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What Causes Muscle Pain While On Atorvastatin?
Question: I started taking Atorvastatin about 7 weeks ago 20mg/day. For almost the same time i have had muscle aches, though mainly from the waist down through my lower back, groin and upper thighs. It does occasionally go into ny calf muscles and the sides of my feet. Its making walking dufficult, and i have to take great care on stairs. Sometimes i get tingling feelings in my legs too. Ive also noticed urinary urgency, but no pain as there would be in cystitis. Does it sound likely to have been caused by statins? Would it be a good idea to ask my gp if i should duscontinue for a few weeks to see if these aches/pains dusappear? Many thanks
Brief Answer:
see GP immediately
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your question,
Statins can cause two type of muscle aches. One type is a simple side effect of the medication and the second type is much more serious causing a breakdown of the muscles.
This breakdown can lead to kidney damage. You need to see your GP immediately to get testing. They will probably advise you to stop the medication until this can be sorted out. If there is no muscle breakdown (determined by a blood test) then they may want you to try a different statin.
This could be very serious. Do not delay. See your GP right away
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
see GP immediately
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your question,
Statins can cause two type of muscle aches. One type is a simple side effect of the medication and the second type is much more serious causing a breakdown of the muscles.
This breakdown can lead to kidney damage. You need to see your GP immediately to get testing. They will probably advise you to stop the medication until this can be sorted out. If there is no muscle breakdown (determined by a blood test) then they may want you to try a different statin.
This could be very serious. Do not delay. See your GP right away
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Many thanks
Brief Answer:
you are welcome
Detailed Answer:
I wish you the best
Dr. Robinson
you are welcome
Detailed Answer:
I wish you the best
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Many thanks.....i have tried to get an appointment with my GPs surgery for today, all fully booked. Cant see anyone until Mon/tues...would it be wise to stop taking statins until i see a gp? My original cholesterol reading was 7.2 around 7 weeks ago? Thankyou
Brief Answer:
yes
Detailed Answer:
Try to ask someone in the office of your GP to get him or her a message and see what they say about stopping it. They may want you to stop it but come in for a blood test today even if you are not seen.
If you cannot get through to them then yes it is safest to stop it until you are seen
Dr. Robinson
yes
Detailed Answer:
Try to ask someone in the office of your GP to get him or her a message and see what they say about stopping it. They may want you to stop it but come in for a blood test today even if you are not seen.
If you cannot get through to them then yes it is safest to stop it until you are seen
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thankyou very much
Brief Answer:
you are welcome
Detailed Answer:
Best to you and thanks for using Healthcare Magic
Dr. Robinson
you are welcome
Detailed Answer:
Best to you and thanks for using Healthcare Magic
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Just called surgery again....been advised to stop taking my statins and to call again Monday. How long will it take for the statin to leave my body through discontinuation? I am so grateful for your advice. Thanks
Brief Answer:
days to weeks
Detailed Answer:
If this is from a simple side effect and not muscle breakdown, the discomfort should start easing up in a few days and largely be gone in a week.
If it was from muscle breakdown it could take longer and may take a week or more for you to start getting some relief and a month or more for it to completely resolve.
I am so glad you called the office and got their advice
Best to you
Dr. Robinson
days to weeks
Detailed Answer:
If this is from a simple side effect and not muscle breakdown, the discomfort should start easing up in a few days and largely be gone in a week.
If it was from muscle breakdown it could take longer and may take a week or more for you to start getting some relief and a month or more for it to completely resolve.
I am so glad you called the office and got their advice
Best to you
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Many thanks, but i did hear myself asking "just how urgent is urgent supposed to be?" I will phone again Monday. Have a good weekend
Brief Answer:
glad you are stopping the medication
Detailed Answer:
I am glad that you will be stopping the medication and I hope your muscle pain resolves very soon
Dr. Robinson
glad you are stopping the medication
Detailed Answer:
I am glad that you will be stopping the medication and I hope your muscle pain resolves very soon
Dr. Robinson
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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