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The Dark Side Of Statins

Posting Date: 09/27/2004

Most people taking cholesterol-lowering medications don?t experience a level of muscle breakdown that shows up on lab tests. But many patients do report less serious muscle pain or weakness. For some it shows up in the groin. Others report trouble with a shoulder, a thigh or a bad back. Because it can come on slowly, people may not make a connection to their medicine.

This reader wrote about her experience: ?I took Pravachol. After about 10 to 14 days, I realized I was becoming very tired with achy muscles. I called my doctor who said there was a virus going around. She thought it wasn?t likely to be due to the Pravachol but she agreed I could stay off it for 2 or 3 weeks.

?Once I felt better, I started taking Pravachol again. After about 3 weeks I realized I had the same symptoms again. I had no energy and achy muscles. My arms were so tired that when hanging clothes in my closet, I couldn't keep my arms raised for longer than a few seconds.?

?Again, she doubted it was a side effect of Pravachol, but she changed my prescription to Zocor. We will see what happens. So far so good.?

Some people are able to use a different kind of statin without the same side effect. Others have to switch to another strategy to lower cholesterol.

Stopping medicine without medical supervision is unwise. But no one should have to put up with crippling pain in order to control cholesterol.

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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.org.

2004 King Features Syndicate, Inc.