DEAR DR. GOTT: I read your article about statin drugs and their side effects. I have been on cholesterol medication for the last couple of years. The side effects are killing me — pain in both of my forearm muscles, calf muscles, and numbness in my fingers. The medicines I was on causing the same side effects were pravastatin 20 mg and simvastatin 20 mg.
My doctor suggested I reduce the dosage to 10 mg and then to 5, which hasn’t stopped my pain. He currently has me on Lipitor/atorvastatin 5 mg, but the problem persists. My recent lipid panel showed the following: cholesterol 172 HDL 33; LDL 105, triglycerides 177 and A1C 6.7.
These drugs are not cheap. I can’t keep trying this and trying that, so what should I do?
DEAR READER: It would certainly help me to know your medical background because without a cause other than your cholesterol (such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes), your readings are within normal limits with the exception of your A1C. The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1C of less than 7.0, while the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends 6.5 or lower. The risk of heart attack increases with higher readings.
Your physician apparently prescribed statin drugs to both lower your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. However, as you point out, the side effects can be mighty frustrating, with muscle pain heading the list. Less common issues include nausea, gas, diarrhea and constipation.
The use of statin drugs also requires periodic blood testing to check for liver damage. Statins cause the liver to abnormally increase its production of enzymes. An elevation could prompt your physician to recommend you stop taking the drug for a period of time until your levels fall within the normal range.
I am concerned about your numb fingers. Are you a smoker? Could something else be going on that you are blaming statin drugs for? I suggest a complete physical examination and — if necessary — referral to a vascular specialist. I may be jumping to incorrect conclusions, but I want you to cover all the bases in this instance.
Ask your physician to switch to a non-statin drug for control of your cholesterol. Over-the-counters include products with plant sterols and stanols, cinnamon sprinkled on your food, niacin (vitamin B3), omega-3 fish oil and flaxseed. They may not be as effective as expensive prescription drugs, so it’s a matter of the risks outweighing the benefits in this case. It’s a situation best discussed with your doctor.
Readers who would like related information can order my Health Reports “Understanding Cholesterol” and “Compelling Home Remedies” by sending a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 U.S. check or money order for each report to Dr. Peter Gott, P.O. Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title(s), or print an order form from my website’s direct link: www.AskDrGottMD.com/order_form.pdf.
