Statin drugs are relatively new but their use is expanding at a very rapid rate. Some of the most popular statin drugs are zocor, mevacor, lipitor, crestor and several others. These drugs are used to lower or slow down LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) production. Statins are typically combined with fibrates which also help them lower triglycerides (the fat in your blood) as well.
The most common side effects of statin drugs are myalgia (muscle pain), liver damage and digestive problems.Using statin drugs will increase your risk substantially of developing statin myalgia in the form of lower back pain, leg pain and other musculoskeletal complaints. Statin myalgia is muscle pain caused by the use of statin drugs. This seems to be the most common side effect of using statin drugs. Some studies show as much as a 50-60% increased risk of developing these musculoskeletal complaints when compared to people of the same age who do not use statins. In severe cases the breakdown of muscle tissue can even lead to irreversible kidney damage.
Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) is an enzyme found mainly in the skeletal muscle, heart and brain. By monitoring the levels of CPK in the blood you can tell if the statin drugs that you are taking are causing any damage to your muscles. If you take multiple medications keep in mind that there are also other medications that can cause elevated enzymes in your blood. Many physicians will dismiss or ignore the sometimes devastating side effects that this class of drugs can have on the body.
If you are considering beginning a course of statin drugs make sure your doctor does blood tests before you start. It is critical to get a baseline CPK blood level before you start any statin therapy so if you subsequently develop myalgia you can retest your CPK levels to see if you are damaging your muscles. Your doctor should also be monitoring your liver enzymes as well as a matter of routine. The supplement CoQ10 has been shown to be effective in treating the myalgia associated with the use of statins.
Start CoQ10 which is readily available at most reputable drug or health food stores. Dosage should be 200-300 mg per day. If the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your routine daily activities and is lowering your overall quality of life you should talk with the prescribing doctor and discuss possible reduction in dosage or possibly trial withdrawal of the offending statin.
