Taking statin and increase of back pain

marie48
marie48 Member Posts: 189
edited 14. Mar 2010, 12:03 in Living with Arthritis archive
Anybody taking stain on this forum? I have started taking Simvastatin 40 mgs three weeks ago. I am a sufferer of chronic back pain and generalized arthritis. I have noticed recently that my back is very sensitive and more achey. I wonder whether it could be due to the simvastatin. I want to give it at least two months until I see the Dr for an assessment. I do not know whether to put up with the pain or stop the medication and take the risk of suffering a stroke or hear attack as cholesterol is very high. I do hope one of the side-effect is muscle pain or it is possible it is a concidence that the back is playing up. Thanks

Comments

  • bubbles
    bubbles Member Posts: 6,508
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Marie
    I have taken statins, in one form or another, for 14 years and yes, they can cause muscle weakness and pain. They will do blood tests every so often to check that things are ok. The benefits usually far outway the side effects, certainly if your cholesterol is quite high.
    There is a lot of information on Statins available on the net, but don't feel as if you are likely to get all the symptoms and side effects that they list.
    xx Bubbles.
    XX Aidan (still known as Bubbles).
  • 09angel11
    09angel11 Member Posts: 87
    edited 12. Mar 2010, 12:43
    Hi Marie

    I was put on that medication 3years ago, my cholestral was 5 9 then , i was only on for a week, i could hardly move, i went to see another doctor and he took me off it straight away, i know my cholestral is still a bit high bcause i get very little exercise, so i really watch what i eat, as i suppose you do, but my gp states it is lack of exercise, but i do try, weather permitting.

    Lots of luck

    Monica :!:
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Marie,

    Someone close to me takes Statins and they now have back pains whereas they didn't before. It is a side effect of the drug ...but check with your GP surgery if you're unduly worried.

    Luv Legs :)
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 12. Mar 2010, 12:45
    Hi Marie

    One of the side effects of simvastin is persistent muscle pain. If this is what you mean you should contact whoever prescribed those meds to you pretty soon to be on the safe side. I would not advise that you do anything without consulting a medic.

    Luv
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    SNAP, Elna :lol::lol::lol::lol: XX
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • marie48
    marie48 Member Posts: 189
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks, I would not say it is muscle pain, it is just I notice my back seems more sensitive & achy, have not reached for the painkillers yet. It is possible it isa coincidence as my back does play up from time to time. I must say being on simvastatin, I noticed I sleep much better. I feel most comfortable when lying in bed. I did expect some side-effects due to my back problem etc, the gp said muscle pain is very common. It is just how much can I tolerate it. Will wait until I go for a review next week, at least I will give it a try. My cholesterol is very high 7.6 and this has been going on for nearly 4 yrs. Highest it has been was 8. Previously GP said my risk was about 20% of having heart attack and I have tried everything but now they said diet or exercise will not help as it is too high and most probably genetic. Thanks
  • 09angel11
    09angel11 Member Posts: 87
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Marie

    I wrote earlier to state the way i felt on the statins. My highest cholestral has been 8.9, but i brought it down to 5 9, with diet, no suger no butter or bread, plenty of fish, lean meat . I know mine is genetic, has my dad had high cholestral. I do some exercise when i can, also i take the plant sterols, in benecol and floral, although not cheap. I have got to go in November for my checkup, so will see then.
    But good luck, i hope you will feel better soon on the meds.


    Monica :)

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