Do you have or used to have high cholesterol? Statins are a class of drug used to lower the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. You might recognize some of the more common brands like Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) or Crestor (Rosuvastatin Calcium). They are commonly used for patients with high cholesterol, diabetes, or those with a family history of heart attacks. Recent data shows that approximately 5% of patients maintained on statins experience muscle pain and weakness. Muscle pain is one of the top reasons patients choose to stop taking statins[1]. If you are taking a statin and are experiencing muscle pain or weakness, you may want to talk with your doctor about adjusting your dose or finding an alternative treatment.
[1] Jacobson, Terry A. “Toward “Pain-Free” Statin Prescribing: Clinical Algorithm for Diagnosis and Management of Myalgia.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings 83.6 (2008): 687-700. Science Direct. Web.
Filed under: pain management
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