Why statin cause muscle pain

These powerful drugs can lower LDL to rock-bottom levels without triggering muscle pain. The only disadvantage is price. PCSK9 inhibitors are expensive, and some patients have difficulty getting their prescription approved.

Statins are effective for preventing heart attacks and strokes, but some people stop taking them because of side effects. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. Taking a Statin After a Heart Attack? Trending Topics. Statins are very effective. However, like most drugs, they come with side effects.

One of these side effects is muscle pain. How statins cause muscle pain is not fully understood. One theory is that statins may affect a protein in muscle cells, which decreases muscle growth.

Another theory is that statins decrease the levels of a natural substance in your body called coenzyme Q This substance helps your muscles produce energy. With less energy, your muscle cells may not be able to work properly. Tasks that were once simple, such as climbing stairs or walking, may make you uncomfortable and tired while using statins.

Rhabdomyolysis , or the breakdown of muscle tissue, is a rare side effect of statins that can also cause muscle pain. This disease can cause life-threatening muscle damage.

In addition to severe muscle pain, rhabdomyolysis can lead to liver damage, kidney failure, and, in rare cases, death. According to the FDA, the following statins contain specific warnings on the package inserts about muscle pain and rhabdomyolysis:.

Rhabdomyolysis sounds scary, but the average statin user does not have to worry about developing this disorder. However, taking high doses of statins or taking them with certain other drugs can increase your risk of this condition. If you have muscle pain while you take a statin, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor may take you off of the statin for a while to see how your body responds. Although your muscle pain could be caused by the drug, it might be caused by something else. There are also things that you can do to help reduce your pain.

For example, avoid exercising too much. This aggravates muscle aches. Also avoid using over-the-counter pain relievers. Recent Blog Articles. Health news headlines can be deceiving. Why is topical vitamin C important for skin health? Preventing preeclampsia may be as simple as taking an aspirin. Caring for an aging parent? Tips for enjoying holiday meals. A conversation about reducing the harms of social media. Menopause and memory: Know the facts. How to get your child to put away toys.

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