1. Community
  2. Heart Health
  3. Statins and Other Lipid-lowering Medicines

Muscle wastage in both legs

Posted , 12 users are following.

voo
voo

I was on simvastin for 4 years and developed bad pain in both legs when standing up.  I have to steady myself before I can start walking.  I have CK in my blood tests.  I was told by my doctor to stop taking the statins.  I have got worse in my legs after 6 months. Doctor put me on another statin.  When I read the same side effects as simvastin I didn't take any.  I couldn't believe that doctor would put me on a tablet that caused the same bad side effects. I will be going to have my blood tests done soon but would like to know whether anyone has asked about sueing the statin drug company and would the doctor be helpful about it? 

0 likes, 68 replies

68 Replies

Prev
  • Jean1949
    Jean1949 voo

    Posted

    Good afternoon,

    I stopped simvastaton nearly a year now,but my joint pains did not 

    completely go away. My doctor did a ck check and confirmed that 

    the simvastaton was not the cause of the joint pains.

    I was so convinced,because I had no pains before I took the statin.

    I think it takes some time to get out of my system,or it messed me up for life.

    I feel helpless,but will never touch any statins again.

    I will rather cut on all the fatty stuff,and follow a heathy diet.

    • mrbob84
      mrbob84 Jean1949

      Posted

      "My doctor did a ck check and confirmed that 

      the simvastaton was not the cause of the joint pains."

      What is that test and how does it conclude that simv was not the cause?

    • voo
      voo Jean1949

      Posted

      Hello the pains in my legs are from the muscles.  My joints have ached tor years, but the pain is not as bad as the muscle pain.  I could walk long distances with the joint pain but I can only walk a short distance now before I can hardly walk. 
    • marco
      marco Jean1949

      Posted

      I don't see how your doctor can be sure that statins are not the cause of your problem. Certainly not without tests.

      I've been through this loop and finished up with Peripheral Neuropathy. My consultant could not find a cause for the condition but discounted statin damage. When I asked her if she could be absolutley sure that statins were not the cause she said she couldn't but it was unlikely. That's doctors for you.

    • lisa09924
      lisa09924 voo

      Posted

      I too had the muscle pain and weakness in my legs...especially my thighs...I couldn't walk upstairs...and felt terrible....but according to gp...there was nothing wrong.....that's when I stopped the statins....
    • lisa09924
      lisa09924 mrbob84

      Posted

      yes the weakness in my legs got better....and he was not very happy when I told him I would never take another statin...I know we all get aches and pains as we get older...and that I could accept....but I wont knowingly take something that will make my life hell..
    • jane14277
      jane14277 lisa09924

      Posted

      I would love to know what kick backs the Dr's get for prescribing them

  • lisa00789
    lisa00789 voo

    Posted

    Well after being off the statins for nearly five months I visited the doctor to request another blood test, I explained why I'd stopped taking them and as soon as I mentioned muscle pain which along with my OA was making things harder to walk and exercise he nodded and agreed it can be a side effect, I was shocked he agreed so quickly!  I don't know my breakdown of good and bad cholesterol but the total reading when I started them four years ago was around 6.8, at the beginning of this year it was down to 4.2 and now off the statins it's at 5.4. After a telephone consultation with a different doctor about the results, I had the usual comments about losing weight and exercising (believe me I'm trying!) but have agreed to stay off them for now and have another blood test in 6 months. The good news is that my legs are nowhere near as bad as they were and I'm back out for lunchtime walks every day and badminton once a week as well as eating plenty of fruit every day, I think to be on the safe side I'm going to start taking a benecol drink or yogurt each day and see if that helps keep the cholesterol level down as well, has anyone else found that they help?

    • jane14277
      jane14277 lisa00789

      Posted

      When I worked up the courage to tell my dr i wasnt taking them anymore I sat back and waited nervously for a lecture and all he said was what are your side effects and typed them into the computer, not another word was said. i was in total shock. Umfortunately he has now retired

       

  • carol37472
    carol37472 voo

    Posted

    Hi I've just registered with this site ..I also have been prescribed Atorvastatin Liptor 40 mg...and I've had severe pain in both legs mostly the right...I've had blood tests and I've also been diagnosed with on the verge of diabetic..and Benn told also I have an underactive thyroid...I stopped taking the Statins last night as I investigated it on my own...I have had x rays on my knees but haven't had results as yet...all this is pretty frightening to read of all the troubles we have all had.regards Carol

    • marco
      marco carol37472

      Posted

      Presumably the pain came on after taking statin. Be very careful before retaking statins as I, after the muscle pain phase, developed Peripheral Neuropathy and can now only walk with a stick. But it's your choice, choose wisely.

    • carol37472
      carol37472 marco

      Posted

      Yes Marco the pain did come after taking Statins. Ive been diagnosed with angina...and also was prescribed another drug to take my book pressure down.I stopped taking tgem as i was dizzy and had vertigo.went for tests recently only to find out I had very low blood pressure..but doc prescribed me the same tablets only smaller dose...she actualy rang me to tell me not to take them although she knew my blood pressure was low she prescribed me then...totaly lost my confidence in my doctor now and have had to take things into my own hands...thankyou so much for your reply..I am not going to take any more Statins. .as I have all the symtoms mentioned on this post.kind regards
    • jane14277
      jane14277 marco

      Posted

      Well said marco. decide on quality of life or length of life not worth living
  • mrbob84
    mrbob84 voo

    Posted

    I think these statins should be on the dangerous drugs list.  And/or controlled substances list, tho they are probably already there -
Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.