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Are Statins Causing Your Muscle Pain?
Published: Aug 10, 2024
Statins are widely used to lower cholesterol, but they might be behind some muscle aches and pains. Learn how these medications could be affecting your muscles and what you can do about it.
Understanding Statin Muscle Issues
Statins are effective for reducing cholesterol but can cause muscle problems such as myalgia, myopathy, and rhabdomyolysis. While severe cases are rare, muscle discomfort is a common complaint among users. The symptoms can vary from mild soreness to severe muscle breakdown, which may require medical attention.
Why Do Statins Affect Muscles?
The exact cause of muscle issues with statins isn't fully known, but genetics and the way statins are processed by the body play a role. Certain genes involved in statin metabolism can increase the risk of muscle problems. Additionally, some statins might reduce levels of Coenzyme Q10, a substance crucial for muscle energy production.
Who's at Risk?
Some people are more susceptible to statin-related muscle issues, including those with pre-existing neuromuscular disorders, hypothyroidism, or low vitamin D levels. Elderly individuals and those taking certain medications that interact with statins are also at higher risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common symptoms include muscle aches, soreness, and weakness.
Yes, but severe conditions like rhabdomyolysis are rare.
Older adults, those with certain medical conditions, and people taking interacting drugs.
No, some statins have a higher risk of muscle issues than others.
The Bottom Line
Could your muscle pain be linked to statins, or is something else at play?
References
- Grundy SM. Can statins cause chronic low-grade myopathy? Ann Intern Med 2002; 137:617.
- Rosenson RS, Baker SK, Jacobson TA, et al. An assessment by the Statin Muscle Safety Task Force: 2014 update. J Clin Lipidol 2014; 8:S58.
- Brunham LR, Baker S, Mammen A, et al. Role of genetics in the prediction of statin-associated muscle symptoms and optimization of statin use and adherence. Cardiovasc Res 2018; 114:1073.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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