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Statins and Arthritis

Cholesterol Drugs’ Bonus Benefits

Arthritis drugs likely are not the only type of medication in your bathroom cabinet. You also may take medicine to help you manage symptoms or conditions that sometimes accompany arthritis – antidepressants to improve mood and quality of sleep, sleep aids to help you get a good night’s rest, or statins. 

Arthritis patients often take statins because because the No. 1 cause of death for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA ) is cardiovascular disease. In fact, data from a 2006 study in the Journal of Rheumatology suggested that rheumatoid arthritis should be considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and that all people with RA should be screened regularly for high cholesterol. When cholesterol builds up on artery walls, the arteries become narrow, and that can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Statins often are prescribed for people at risk of cardiovascular disease because they are effective, have few side effects and even offer a few benefits. They block a liver enzyme that helps make cholesterol, and also may help your body reabsorb cholesterol that already has built up in your arteries. The statin drugs include atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin calcium (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor).

Besides the benefits linking statins and arthritis-related cardiovascular disease, scientists are finding statins also may reduce the risk of other conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, colon cancer and smoking-related lung damage. And that’s not all. The anti-inflammatory properties of statins may be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis, too. A 2006 study by researchers in Japan found that Lescol killed synovial cells in test tubes. In RA, synovial cells lining the joint reproduce abnormally, causing inflammation. Over time, abnormal synovial cells destroy cartilage and bone. Kill­ing synovial cells could stop or slow that process.

Another study showed that RA patients who received 40 milligrams (mg) daily of Lipitor had less swelling than those who received placebo. More studies would be needed to confirm the results, so doctors aren’t planning to prescribe statins for rheumatoid arthritis just yet.

Even though today’s statins may not prove ideal for treating RA, they provide important benefits to people with RA who also have high cholesterol.

 

ros cordiner
12 Mar 2010, 07:51
I do not believe it's just in your head Ellen. I have been without simvastatin for two weeks now and I feel as if I have my life back. I have so much more strength in my hands although I guess the damage done up to now can't be repaired. The other joints that had started to give problems, hurt no more.
I am lucky as my G.P. has told me that although my kidneys are at stage 3, this is on the "cusp" of a kidney problem and I have had no deterioration in kidney function since they started taking records in 2001. So I actually didn't need simvastatin in the first place. Also my family are tough and long living with no heart problems.
I had an appointment with a consultant orthopaedic who told me he couldn't help me as I was old (63) and that's what I should expect so I helped myself. However, I think perhaps these experts should start looking at preventative measures and the degenerative links that seem to be emerging rather than just considering operations to repair and replace.
ellen
11 Mar 2010, 17:34
Hi, I am 60 years old and have been fighting my doctor about taking simvastatin. I finally gave in this past November and my blood work was fine and the cholestrol went from 300 to 164.

My latest blood work shows an increase in the liver from 20 to 52. In addition, I seem to be loosing the strength in my hands and my legs get crampy at night.

I decided to come off the drugs and this is only day 2 and I already feel better...I am sure it is all in my head.
CHERYLE
11 Mar 2010, 14:18
My primary physician prescribed simvastatin to lower my cholesterol. It did do that, but the PAIN and WEAKNESS that started were becoming unbearable. I started taking CoQ 10 which seemed to help some, but after a time the pain and weakness in my arms, legs and back were back. One of my co-workers' husband had experienced the same problem and his physician started him on Niacin. I asked my doctor to switch and since being on the Niacin the weakness is much better. I am still experiencing the pain in my knee from the arthritis. From reading some of the other comments it sounds like this could still be from the simvastatin lingering effects. Since being on the Niacin regimen my cholesterol has remained at the lower level that was accomplished when taking the simvastatin, but seems to not have the side effects.
ros
24 Feb 2010, 01:40
I am also experiencing terrible OA in many parts of my body, particularly my hands. I have been taking simvastatin for two years.
My cholesterol was very low at last check. I also take aspirin. Once my high blood pressure was under control with medication, I asked if I could stop taking the simvastatin and aspirin and was told that they were essential to protect my vital organs (kidneys operate at 60% due to previous high blood pressure damage).
My OA is getting worse and I have always been a very active person with a gene history of life into the 90's. I can't face another 30 years with this increase in pain and lack of mobility.
merrie
22 Feb 2010, 11:58
Well, it's me again. Every time I come back and read the new posts I become more suspicious that there is a link between OA and statins. Had I known this at 38, when I was put on them, I would definately have not gone on them and would have done just what John C is doing. At 45, the damage was done. Just had my knees replaced three weeks ago, pain was worse than labor! And is lasting a lot longer! I hope someone some day will read this thread that can get the FDA to study this issue. Us patients know there's a link, others need to know BEFORE they decide to go on the statins. And Margeret, I'm glad you took the bull by the horns regarding your health. A sure sign that you don't need depressants is when you get worse when you take them.
I'm hoping I can get some relief with these new knees. I do have OA in my family, but at 70, not 45. Now the question is, do I get off them before my hips go? My wish: someone comes up with a statin that doesn't hurt the joints, but I guess first they have to realize that they do. Thinking of you all!

Merrie
Dallas
04 Feb 2010, 15:22
I was put on statins in 2003- The problems of muscle pain etc didn't show up for a couple years. It's pretty common knowledge they weaken all muscles, in my case may heart. I developed conjestive heart failure from them. Had I known at the time that they rob your system of CO-Q 10 which is why the muscle weakens I would have taken a supplement. If you have issues with statins, try looking into supplements.
John C
22 Jan 2010, 17:53
About 3 years ago I started having some hip problems. My doctor sent me to a specialist who unfortunately confirmed the initial signs of Osteoarthritis. I was 40 at the time, and quite surprised, as I have lifted weights at least 5 days per week for over 27 years. Needless to say, I did a lot of research and came up with a series of supplements that seemed to help. However, over the past year, my arthritis has gotten much worse. At one point I was unable to sleep for more than a couple hours. In a bout of frustration, I began to research any link between Simvastatin and Osteoarthritis. I had a suspicion that there might be a link, since my OA started at just about the time I begin Simvastatin. Luckily I found this thread.

Upon reading this thread I decided to stop the Simvastatin and see if my OA got better. As of today (about a month later), I can say that my OA pain and discomfort has decreased by about 75%. Although I am not ready to claim 100% that Simvastatin causes or increases OA, I can say that something has changed. Perhaps it is psychosomatic, or I am just going through a “lull” in the arthritis pain cycle, but there is a fairly significant change to the good side. I sleep much better, can still lift heavy, and ride the stationary bike every night. I guess only time will tell.

With regards to the Simvastatin, I have made the decision to quit it altogether. I have been able to lower my triglycerides in the past by eliminating my intake of high-glycemic foods like bread. It sucks to give up the foods I love, but the only other choices are crippling OA or a heart-attack. Hopefully I can keep the triglycerides in check through diet and exercise, as I know others are not so fortunate.

I will also continue on a disciplined regime of specific strength-building exercises for my hips, stretching, and natural supplementation (primarily Omega-3, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Green Tea – all in liquid form). My hope is to hold on to my hips as long as possible!
margaret
15 Jan 2010, 02:17
After reading the above ques/conclusions, I am quite concerned re number of meds People w/ multiple chronic diseases slowly have to begin, Im an NP x 39 yrs. my concern is the increase in the appearance of fibromyalgia, this can mimic RA and the muscl syx of RA. unfortunately alot of Dr. Don,t believe in this as a diag. I went through a yr of severe exaustion and total body aches.I was told My RA was in early remission and the other syx. exaustion, generalized muscle aches, insomnia, freq. waking up, depression and anxiety. were all in my head. I was told was all in my head. I was referred to a psychiatrist. for antidepressants, as I started these the depression got worse, generally a recluse and crying all the time. The treatment more antidepressants. I had enough . I resaerches and found Mt sys to be clearly Fibromyalgia, a high % of RA sufferers have this . This my mimic inc. RA or the myositis of statins Polypharmacy is bad consider the long term effects of the drugs inliver and kidney. With RA you can get caught up with ne chronic disease / add a new med soon your on 8-10 pills. Im going to see if there is a system that you can enter all your meds and see the cross effects . this also means supplements, which are also drugs with interactions . sorry for the long posting , would love to hear any response . Inow see a physiatrist / not a psychiatrist Im off al psych meds . Feel so much better/ Lots of md,s dont believe in fibro as a treatable disease . Please read up on it where you can it IS a treatable disease. life can be better. RNP Boston



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Merrie
22 Dec 2009, 10:43
I feel for all of us with arthritis, the pain is horrible and life changing. As a follow up, I never have heard back from the FDA about any study regarding statins and OA, and I can only find ones regarding RA. I'm going to talk to my osteo about this when i go in to schedule my knee replacement surgery, at only 46! Try to keep your spirits up Jane, at least you know you're not alone.
Jane Brewer
13 Nov 2009, 12:35
I have had osteoarthritis for years. I kept it under control with Aleve for years while I worked. My doctor neglected to tell me it would damage my kidneys. The really severe pain started in my knees. I have been taking Zocor for several years and been put on another one lately. I have chest pains sometimes for which they have never found the cause. I am seeing a heart doctor and a kidney doctor. My arthritis has got about three hundred per cent worse in the past month. But I have only been taking the second cholesterol pill a few days. The arthritis is now full body except my head and feet. The pain is so bad sometimes I don't think I am going to get through it. I don't sleep well at all and don't even remember having a good nights sleep and waking up in the morning feeling human. Sometimes I feel like the pain is literally going to run me crazy. My eye doctor is the one who told me about arthritis and cholesterol. I am sorry for writing such a long comment. This is the first time I have ever done this. I appreciate your listening.
kim
08 Nov 2009, 18:09
I was dx with moderate psoriatic arthritis (fingers, toes, tailbone and long-term psoriasis) in 2001 and had borderline lupus dx. Due to being in my childbearing years I chose not to go on methotrexate at the time and have successfully controlled the PA when my diet is healthy and I'm sleeping well (which, admittedly, is not all the time). My cholesterol has bordered high since my early 20s and after a physical at age 40 and a visit to the cardiologist, she said that although I was very healthy at the time my cholesterol level and family history indicated the need to go on a statin. I resisted for a while but went on it almost 2 years ago (simvastatin). Around eight months ago I started experiencing joint pains in my hands/wrists again. I wrote it off to flare of PA but now I can hardly get out of bed some days and I have to stand slowly at work and walk slowly. I was VERY fit 2 years ago and now I can't jog around the block. Yes, I got a little busy and lazy but now I believe statins have robbed me of strength and vigor and have inflamed my arthritis. I have pain in my entire feet, ankles, knees, hips, spine, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, neck and even jaw. I am going in to the dr asap to be tested for damage. My last dose was just 3 nights ago but I have some relief already. I'll check back in.
Marcella
30 Oct 2009, 12:43
Statins are wonderful drugs, but they can
create problems for certain people.I used Mevacor and Zocor unsuccessfully because of
muscle pain and weakness. Then we tried Lipitor. It did wonders for my cholesterol.
Because I had used it for a year without any
trouble, I didn't associate my serious muscle
weakness and pain, and joint pain with the
Lipitor. I thought it was my arthritis. It
was my primary doctor who did blood tests
and took me off the medication immediatley.
She also referred me to my rheumatologist.
The statin and done damage to my muscles that
she felt would take at least a year to recover. But my muscles never quite went
back to normal.Recently, a little more than
a year and a half later, because my muscles
were weak and injure easily, and because there were certain markers in my blood tests,
the rheumatologist concluded that the damage
was permanent. There is the possibility that
over the next five years, they may come
back to normal...maybe. My medical chart
now reads that I am not to have statins of
any kind.We are trying other things for my
cholesterol. But I would like to urge anyone,
but especially those who have arthritis,
who are taking statins to immediately see their doctor if they develop any muscle pain,
weakness or joint pain while taking the
medication.Better to be on the safe side.
Kurt B.
27 Oct 2009, 15:22
I have been taking lipitor for probably 8- 10 years, maybe more. Zocur prior to that but it was worse. I have always thought it made my joints achy . I was recently told I may need a shoulder replacement due to heavy arthritus. I have had knee surgery 2 x and was told I have heavy arthritus. The shoulder problem has become worse in the last two years. I am 56 . The lipitor was my first thought about why the arthritus is so bad. Kurt
merrie
06 Oct 2009, 09:53
I have contacted the FDA to see if there has ever been a study on whether statins can cause arthiritis. So far I got a response about statins and joint pain. I'm hoping if enough of us ask the question, the FDA will investigate this issue, if they haven't done so already. If I get a more specific reply, I will post it here.
Marcus C
27 Sep 2009, 06:55
Thanks Merrie, I'll take your advice. In my case there seems to be a connection between arthritis in my fingers, the statins I take and high uric acid levels. If I have a glass of white wine for lunch my hands hurt a lot in the afternoon. When I started taking statins, the problem got worse. So, does wine help the heart but hurt the joints? Do statins help the heart but hurt the joints? Is it all about lubrication? I know that arthritis is a disease but do some things accelerate the process or make the symptoms worse? I am carrying out my own empirical study to try and find the key to all this.
Merrie
24 Sep 2009, 09:26
Marcus, I agree. I wonder if there has been any research done on this. Talk to your docter though before going off. I have stayed on mine despite my concerns because of my family history, and my own heart problems. I just would like to know if this is really a potential side effect or coincidence.
Marcus C
22 Sep 2009, 08:34
I am concerned. I take a statin, low dose, once a day and have noticed that, since taking the drug,my hand joints hurt and I seem to be developing arthritis. Can somebody be honest? Does the statin remove all the oils from the body, needed in joints???
I'm going off the drug to see what happens.
Merrie
14 Sep 2009, 07:56
Julie, I have the exact same suspicion as you. I am 45. I started on Lipitor at 38, and went off at 43 when my legs started hurting. My doctor said it couldn't be the lipitor since I had been on it so long without problems. I went off any way and the legs felt better. My knees had been achey for some time. My cholesterol climbed, so I was put on Simcor 6 months ago. Since then my knees have become severely painful. I went to an ortho and found I have advanced arth in both knees and need a replacement! What is going on? Is anyone aware of any research in this area, or a website, or possibly an attorney?
Leo Z
03 Sep 2009, 11:00
I took myself of all statin medications after I found my legs weak and painful. I needed a cane to walk. Once in a while I do take a capsule of "Red Rice Yeast" which is a statin, but I only take it once or twice a week at most.
The pain and weakness has since gone and I can walk again, but since then my cardiogist is watching my cholesterol much more closely. It was 137 in June and 142 in late August. I have RA and it is no picnic, but I am also doing my best to deal with the cardio-vascular issues that the statins are supposed to help.
Julie
16 Aug 2009, 15:03
I find this very worrying. I was started on statins approx. 6 years ago. I was diagnosed with a "touch of arthritis" 18 months ago, and now it is so bad that I need a new hip. It is also in my other hip, and advanced in the lumbar spine. I've not x rays to confirm it, but I feel that it is now in my neck, shoulders, knees and elbows if the disconfort is anything to go by. I wouldn;t mind but I was only 49. There is no history of arthritis in my family. I wonder if I need to come off the statins ..... before i'm in a wheel chair!!!
I wouldn't mind, but i'm a nurse, and they wont give me my pension, as they say I can get a new hip and do some work!!!!!!
Any thoughts from readers gratefully received
sylvia
19 Jul 2009, 06:25
i am taking (ezetimibe (ezetrol) as a last resort due to statins causing muscular breakdown the leg pains were worse than my RA
and am now registered as allergic to statins having tried 3 different one's with no good results still having high cholestrol. keeping my finger's crossed for these ones
sylvia
19 Jul 2009, 06:21
Hi all i have been taken of statins as it caused muscular breakdown and am now on (ezetimibe) ezetrol
this is after trying 2 other drugs with statin in and still having high colestrol i find these 10 mg tablets to be ok with no side.effect :) pity i still go to bed and wake up in pain and havent had a night of unbroken sleep in yrs due to pain
Ren Zhou
08 Jul 2009, 22:16
It is so odd that researchers found simvastatin would benefit arthrtis! As a matter of fact simvastain has caused pains in the joints of my toes and fingers!!! I am thankful of the other patients here who ahared that they have the same symtoms as I do. I will stop my simvastatin. My doctor tested my blood saying there was no problem with simvastin on me. Perhaps there is no sign of my liver damage yet. The test has nothing to do with arthritis. Many doctors go by their textbooks. They just don't believe the stories from only a few patients. If the textbooks and papers start to mention such side effect as arthritis, then these doctors will start to believe it.
lorraine
07 Jul 2009, 18:02
i have been taking crestor my legs feel heavy and immobable ..advise
Muhammad Zubair Janjua
27 Jun 2009, 23:19
Dear Sir, I have gone through an appraisal comment regarding the statins as I am taking Lipitor 40 mg since april 2007 twice daily, which was reduced to one after my complaints of pains in my hands. As for my experience is concerned, I would boldly say that someone who is advocating Statins as possible treatment to the arithritus, I have a strong feeling , he is absolutely living in a myth of miracles by statins. Since I have started this Lipitor from april 2007, I have developed arthritus in my hands. Conditions were worst when I was on two pills and are better comparatively since when I came to one daily.

I have realized and I am convinced that it is Lipitor which pushed me to a life where my hands are at 24 hrs in pain!

I have developed an opinion that these statins may be they are having some benefits in reducing chlostrol in blood but the misery they are bringing as direly bad side effects, sometimes make me feel to die with heart choke better than to be in a punishment of being 24 hrs hands in pain! God help the researchers to find the facts.Once the pill is marketed and start bringing revenues in billions, perhaps who will bother to review its medicinal behaviour on the suffering patients!!
BH
07 Jun 2009, 20:56
Mike H. my arthritis went out of control also on simvastatin. My arthritis doc started me on meloxicam and I found this web site as I believe it has exacerbated my dry eye condition. Ready to chuck all medications!
SHERRY
11 May 2009, 18:49
RHEEMATOID ARTHRITIS
mike h
15 Apr 2009, 00:19
i was put on simvastatin and had ALL BODY ARTHTITUS. i got dr to stop it and it went away. THAT IS A SYMPTOM OF A BAD CONDITION. I notified the FDA.
marsha stevens
13 Apr 2009, 12:49
My pharmacist suggested COQ10 for the leg cramping. It worked like a charm.
Judith Kay
12 Apr 2009, 23:34
Although my physician recommends statins to control my cholesterol, I find that when I take it I experience excruciating pain in my legs at night.

Any suggestions or information???

Thank you for your consideration.
dt
18 Mar 2009, 22:05
would lovastatin be as good as lipitor in controling swelling?

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