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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.

 

Brenda
04 Feb 2012, 12:38
I have been taking Lipitor for about 6 years, beginning with a dose of 10 mg per day. Four years ago I was diagnosed with a partially blocked carotid artery. I continued the Lipitor and was put on Plavix, as well. When my carotids were checked last year, the left one had gotten worse, so my vascular Dr. prescribed that I take 40 mg Lipitor, which I did. My cholesterol and triglyceride numbers did not improve much at all on the higher dose. I started to feel fatigued and mild muscle pain in my arms, shoulders, and back. Then, my knees stated to ache. The doctor said I had neuralgia and arthritis. I gained weight, also. I , nor did my doctor connect it to the Lipitor. I also am hypothyroid, so he increased my thyroid dose.I noticed my muscles were flabby - no tone whatsoever and I ached terribly and could hardly function. Finally
I went back to my doctor and he said to stop the Lipitor. It's been three weeks and I have no shoulder, arm , or back pain. Now what do I do about my arteries if I can't take a statin? Am I doomed to have a stroke?
David
22 Jan 2012, 17:57
There is NO benefits to be had from taking statins, especially for women. For a small percentage of men, under age 65, with diagnosed heart disease, maybe. See

http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/statins/statins-and-diabetes/#more-4789

Patients need to become informed (if not outraged) and refuse to take them. Medical personnel will not take action until we do. We've been duped by the pharmaceutical industry.
Charlotte Jonwa
22 Jan 2012, 16:25
OUCH! Double OUCH OUCH! I have been on Simivastin for a couple of years now and the weakness that I had in my legs has gotten much worse. Prior to Semivastin, I was on another drug, but I don't remember the name. My thigh muscles are weak and once I stoop down I can't get up without grabbing something to help me. Now since the Simivastin, the weakness is now in my calves. I had leg cramps and was put on Quinine sulphate but that went off the market. My legs are so bad now, if I stopp down to pick up a crumb on the floor, I am in pain. I thought it was something to do with my veins, but in reading this formus I think differently now. I am heading out to the doctor's office tomorrow if I can get an appointment (we have to start calling at 7:30am until we get a live person). Just sitting here my legs are aching and I have even felt pain in my left butt cheek (sometimes right too) and the sciatic nerve sends a lovely pain down my leg(s). Ohhh, I can't take much more. Problem is, like with other diseases, I look OK and younger than my age of 69 but no one knows what I feel inside. Grrrrr. I also have Acid Reflux, Rheumatoid Arthritis, beginnings of Osteoarthritis, Restless Leg Syndrome -- gee isn't that enough of a list for you? LOL! Thanks for any responses I get. ~Charlotte Jones
Joyce
19 Jan 2012, 07:03
I was put on simvastatin 20mg once daily, three months ago after an annual check showed cholesterol of 6.8 and good cholesterol HDL of 2.7. I was not feeling unwel, but started feeling not myself soon after starting simastatin.

Within two weeks my mild arthritic shoulder escalated and became excruciatingly painful it woke me at nights. Within six weeks I could barely use my right arm as the shoulder was so painful. Over Christmas I mentioned this to a highly trained practice nurse friend who immediately advised me to come off the statin as they caused more harm than good and she had seen numerous patients who had deteriorated badly and rapidly on them in her surgery. She advised that I stop taking them, improve my diet and exercise. I did for 3 weeks and the pain is getting less though it has not gone back to pre simvastatin.

I went back to my doctor today and told her my suspicion that simvastatin had accelerated my mild arthritis significantly into full blown pain. She dismissed me saying that my painful shoulder was not muscular pain, which she admitted was a side effect of simvastin, but joint pain due to athritis. To me pain is pain. I am thinking not to get back on simvastatin but to be more careful with my already good diet and exercise more. What a relief to read this thread to see that it is not only I who have discovered this truth.
Sue D
14 Jan 2012, 05:57
For several years I took Atorvastain with no problems and my cholesterol was under 5. My doctor wanted it even lower and gave me Crestor. Very gradually my upper arms started to ache and lose strength. A few months later I realised I was leaning down to my tea-cup rather than lifting it and I couldn't lift a pot of jam high enough to put it away in the cupboard. By November I couldn't push open a door into a shop nor lift small goods up onto the counter to pay for them. I could no longer play my piano for more than half a minute - just couldn't hold my arms above the keyboard. These more severe effects came quite suddenly - the overall effect had been exponential. Someone had mentioned statins so I stopped taking the Crestor and visited my doctor. She agreed with my action and stopped all my medication (blood pressure ACE medication) for two weeks. My arms improved rapidly but not completely. Unfortunately I can no longer take the ACE medication without the arms aching again. I now take a different brand but live with the constant arm ache which seems to be constant but not worsening (?)! What annoys me most is the cause is probebly the loss of COQ10 which is vital to cell health and produced by the liver but statins halt it's production, an unwanted side effect. It may be that if COQ10 was prescribed with statins these muscle problems would not arise. Yet, with a growing number of people having statin problems it seems never to be indeed, the UK National Health Service 'cannot' prescribe COQ10 it has to be purchased privately from a health shop. The problem seems for many people to start with upper arm pain and, with hindsight, I wish I had stopped the Crestor as soon as this started so that now, more than two years later, I might not be suffering the arm pain and slight residual weakness. Why is COQ10 not prescribed with statins?
Janine K.
05 Jan 2012, 19:42
What? Something is fishy here. The article preceeding these comments is about 100% in contradiction to the comments.

I wish my Mom's docs would have done their homework and been on the ball when my elderly mother complained of chronic pain in her legs after taking Simvastatin. DO NO HARM! I think the whole cholesterol focus is very narrow and I wonder how many people like my mother @90 years really needed this drug.
Anisa
02 Jan 2012, 20:46
I started Pravastatin sodium 4 days ago. I'm 28 and have high cholesterol so my doc put me on this. After the first day I had abdominal discomfort so bad I had to leave work. Now, these past 3 days I've had non-stop back pain. Reading these other posts, I'm getting very concerned. I may call my doc tomorrow and see what she says.
Greg D
29 Dec 2011, 15:17

FYI

The FDA issued a warning about muscle pain caused by Simvastatin a couple of months ago (late 2011). My doctor urgently switched me to a different statin because of that warning.
joan
26 Dec 2011, 20:34
this all scares me. I have been tried on simvastin ,now 2 years later my readings 393, I dont know what to do, high blood pressure, and just diagnosed with a large solid mass in my left breast. my family history is both heart disease, and very high cohlestorol. I really need help, I have 3 children and 5 grandchildren, been widow for 24 years, I have to get this better
Beth Irrer
16 Dec 2011, 18:54
10 months ago I could run and walk 30 miles in a week. Now I can barely walk a mile without pain in knees. My arthritis has excelerated 100 times. Had carpel tunnel surgery on both hands and am looking at surgery on knees and knee replacement in the near future. Went off statins as soon as I read all the negative things about it,but am thinking it is too late because I have permanent damage. Wish I could have seen this before I went on the drug. Now I have to live with the pain.
NPH believer
19 Nov 2011, 08:46
Phil G.
Absolutely find a neurologist who knows about NPH
My mom was wheelchair bound in a nursing home
And after having a brain shunt put in to drain the
Fluid in her brain is home and walking!
Gloria
18 Nov 2011, 14:08
Yes. Simvastatin also caused tremendous leg pain and pain around every arthritic joint for me. So did several other statin drugs. Zocor started me with GERD in the late 90's. I let the doctor give me simvastatin(unaware that it was zocor) this year. This is when the pain started all over again. Yes, I also have hypothroidism (treated with synthroid). Have a family history of cholesterol problems. Have tried niacin also. The latest was Zetia. I have 2 TKR's. One of them is 3 1/2 years old, the other is 7 months old. This time the Zetia caused severe soreness around those artificial joints and also caused round spots of rashes on one of my legs (itches badly). The doctor wants me to take the cholesterol drugs anyway because my TC is now 256 and my LDL is 180. I have refused. Yes, I need help. I cannot take these drugs if they make me feel worse than normal and also impairs my mobility.
NPH daughter
14 Nov 2011, 15:32
Phil G -
Take a look at the symptoms of NPH for your wife. Most people don't know it exists, but IT has VERY specific symptoms. Earlier diagnosed the better!
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/normal_pressure_hydrocephalus/normal_pre ssure_hydrocephalus.htm
Bradford
09 Nov 2011, 09:53
Phil G, the answer to your question is YES. Do a google search on the “Statin Shuffle.”
Phil G
04 Nov 2011, 10:34
This is regarding my wife who is having trouble walking- The doctors have ruled out Parkinson's, but she shuffles her feet- no trembling in her fingers or no problem in speech- She has been on the statin, Lipitor for quite some time- Does anyone think that could be the culprit? Please help 11-4-11
terry g
27 Oct 2011, 12:46
well. i was taking sinvastatin two month after stents... my legs was painful.. yet just before i had my heart attack i was running up stairs like a 21 year old decorating.. i told my doctor and he put me on another one after a few weeks rest.. then a week on the new statins bang my legs go again..... sorry but i know some people can eat nut and are ok.. and some eat eggs and are ok... well im ok on all but 2% of people cannot eat the eggs or nut.... now loads of people take statins and are fine... im not so im that 2% sorry but i dont want to go though life with pains in my legs cant walk far cant do the jym.. put weight on.. which could be bad for the heart.. it a catch 22.. and what do they tell us.. you could have a stroke!! another heart attack!! if we stop taking them... just scare us to death then if the heart attack or stroke dont get us.. NOTE ive not met a nurse or doctor who say statins are bad.. i wonder why!! surly there is a few doctors out there who need to come out and say somthing.. i bet you would if it was your mother brother or sister that was ill taking them.. my colestrol last done 2 month ago 3.5
Nellie
26 Oct 2011, 09:43
Statins are great if you can tolerate them. I can't. I experienced extremely adverse side effects. Full on Alzheimers memory loss, it was terrifying. I got lost in my own house so was too scared to leave unless accompanied by someone who wouldn't leave me alone. The muscle pain was enormous, it felt like my muscles were made of wood and were ripping and tearing apart with every move I made. There was also unrelenting fatigue, sleep problems, restless legs, etc.

My doctors were bullies and used my mental confusion against me so I stuck with them for almost a year until I could barely move at all and then quit.

6 years down the line I'm still suffering with memory problems, unrelenting fatigue and muscle pain and pain in almost all skeletal joints.

My (non-medical) advice is, if you experience adverse effects don't take them. The medical profession does not want to discuss or allow any claim of permanent damage from these drugs even though it does exist.

My cholesterol levels have dropped by reducing carbohydrate intake and if I do eat carbs, eat only the ones that lower cholesterol (like oat bran porridge)!
Ruth
18 Oct 2011, 21:30
Oh My Gosh!!! I can't believe some of the emails I'm reading. Your doctor PROBABLY knows what he's doing, and I agree with what the nurse said. I would much rather deal with a couple of side effects from Pravastatin, than have a stroke and deal with those side effects or die like my mother did of a stroke at 51. Some of you may be legit, but my tiglyserides were 3500 (yes, that's correct) and cholesterol 535. I knew they were high, because they were my whole life, but being in my late 30,s and divorced I was more concerned about partying and drinking. After you have a life threatening Acute Pancreatitus Attic like me and almost die you turn things around, or at least I did. I found out how high they were and was put on Pravastatin and Niacin. They went from Triglyserides 3500 to 1620 NOW and Cholesterol 535 to 415 NOW. So they are adding another medicine in the "Fastin's" catagory to get them down more hopefully. I will do whatever I have to to avoid a stroke or another experience of a Pancreatitus attack. And I am not attacking anyone for how they feel, I just want you to think long and hard before you discontinue a medicine for that serious of a condition. I just dont want any more harm done to you. It's not fun. And I have Osteoarthritus in both knees, a chronic back and neck condition, Osteopenia, and Fibromyalgia at 41. So I understand a little bit. God bless to you all and I will pray for all of your health.
Mary Rose
18 Oct 2011, 18:07
August 2010

Iwas put on pravasatin almost a year ago.
Had aches and pains like you would not believe. My upper arms,( I could hardly use)
They pained so bad, my legs were in bad pain.
I just had pain everwhere. This pain was pain that I had never in my life had before. Finally in August of 2011 I told my Pa about my pain and he said to go off of it for about three weeks and see if i feel any different.I went off for two weeks and then tried it again for two days and the pain started all over again. I told my PA and he took me off cf the pravastatin altogether. Finally, I am practically back to normal. I do not recommend anyone to take this drug.

Andy
10 Oct 2011, 16:09
I have been on pravastatin for years, my cholesterol went down but I ache more now, ESP on one arm, I seem to have restless legs in early evening and seem to heave irritable bowl syndrome now, never had all this before, I'm stopping my tablets now, sure it' s them
lthacker
20 Sep 2011, 09:43
I am a stroke nurse and a patient who has high cholesterol and osteoarthris and has experience some mild side effects from medication. So, I do understand the concerns. However, I must say that one of the most common scenarios for acute stroke is people who take themselves off the prescribed medications without consulting their doctor and not following up with blood tests. Side effects from medications may be miserable, but I assure you that none are as miserable as what happens to you when you have a stroke. PLEASE do not remove yourself from your medications unless first consulting your M.D.
pam mc
14 Sep 2011, 19:19
I was prescribed simvastatin in may for high cholestrol.I have suffered from OA fibro and other arthritic conditions for years.I am 64yrs when on the statin my cholestrol came right down But i was experiencing itching all over my body stomach problems much more pain in joints. My GP took me off them.I have had more blood test which show cholestrol up again DR mentioned statins again but no way will i have them.I am still having symptoms from taking the statins for two months in May.I am now going to try the cod liver oil and a more healthy diet but will definatley never take statings again.I am so glad i found this site because you do feel as if your the only one who is having this problem.Best wishes to you all.
Leslie Johnson
08 Sep 2011, 22:42
I was put on pravachol to lower my cholesterol. Started falling and stumbling. Went off pravachol and the falls stopped within a week. Have been on almost every biological to no avail. Had psychiatrist switch me from lexapro to cymbalta and WOW, relief from my RA and control of depression. Two, two, two drugs in one.
Sam
30 Aug 2011, 20:05
Hi
A friend with severe pain for 7 years recently removed his wifi and cordless landline (the base transmits radiation 24/7) and experienced a complete relief in pain. No more pain killers
It seems the doctors know nothing about this damage. The WHO have now declared (may 2011) this kind of radiation (also from cell phone towers) as a class 2b carcinogen
Try getting rid of wireless transmitters and see if the pain also goes away?
SU
16 Aug 2011, 21:59
I have been taking Pravastatin for a little over one year. I have recently developed trigger thumbs & middle fingers also my arms ache w/shoulder & elbow pain. My feet hurt sometimes too, it hurts to walk especially in the evenings. I think it may be due to the Pravastatin and will be asking my Dr if I can d/c this med.
Maureen
02 Aug 2011, 03:50
I was using Lipitor for a year, lipostat for another year, and then was put on Vytorin.
With no family member suffering from Arthritis I suddenly start with mussle pain and suffer with severe arthritis today. I stop taking the Vytorin. The mussle pain is gone but the Arthritis drive me crazy. Especially in my spine. My spine joints are creeking with every movement. Now I have to use Lipidil. I dont know if I will ever be better. My cholestrol count on 12. My blood pressure also sky high. :(
robin
07 Jul 2011, 03:13
I suggest to cut to the chase and contact a Zocor Attorney.
Took Zocor for over 2 years and now a pre-liminary diagnosis of osteoarthritis; very strange especially since all the symtoms began when I started taking Zocor.
I did not even think that Zocor could cause the severe multiple adverse symtoms and permanent damage.
The doctor who prescribed Zocor never told me about the side effects and I did not ask.
The doctor became very agitated when I recently asked about the medication Zocor.
I dismissed this doctor.
Too many are complaining about the same symtoms while taking Zocor and after stopping it.
Good Health and Good Luck To All.
Jo Ann G.
21 Jun 2011, 21:02
I was put on simvastain 40mg to lower my cholesterol,after a few months i begin feel pain in my should and left arm, now i can't even put my arm up anymore,i didn't have this problem until i start taking this drug,went back to my dr. since me for xray he said it was osteoarthritis,didn't want to talk about it,but i know in my heart it was the med.
Jean
16 Jun 2011, 13:26
Have developed bad arthritis in all joints and have cramp in my legs and an itch all over my body and have come to the conclusion that its simvastaton that I have been taking for about a year and and half,I feel like I can hardly climb the stairs with my muscles being stiff and sore ,I am going to make an appointment for my doctor with views to coming of the simvastatin,the latest is that I now have flibitis in both legs and dont know if its also associated ,I have slowed down and can hardly do my housework
JM
16 Apr 2011, 11:52
I was on simvastatin for high cholesterol and developed arthritis in knee, wrist and shoulder. I doubt that simvastatin caused it as I had had mild symptoms before. possibly, it accelerated it. I came off the simvastatin and managed to lower my cholesterol by lowering red meat intake and increasing vegetable intake. So far the arthritis symptoms have not remitted, however, but I am glad to be on one less medication.

JM
mabel testa
22 Mar 2011, 10:56
I have arthritis and need to find a medicine
to help control pain and stiffness no statins
medicine please.
Donna
22 Mar 2011, 07:45
Looking for answers myself. I have had a low course of 20 mg of lovastatin for over 8 years. At my age 55, weight 125, diabetic all of my life, still looking and feeling young my arthritis was noticed in my hands and feet. My feet ache in the morning the most and exray has shown this to be in my joints of some of the toes. Can't imagine this getting worse. Special shoes really help.
Sally Johnson
13 Mar 2011, 19:35
I have been on Pravastatin 40 milligrams for the past few years. I had no noticeable side effects. However, when I recently went through menopause and stopped taking microgestin birth control pills, I immediately noticed problems with my hands. I have been to a rheumatologist and it was determined that I had osteoarthritis. This condition seemed to happen over night. The pain in my hands is most serious in the morning and in the evening. I currently take celebrex for pain. However, the strange effect has been claw-like fingers in both hands that I wake up with, mostly on the left side. The rheumatologist stated that this is trigger finger and mainly affects my thumbs and third and fourth fingers. I also developed pains in both shoulders under the armpits seemingly overnight, after swimming twice, which my doctor thinks caused this. This has been very depressing and all symptoms seemed to have a sudden onset rather than gradual onset. There is some arthritis in my family, but no one has had "trigger finger." I wonder if it could be related to the statin drugs I have been taking for several years. A friend said he had trigger finger after taking statin drugs, took himself off the drugs, and he immediately got back to normal. I am tempted to do the same.
Jill B
15 Feb 2011, 21:56
My husband has been taking various statin drugs since a heart attack and bypass 15 years ago. The latest is Vytorin (80 mg simvastatin), for 3 years. The changes in him (memory, depression, tendinitis, carpal tunnel, etc,etc), we put down to "life".

His total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides are within healthy limits, but the cardiologist says to stay on vytorin. He's been taking plant sterol capsules (4g/day) for 6 months and cardiologist noted best levels for 10 years, but said a coincidence.

In the last month, he has developed terrible pain in joints in his whole body, with swelling in his hands and feet. He sleeps about 18 hours a day. He's 64 and used to run marathons.

A rheumatologist has diagnosed him with rheumatoid arthritis, though blood tests are negative (I know this is not uncommon). He prescribed 6 weeks of prednisone and ongoing methotrexate. Big guns.

Yesterday my husband went off vytorin and will see what happens in a month. This is against his various doctors' advice, who regard him as a naughty boy who won't do as he's told. He should be able to make his own decision with support, not dismissal or derision from the medicos.
Felix
29 Jan 2011, 03:47
I was taking Simvastatin for about a month. I stopped two weeks ago, the swelling in my hands has gone down some but every day my fingers become more and more like claws, it's so hard to bend them and the joint feel like they get stuck. This is horrible. I thought it would get better when I stopped taking it but so far it has not. At this rate I'll be left with no use of my hands. This is really nightmarish.
Joy Heart
27 Dec 2010, 11:17
To everyone in the peanut gallery with pain my heart goes out to each of you. I am in the same boat that at times seems to be sinking. To Fran Fleck yes it is being tested on all of us "The Lab Rats" or Guinea
pigs. Doctors seems to be more interested in our numbers then the long term problems all these statin drugs are causing us. I spoke to a PT(Physical Therpist)who has worked with knee injury for 25 yrs and she said that doctors are starting to send people to therapy due to damage or joint pain caused from the very drug statins. The PT went on to say that they are not really sure how to treat these people or if treatment will even help reverse any damage. Taking any brand of statin is a double edged sword your damned if you do and your damned if you don't. May our father God be with all of you in pain and comfort you. The FDA needs to get thier act together and our doctors need to listen and hear what each of us say to them. THE END
Elizabeth
24 Dec 2010, 12:04
I have arthritis, they say osteo- because the test for RA was negative, but symptoms,including nodules on finger joints match RA closer. I am also hypothyroid. A few months ago my doctor insisted on putting me on lovastatin. I asked at the time about my thyroid as I know it can cause cholesterol problems and I had been extremely tired lately. They said my thyroid was fine, take the statin or I was in immanent danger of a heart attack. 3 weeks on the statin caused extreme pain, inability to concentrate, swelling of legs, feet and abdomen, and finally inability to urinate for several days. I know it isn't on the list of side effects and discolored urine is, but I was able to go again about 36 hours after the last dose of lovastatin. Took 2 weeks for most of swelling to go away and 2 months for all the pain. And I only took it 3 weeks. New doctor has me on higher thyroid (the TSH numbers turned out were actually high)and my cholesterol (which actually was only moderately high)has dropped and the arthritis pain and swelling has dramatically decreased. I am now taking cod liver oil to help bring cholesterol down some more and help with inflamation. I am using that rather than a pure omega3 oil as it has some other vitamins in it that are supposed to help thyroid function. I believe that too many times we treat symptoms instead of diseases, and too many times side effects are dismissed or misdiagnosed because doctors are told they are rare, so they think it is something else other than the medicine.
Janet
13 Dec 2010, 18:23
I'm 67 and have already had right knee and left hip replacement due to osteoarthritis. Both of those surgeries occurred in 2004. Since then I've been getting gradually worse in other joints to include shoulder, hands and the other knee. From time to time my doctor has tried me on statins--lipitor, zocor, crestor to name a few. I have learned that it is probably the cause of the severe leg cramps and overall weakness in my legs. When I stop taking them, I notice an almost immediate improvement. My cholesterol is slightly above 200 and is helped by the meds, but I will NOT take something that alters my quality of life that much. My pain is getting worse all the time and I hope to see a rhumatologist soon. Red yeast rice did the same thing. All of the comments in this thread have been helpful. I would appreciate suggestions.
Jenny
04 Dec 2010, 03:51
No history of arthritis in my family. I'm 63, work both a full time job and a part-time one. Do all my own shopping housework, etc. Walk every day. Simvastatin nearly crippled me. I was on low dose last spring and started with problems in ankles and knees. Thought I was walking too much in new boots!!! Pain then started in my left hip. The morning I got up and had to hold on to the wall to walk was the day I stopped the medication and within a few days I was nearly back to normal. Doctor of course pooh-poohed the idea that it was the simvastain. I still have some slight discomfort in my hip, but I'm able to function. If someone tells me I will live another 10 or 20 years with lower cholesterol taking statins (Simvastain was not the only one I've taken) or die in 6 months but be able to function normally - I'll take the 6 months thank you very much. Just why are numbers on a piece of paper more important than the quality of one's life?
Janine P
04 Dec 2010, 00:16
Received a second hip injection today for severe arthritis. I am 62 years old and have been taking Simvastatin for over 5 years. It dropped my cholesterol levels but now I am hearing more and more about the use of statins and arthritis. My hip and knee pain has gotten so bad I can't sleep at night and must use a cane to walk. MD says I need a hip replacement which I hope I can postpone. I stopped my Simvastatin a few months ago thinking it could be the statin but the pain didn't really change and my cholesterol went up but after reading all the comments from others, I plan to go off of it and see if it makes a difference. No history of arthritis in my family. I also have bone marrow edema (swelling in the bone) in my left knee which causes me significant pain as well. MD says I will need a left knee replacment if swelling doesn't subside. I feel as if my quality of life is suffering terribly. I plan to write the FDA and report the problems I am experiencing. With so many comments about this, I can't imagine how the FDA can ignore this problem any longer.
Maryann
02 Dec 2010, 08:17
Just this week, I stopped my Simvastatin on my own. Would my MD ever take me off it? NO. But, just after a few days as the other poster wrote, I feel like a new person. I am sleeping at night, don't have the hip pain when I lie down and the dizziness and feeling like I am going to fall over is gone. My doctor, like so many, thinks all these things were exaggerated when I TRIED to talk to him. What I get when I see him is a litany of complaints FROM HIM about Medicare remimbursement...time to shop for a new doc. I was on Crestor previously and did not have the problems I have found with Simvastatin. I have tons of allergies and I think if you are an allergic person, Simvastatin is a double dose of poison for you. I stopped the Crestor due to having to pay over $300 a month for it and I could not afford it so I went on the budget conscious Simvastatin and since on it, my kidney glomerular filtration rate has been reduced and I NEVER HAD THAT PROBLEM IN MY LIFE. So after seeing the MD, I came home and did my own research and called some RN friends as I also worked for years as an RN. My friend suggested the culprit was the Simvastatin and I thought about the past 7 months since I have been taking it and all the joint pain, muscle pain at night has increased 10 fold while being on this poison. I also found out it can break skeletal tissue down in your kidneys...that was it...no more will it pass my lips. I have extremely high cholesterol and trigclycerides, but I will find another way to control them....more excercise maybe as my diet is good...no red meat, some fats and I will cut them out too. This medicine causes permanent damage and I would rather try to control the cholesterol then die of kidney failure.....all the things Merck doesn't want you to know about their Simvastatin....All I can say is don't take anything until you investigate it throughly...advocate for yourself as most MDs do NOT listen well...and Medicare which I don't want to be on, but have not been released to return to work even though I beg...is cutting more and more everyday so I fear more people will be put on the cheaper life threatening drugs or get ignored completely...My MD comment when I said I was worried about my kidney function..."Why worry, there isn't anything you can do about it." Nice, huh? Well...yes there was something I could...stop the poison going into my body...All take care and God Bless.
Leeann Clapper
11 Nov 2010, 22:31
Yes, statins do cause an increase in arthritis pain. After being on Lipitor for 10 years I developed the same pain you all are feeling, and my doctor got liver tests done, which found high liver enzymes. I immediately stopped lipitor, and eventually my arthritis pain and liver went back to normal. Then I went on Crestor, with the same results, so I went off that. I have tried Red Yeast, and Niacin with similar results. I have had several tests on my liver including pieces taken to look at it under a microscope and muscles to, and the specialists concluded that problems are due to statin damage, the pain in my arms and legs and liver damage. The muscle damage may be permanent, thanks to statins. Read that list of side effects that comes with your medication. Your problems are listed, but no one told me, and in fact, only one of my doctors even knew that statins could have severe side effects even years later, and can be permanent.
James
10 Nov 2010, 11:43
I had trouble taking statins (muscular pain and fatigue) so I stopped. My cholesterol was out of control. The VA had me take one half of the lowest dose of simvastaten. After 30 days my numbers were in line for me (diabetic) and they remain so on this low dose. Can someone be extra sensitive ro the drugs? I remain on the one half tablet with no side effects and in the guidelines set for a diabetic heart patient.
Pauline
26 Oct 2010, 17:26
I have just stopped taking Simvastatin because I was getting terrible leg pain and also digestive problems. I feel so much better after just a few days of not being on it. I did take Tricor years ago and don't remember having any problems with that. Perhaps I should try it again. Not sure what to do now.
Willy
25 Oct 2010, 16:02
I recently had blood tests done, came in at 6.23mmol/L (240.9 USA scale)Cholesterol. I had complete records going back fourty years with one Doctor. He recently retired and I am still trying to get my hands on the records which I deliberately kept in one place. With him. Yes, history can give one a real good idea of where one is headed!
New Dr. (young puppy) suggests Lipitor. So, as ususal I go researching.
Well, I do not think Lip(itor) shall ever pass my lips. I have had Arthritis problems off and on for the same 40 year period including Iritis, urethral discharges (which I finally got flattened with two grams of Tetrocycline a day for two weeks after having urology specialists keep prescribing Sulfa drugs which masked the problem but no cure) Was thought I had Ankelosing Spondelitis, lipping on vertebrea etc, but they then decided not, etc., etc.
I kept on going. However in the last couple of months my back, upper, Left and my right hip have been driving me nuts and I spent the better part of a week pretty well down. Whilst upping the Ibuprophen intake.
Years ago I was on Indocid, and other NASID drugs. but never took them longer or more often than I needed them. Nor Ibuprophen which I have used since it became non prescription.
Jeepers, now it seems to have lost its effect and to boot I discover that Arthritis predisposes one to high Cholestrol levels.
Just Ducky!
Yours for more pain killers.
John C
23 Oct 2010, 21:52
On January 22, 2010 I left a very detailed message on this forum about my OA pain and Simvastatin. I announced to the thread that I had quit Simvastatin a month prior, and my OA pain and discomfort had decreased by about 75%(please see my comments below).

For almost a year now I have been off Simvastatin, and the results continue to be very good in terms of OA. At this point my hip pain and discomfort have decreased by about 95%! Please recall that I had a lot of hip pain and discomfort while on Simvastatin. In fact, I had a lot of difficultly sleeping. Now it is almost completely gone. I can normally sleep well -- even on a my left side (which was previously impossible while on Simvastatin).

Please understand, however, that my OA was not as far along as others here. My Ortho recently gave me an estimate that I have 10-30 years before I need some sort of hip "work". Further, I am a very active weightlifter and mountain biker, so I do get a lot of hip exercise.

I am very confident, however, that Simvastatin was the direct cause of my extreme hip pain. Sure I have OA, but the difference is night and day without Simvastatin. There is NOTHING else that I changed other than to get off Simvastatin.

Now I hope to figure out how to control my triglycerides without an "extreme" diet. I still MUST address the triglyceride issue.

The bottom line my friends is that for me Simvastatin was a life-destroying poison -- but we are all different. I certainly don't want any of you to give up a drug that may be keeping you alive. Conversely, I think it is critical to get the word out that Simvastatin (at least in some) has a tremendous downside.

Forewarned is forearmed.
charm
10 Oct 2010, 08:15

I am on a very low dose of Simvastatin.Can this cause pain.I have developed pain in my knees,ankles,back.Very painful when I get up from a chair,get out of the car or climb stairs.
Charm
Amelia
29 Sep 2010, 11:40
I am so glad I came across this site. Just over a year and a half ago I was put on simvastatin due to a heart problem. I never had any issues with muscle pains until recently. I have extreme pain in my hands, fingers, toes, neck and shoulders.I believe that it is due to the statins and have stopped taking them for about 3 days now. I still have pains in the areas I have mentioned and have been told that it could be arthritis, I know his can not be reversed now, but I agree that there should be further research into this medication. Healthy eating and exercise is definately the way ahead for me.
Fernando Arturo de Meriño
12 Sep 2010, 11:12
Howdy to all of you guys,all if not most of us had heard about risk-benefits, derivated of Statines but have you heard about the Red Yeast of Rice ON reduction of high levels of cholesterol and Triglicerides? look for info and then decide!!I'VE being taking them for 1 6/12 years,got reduced the triglicerides from 2,569 to 192(last one i took it)and cholesterol 550mgrs/dl to 150 is cheap u can find them where ever,does not need to see your Doctor because is and OTC,just read and try good luck to all of you.live a Healhty life.
Norma
13 Aug 2010, 10:38
Can questran Cholesterol med. may cause or treat gout?
Kat
12 Aug 2010, 13:18
Found this old article too- arthritis can come from the statins!


http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CYD/is_5_40/ai_n13472456/
Kat
12 Aug 2010, 13:15
Saw this article and SO glad I was taken off simvastatin after having my hip replaced (I'm 40). Apparently it does severe kidney damage!!!


http://www.naturalnews.com/029373_kidney_damage_Zocor.html
Elizabeth
10 Aug 2010, 01:21
I was diagnosed with arthritis (OA) in my 20s. Starting in my 40s, I went through a series of meds for pain and inflamation, each would eventually upset stomach badly. (Family joke is if there is a side effect I can find it.) A couple of years ago, I was diagnosed hypothyroid, something I had long suspected but the old numbers said thyroid was borderline normal. Since treatment for that arthritis has improved greatly. Doctor recently put me on lovastatin for "high" cholesterol of 226. After 3 weeks, had both muscle pain and severe arthritic pain. Even worse, I was unable to urinate more than a few drops at a time. Since we were away from home on vacation, I tried going off lovastatin and was greatly improved within 24 hours. Still having muscle pain in legs and arthritis is still worse than before I took it. I have since found out that risk of side effects for me were greater than average because of 1. hypothyroidism 2. OA and 3. a serious childhood kidney infection that may have made my kidneys more suceptable to extra stresses. Incidently, medicated thyroid is now at borderline normal, but doctor would rather give me a statin than up thyroid suppliment. :(
Joyce
30 Jul 2010, 02:25
It is 3:19 AM and I am awake because I am in so much pain in my hands, feet, hips and knees with shooting pains going down my legs. I have been on simvastatin for 6 months. This is my 2nd time on this drug. I quit last year due to leg pain, but my doctor insisted I get back on it. My cholesterol was only 234 when I started. Now it is 187 but I am in horrible pain and can't sleep. How is this suppose to be improving my health? I am calling the doctor 1st thing in the morning and stopping this madness! I have some oxycodone in the medicine chest from surgery earlier this year and have been tempted to take it to get rid of the pain but do not want to start a dependency on it.
Richard J
24 Jul 2010, 20:25
I've been taking simvastatin for three years now. Soon after starting it I developed thumb pain to the degree that I sought medical advice. After x-rays I was told the the cartilage in both thumb joints was gone. I've had a desk job much of my life (I'm now 60) and have not used my hands to the degree of a construction worker, etc. I'm now having the same pain in my toes and have have had bouts of tendinitis. My family does not have a history of this type of arthritis. I'm very, very interested in further studies as to the affects of statins and joint related disease. The doctors cannot explain how I lost the cartilage in my thumbs - maybe the use of statins does?
Fran Fleck
15 Jun 2010, 12:22
I was put on a statin drug three years ago and have had aches in all my muscles. It is lovastatin, my doctor reduced the dose but this winter all my fingers have developed arthritis and with so much pain I feel like hitting them with a hammer. I have high cholesterol and excerise and eat correctly. After reading all of the comments, I think I would be better off with the high cholesterol. Didn't anyone test this drug??
GC
09 Jun 2010, 17:59
this message is in response to Susan Seger questions. Sounds like you have carpal tunnel see your doctor about having an EMG done. I had the same symptoms and I had carpal tunnel sugery done in both hands and had instant relief no more burning.
MARTY TENNER
05 Jun 2010, 08:30
i have arthitis in my foot, is there any relief forthat??
Judy
02 Jun 2010, 10:46
I have been reading the blog and it doesn't sound good if you have to take a statin.
Please read the article about new drugs that
help arthritis. Statins. Where is that coming from?
It seems we are damned if we do and damned
if we don't.
Judy
Susan Seger
01 Jun 2010, 10:02
When I started taking Prevastatin I first started feeling the worst pain in my muscles around the shin area in my right leg, then my joints started hurting really bad. I had to go thru a Ultra Sound of my liver because the liver emzymes jump way up. The doctor wouldn't tell me that it could be because of Prevastatin. My boyfriend has been great thru all of this. I can't sleep at night very good because both of my hands are numb and tingle all the time, even after I took myself off the Prevastatin. I started feeling better but I still have those symptoms. The doctor did an MRI and said I have Arthritis in the neck. I still wake up around 3am and 4am because of the pain. My hands feel like they are on fire. I cry because it hurts so bad. But I can't belieive that Arthristis in the neck would make my hands tingle and numb. I need help really bad. Can anyone else give me some insight? Thank you for your time.
Jan V
26 May 2010, 17:52
I have taken Liptor on and off for 3 years because my doctor wants me to but I have experienced such pain in my knees it was unbearable. The last time I took it I could not walk without pain, could not climb stairs nor drive a car and walked with a cane. It has been 4 months since I took Liptor and I am finally starting to feel like myself. I also have been going to acupuncture which has helped quite a bit. I have been to surgeons, xrays, MRIs and I had full blown arthritis in my knees. I believe Liptor made it so much worst. Acupunture is my new best friend.
Colleen
07 May 2010, 10:57
HI I have Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy diagnosed in 1994. I was also over the years diagnoses with RA but the ANA was always negative I also have OA, I am 49. I have High col/tri I have been on two different statin drugs the past few months the newest is Pravastatin. The reason I am writing this is I am in so much pain right now it is week number four on the drug and my muscles in my thighs are aching my joints in my spine, elbows, knees, and hands are grinding together and throbbing I keep getting a Lupus like red mask on my face. I have always gotten that during RA flareups (It is not Lupus been checked many times) I think I now know what Fibromyalgia pain is like. I have been pretty much pain free despite the neurological disorder, most of my life and have a "high" tolerance for pain but this is making me physically ill! I don't want to live like this, my doctor is insistent on the statins! I have to stop I am so glad I found this forum! There has to be some connection with the joints pain! Before statins I had no joint grinding, or pain now every movement the joints crack and grind!
Keep posting this has helped me so much to know I am not crazy, or alone there is something wrong with the statins!
LadyVan
27 Apr 2010, 21:47
I've been on simvastatin and have also been diagnosed with arthritis since on it.
The pain in my knees and legs is unbelievable considering I was told I have "mild to moderate" arthritis. sometimes the pain feels all throughout the tendons too. I'm only 46. Cortisone shots have helped when nothing else has, including vicodin, Syn-Visc injections, and a host of other anti-inflammatories which cause me to bleed. My doctor only checks my liver function 1X per year. Is that OK? Should I have it checked more often? What's normal? Does liver damage always occur?
Julie Hansen
12 Apr 2010, 00:36
I was put on simvastatin about two years ago. About the same time the arthritis in my fingers began to get much worse; then the muscle and joint aches started (which I attributed to getting older and just a progression of the arthritis). It became so painful I could hardly get out of bed. My ankles and toes hurt. My hips hurt so bad getting in and out of the car was a joke. And I'm only 58; have always been active with swimming, gardening, golf, hiking, etc. Within a week of getting off simvastatin the painful symptoms have gone. I feel like a new person. Even though the damage done to my fingers will remain they do not hurt nearly as the used to. I can walk down stairs normally instead of one at a time. I can't wait to get back to my activities pain free. And who knows, maybe my golf game will improve! There must be other alternatives to lowering cholesterol. A strict and healthy diet will be number one.
Sheryl Lassiter
17 Mar 2010, 19:05
When you are hurting,you always think it's just you, so this column is important,please continue to print these articles.
I have had 3 surguries,both knee replacements,and a joint replacementon my fingers. I am currently on so many meds that I'm crazy.Lisonpril 40mg,protonix 40mg. 40mg.norvasc,oxybutynin10 mg,diclofenac-75mg 2X's day,wellbutrin-300mg-1X a day,Effexor-150mg-1X-dayzocar-40mg-1X day,alenfronate-70mg-1X a week-dc because it gave me acid reflux for the week that I took it,tradone-100mg.1X a day, and zocar-40 mg-1 x a dayI am currently taking a calcium tablet every day.and I wonder why I'm cracy. Arthritis pain-no sleeping-depression because I'm not sleeping, I know do water aerobics classes which I truelly like, and I'll get a coritisone shot for pain in my shoulder. From you,I learned that I'm not cracy and I will continue to read your articles for things to help me
ros
16 Mar 2010, 03:28
My doctor said there was no acknowledged link to osteoarthritis from simvastatin although there is other research regarding the side effects of this drug.
I can only speak from personal experience to notice the sudden and unexpected deterioration in my joints, specifically my hands. When other joints started to hurt,and I read this blog, that's when I decided to stop taking it. The improvement to the strength regained in my hands is amazing although I cannot repair the actual damage done. I am lucky however that I do not have to take the drug as I have strong heart and no deterioration in kidneys for 10 years. Nor do I have rheumatoid arthritis which I think brings along a different set of problems as far as not taking statins is concerned.
Perhaps the doctors should read this blog!
Sandy
14 Mar 2010, 10:01
I was first diagnosed with arthritis at age 33, which was 20 years ago. I have been able to control both cholesterol and arthritis through diet and exercise until hitting menopause a year ago. My dr. now has me on Simvastatin, FemHRT, Diclofenac, and Citalopram for depression. All these meds were started around the same time, so I don't know which ones are creating the increase in arthritis symptoms--hands, especially thumbs, wrists, elbows, knees, back, feet and ankles. I also had carpal tunnel surgery done in October and November of both hands. I stay in pain, cannot sleep, have no energy, have to nap during the day despite slowly getting back into exercising daily. I want to go off all meds, but dr. doesn't want me too. I have also been experiencing leg cramps ocassionally. Is there any proof of statins exacerbating arthritis that I can present to my doctor?
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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