What is statin induced myalgia?

Clinical trials commonly define statin toxicity as myalgia or muscle weakness with creatine kinase (CK) levels greater than 10 times the normal upper limit. Rhabdomyolysis is the most severe adverse effect of statins, which may result in acute renal failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation and death.

Why does statin cause myalgia?

How statins cause muscle pain is not fully understood. One theory is that statins may affect a protein in muscle cells, which decreases muscle growth. Another theory is that statins decrease the levels of a natural substance in your body called coenzyme Q10. This substance helps your muscles produce energy.

What does myalgia from statins feel like?

One of the most common complaints of people taking statins is muscle pain. You may feel this pain as a soreness, tiredness or weakness in your muscles. The pain can be a mild discomfort, or it can be severe enough to make your daily activities difficult.

How long does statin induced myalgia last?

In a small retrospective study of 45 patients, the mean duration of statin therapy before onset of symptoms was 6.3 (SD 9.3) months (range 1 week to 4 years). In this study, the mean duration of myalgia after stopping statin therapy was 2.3 (SD 3.0) months (range 1 week to 4 months).

Which statin causes less myalgia?

In this regard, it is interesting to note that in the PRIMO study, the most hydrophilic statins (pravastatin and fluvastatin) were least likely to cause myalgia, whereas simvastatin, the most lipophilic one, was most likely to be associated with muscular adverse effects (4).

Where does statin muscle pain occur?

Within a month of starting statin therapy, they may feel aches or weakness in the large muscles of their arms, shoulders, thighs or buttocks on both sides of the body. About 5 to 10% of people who try statins are affected. It’s more common in the elderly, in women and in those taking the more potent statins.

Can statin drugs cause myalgia?

Myalgia is a potential adverse effect of statin treatment Myalgia, with or without muscle weakness, is the most common adverse effect associated with statin use, and is reported to occur in up to 10% of people prescribed statins.

How do I manage my statin myalgia?

Although gentle stretching may relieve muscle cramps, beginning a new vigorous exercise regimen while taking a statin may increase the risk of muscle pain. Ramp up your lifestyle changes. Commit to an exercise routine, lose weight if you need to, and adopt a heart- healthy eating plan such as the Mediterranean diet.

What is the most tolerated statin?

Simvastatin and pravastatin had the best safety profile, according to this review. Overall, the researchers found a 9 percent increased risk of type 2 diabetes in people taking statins.

What are the signs and symptoms of myalgia?

Myalgia Symptoms

Deep muscle pain in the local area or widespread pain.
Dull or sharp aching pain.
Mild or severe pain that may last minutes or be constant.
Fever and chills if there is an infection.
Joint pain associated with muscle pain.
Fatigue that interferes with your normal activity.

How do you get rid of muscle pain from statins?

What are my options if a statin is causing unbearable muscle pain?

Ask a pharmacist to review your entire medication regimen.
Ask your provider about trying a different statin.
Try a coenzyme Q10 supplement along with your statin.
Consider an alternative cholesterol-lowering medication.

Does atorvastatin cause myalgia?

Most statins are lipophilic, which means they passively diffuse into the muscle. These statins, including atorvastatin (Lipitor®), simvastatin (Zocor®) and fluvastatin (Lescol®), are more likely to cause muscle aches.

Do statins really cause myalgia?

Myalgia: Muscle pain which is experienced by 2% to 10% of people taking statins.

Which statin has least myalgias?

In this regard, it is interesting to note that in the PRIMO study, the most hydrophilic statins (pravastatin and fluvastatin) were least likely to cause myalgia, whereas simvastatin , the most lipophilic one, was most likely to be associated with muscular adverse effects (4). See Full Answer.

What is myalgia, and what is causing it?

Myalgia (also called muscle pain and muscle ache) is the medical term for muscle pain. Myalgia is a symptom of many diseases . The most common cause of acute myalgia is the overuse of a muscle or group of muscles; another likely cause is viral infection , especially when there has been no trauma.