I am a 55 year old woman who is very physically fit and eats very healthy.   My good cholesterol is very high, but unfortunately so is my bad cholesterol.   I was initially put on Zocor for my hereditary form of high cholesterol.   I immediately started experiencing muscle pain and weakness.   My cardiologist switched me to Simcor - which DOES contain a statin like Zocor, but also contains prescription strength niacin which is though to better address the familial aspects of my high cholesterol.    I do not seem to be (yet) experiencing the same muscle pain and fatigue from this medication.   It comes in different dosage levels of the statin - and I'm on the lowest one - so maybe this is why.   It's a good idea to check with your doctor on dosage levels, because I read that with drugs like Lipator, the dosage level of the statin is much higher than people without heart disease may need.   I am not advocating splitting pills or self-medicating - please discuss with your doctor.   Another thing that I take is the supplement red yeast rice, a natural statin (in time-release pill form).   There are many different brands, and as supplements are not regulated like medications, make sure you buy a reputable brand.   In addition, I was also advised to take CoQ10 - another supplement that works in conjunction with the statins to lower cholesterol.    I will tell you that the side effects from the prescription strength niacin can be VERY uncomfortable.   It is called "flushing" and the sensation is like being a thermometer - you feel the heat rising up through your body - your ears get red and hot and then the rest of you follows.   You look like you have a bad sunburn - and it itches like poison ivy.    This can last for up to an hour.   I searched for advice on how to mitigate this effect and have found the best solution (for me).   I take a baby aspirin 1/2 hour before - then I take the Simcor with food and follow it immediately with LOTS of water - at least 16 ounces - preferably more.   Best to take the medication around dinner time so that you can comfortably drink that much water before bedtime.    Spicy foods, hot liquids and alcohol can exacerbate the effects of the flushing - so best to avoid those near the time you take your medication.    Lastly - I eat a lot of steel cut oatmeal to help lower my cholesterol.   I was never a fan of regular oatmeal - but the steel cut (which takes a half hour to cook) is great - especially when you doctor it up with brown sugar, cinnamon and craisins.    Hope this information is helpful - especially remember the water after taking niacin!

Christina Lasich, MD

9/25/09 7:32pm

Thank you for sharing your insight into the alternatives to cholesterol-lowering medications. I especially like your input about how to tolerate Niacin.

 

As a fan of steel-cut oats and oat groats, I offer this advice to those who don't have a half hour to cook breakfast. Soak the grains overnight and you can eat them raw in the morning. Now that is a healthy breakfast with very little effort.

 

Dr. Christina Lasich, MD

My pain began while I was taking Lipitor.  I only took it for one year and by the end of that year I could barely move.  The muscles in my legs became painful first, then my hips, arms, shoulders, higher back, and up into my head.  After quiting Lipitor the pain did not subside.  It has only gotten worse.  I am told it has nothing to do with the Lipitor because my blood does not have the right antibodies or something.  So I sit with so much pain on somedays that I can not type.  I even had a swelling in my left hand that itched.  Well, my left shoulder itched.  When I scratched it I felt it go down my arm and then felt the scratching on my hand. I am seeing a nerologist in October but it is frightening because I do not have health insurance.  No one will insure me and I am too young for medicare.  Since I go to a 'free'clinic they will not give me any pain medication.  They think I am drug seeking.  Actually I am relief seeking

After six weeks or so of taking Crestor 10mg taken once a day, I began to experience the most awful muscle cramping which affected my upper body. Simple body movements resulted in excruciating...brought to tears level of pain, which would last for several minutes to an hour or so.  I stopped the taking the garbage on my own and checked in with my doctor. Two months and several blood tests later and my CPK levels are still elevated but the cramping is gone and is being replaced by soreness and weakness.  I am now taking Welchol with no side effects so far but not long enough to determine if the drug is helping my cholesterol levels. Also taking 200mg of CO Q2 and loads of vitamin C along with potassium etc, etc. Time will tell how this all works out but I would tell anyone who asked me to resist taking statin meds at all costs. I think they are merely poison that some of us are able to tolerate and that others cannot, with disastrous results.