Atorvastatin

[Q-owl]

The statin I've been taking for ages has been changed to Atorvastin. The pharmacy called after 2 weeks to see if I had any side effects. Now, after 3 weeks, I think I'm having a rare side effect. Orange urine. I've felt unwell since Saturday. Low fever, 37.8. Indigestion (unusual for me) uncomfortable stomach, off my food. Today I've really only eaten my comfort food: rice pudding. I have been drinking my normal tea, peppermint tea and coffee quantities plus water. Has anyone else had this experience? Also having twitcy legs and more than usual cramps. I'll go straight to the pharmacy in the morning!

[SheffieldJane]

why did they change your statin? Was it costs? Can they change you back to your former ones?

[Q-owl in reply to SheffieldJane]

I was taking Simvastatin. I was asked to change as Atorvastatin was supposed to be an improvement, as if they had found some problem with Simvastatin.When I saw the doctor for my annual review, I asked whether I could stop taking statins altogether. A couple of weeks later, I was contacted about changing.

[Q-owl in reply to SheffieldJane]

It's a national move from Simvastatin as it has better results.

[piglette]

It could just be the statin causing the orange urine, but it could mean a liver problem. Have you contacted your GP?

[Bcol]

I've not had that reaction before, but Atorvastatin never worked for me due to muscle/joint pain. I've been on Rosuvastatin for many years with no discernable side effects. Think I'd be looking to get those symptoms checked out just in case it's a coincidence and there is another problem.

[whitefishbay]

I take Atorvastatin and ache anyway so was never sure what is the cause - age, dregs of PMR, OA or the statin.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Atorvastatin was the one that nearly had me in a wheelchair after about 10 days! Didn't do the PMR any favours at all. I stopped. My cardiologist was happy enough I didn't take a statin but a year ago I saw a "spare" cardiologist and she got all iffy about my cholesterol level, even did a carotid scan! I tried another statin - I was fine for 3 weeks and then I had a big PMR flare. I'm on Actemra and that sent the cholesterol up even further so my rheumy put me on ezetimibe - no idea if it is working, haven't had bloods done.

According to studies simvastatin and atorvastatin are amongst the worst for making PMR worse. The dark urine is a sign of myopathy, damage to muscles, and must be reported asap. Have you any other symptoms?

[Q-owl in reply to PMRpro]

I have developed rhabdomyolysis. Bloods show very high serum alkaline phosphate level plus blood in urine. Worrying. Still have a little pain lower back, left hand side. I feel better but lacking in energy. Waiting 4 days before a further blood test to see whether there's been any improvement. Phone call from doctor who told me no alcohol or paracetamol. Could do with any suggestions about things to take or avoid!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Q-owl]

The atorvastatin!!!! Nothing would induce me to take any more if rhabdomyolosis had been identified; I was worried about that when you mentioned the dark urine ...

[Pixix]

I’ve been on atorvastatin for many years…and before PMR. Until now, I believed I had no side effects, but all these comments have made me wonder!!

[sampete]

I tried Astorvastatin twice and each time after about 2 weeks I could hardly walk. Now on Rosuvastatin so will see how that goes.

[PMRZ]

My partner was on Atorvastatin and had cramps as well as muscle aches and weakness (more than usual!) His doctor took him off it and the cramps went away.

[suszannah]

I only took 1 and felt really unwell and the itching lasted for weeks .. I was then put on Ezetimibe which is for people who can't take satins it seems to be working well ... I have major allergies especially with medication so anything can set me off, well worth giving it a try

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to suszannah]

How much has it reduced your cholesterol level?

[Q-owl in reply to PMRpro]

No idea!

[Q-owl in reply to Q-owl]

Sorry, I see your question is addressed to suszannah.

[suszannah]

Hi it's now down to 6 lowest it's ever been but only been on them a few weeks

[Q-owl]

I'd taken Atorvastatin for 31 days. Stopped for 1 day, urine became paler and clearer, I feel better, still some muscle ache, but hey, I've got PMR. The doctor agreed with me, she phoned yesterday evening. (I'd asked for a sample container as they would accept the sample I'd taken in. I returned the sample with notes and pictures of the earlier dark urine sample.) I'm to have an urgent blood test this morning to see whether the drug is still affecting my muscle, I may need hospital treatment, she said. I'm also to take a break from any statins.