They DO make a difference for occurrence of a second event in women and for both first and repeat events for men.

I have atrial fibrillation and raised cholesterol due to pred - my cardiologist is perfectly happy I don't take a statin. One week was enough and it took me some months to get back to where I had been the week before!

[Sandy1947 in reply to PMRpro]

As usual, you bring new information to present to my doctor. My sister went to a cardiologist and had tests done to determine if she is at risk for heart disease. She isn’t. I have not done this. Do you think I should?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sandy1947]

If you want to get off statins it would make sense. I would.

[Sandy1947 in reply to PMRpro]

I will definitely discuss this with my doctor. I feel stronger with your support and evidence to present.

[Hirwaen]

I have been taking statins for 20years because I have a dreadful history of stroke on both sides of the family. When I heard of the link of statins with PMR I decided to stop taking them, when I told my GP he said they where needed as the inflammation caused by the PMR increased the risk of blood clots within my blood vessels so I have continued to take them but am having second thoughts!!!!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The literature is not in agreement here - but I imagine he may be going by this paper:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

The effects are greatest early in the disease and in under 60s - which to me suggests there may be an effect created by the fact that as a result of having PMR we experience enhanced medical monitoring so it is found. There is no evidence though that PMR leads to increased mortality (other papers).

I suspect that the effect is maybe due to the overlap of the PMR/LVV/GCA as described here:

academic.oup.com/rheumatolo...

There IS an increased risk of cardiovascular events in GCA - are they due to the LVV component? And is it the PMR patients with a non-identified LVV component?

I take an anticoagulant because I have atrial fibrillation - that'll do me.

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Interesting... I saw the paper you quote. I'd been on atorvastatin for 4 years or so when I developed PMR. I stopped them as soon as the diagnosis was made. Apart from one blip when I reduced from 20mg Pred to 15 too early I have had no difficulty in getting down to 8mg in 6 months. I'm think the link seems likely and that my trouble-free dose reduction is because I stopped the statin.

However, let's see... I have a way to go yet!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

I assume you are also a bloke? Men really do tend to have a very different experience both of PMR and of pred reduction. There are exceptions of course but generally they are able to do much more and get off pred sooner. Cynical ladies have suggested they have an easier life work-wise, we tend to continue doing the things we've always done in the house! I don't - if I do housework it hurts my back so that's my excuse

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

Yes indeed

[PMRpro Ambassador]

"It usually involves rearranging the furniture and heavy duty things"

Which, dare I say, suggests you don't REALLY know what I and your wife mean by housework?

[Gary1310]

was on Lipitor for about 15 yrs preceding my PMR diagnosis. I think it was my Senior Dose Flu Vaccine that precipitated the PMR. I also have Thyroid issues. Well I decided to quit all prescription drugs. My GP took me off Synthroid….I quit Lipitor and decided no more Perscription drugs or invasive tests! No vaccines. I have been Prednisone free for about 2 yrs.( after 11 months) I am feeling well except for the leg muscles, which have been weakened…..might be age related …..or drug related…or PMR related…