Taking Rosuvastatin Calcium And Ezetimibe For High Cholesterol. What Is The Treatment For Extreme Abdomen Pain?

Posted on Sun, 3 Nov 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 3 Nov 2013 Answered on

Mon, 2 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I am taking 40mg ROSUVASTATIN CALCIUM and 10mg EZETIMIBE EACH DAY FOR HIGH cholesterol. for a number of years! I now have extreme pains in my abdomen and both legs and feet and back. have had ct scans and 3 ultra sounds, plus Barium Enema with no conclusions. I believe it is the drugs.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Yes, possible side effects of rosuvastatin Detailed Answer: Hi, Yes, you are right. Statins (rosuvastatin) are related to such muscle pains according to research reports. I'd suggest to stop using them and consult your endocrinologist for other alternative. I usually recommend my patients to go on with lifestyle and diet changes, herbal supplements to reduce cholesterol. However, if your doctor would decide it is a must to continue a lowering cholesterol drug, you should report to him such complains and remind him the FDA recall to doctors regarding statins use. Hope it helped! If you have further questions, feel free to write me again! Dr.Sejdini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (6 hours later)

Forgot to mention also taking 2 NICOTINIC acid 500mg plus 81 mg aspirin half hour before the 2 NICOTINIC, Also METOPROLOL 25mg HALF TWICE a day. Also RAMIPRIL 10mg ONCE a day. Also 1200mcg CYANACOBALAMIN ONCE a day. SORRY for not listing every thing.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (10 hours later)

Brief Answer: Please refer to the following suggestions. Detailed Answer: Hi again, Thank you for writing back. What I see is that you are also using nicotinic acid (vit.B3 = niacin) for lowering cholesterol purposes I believe. Actually, niacin use is also associated with severe/unexplained abdominal/muscle pain apart flashing. - So, it could be a reason to your pain too. In addition, although cyanocobalamin use is considered safe, there are reports of muscle cramps with its use too. I'd suggest to stop using rosuvastatin, nicotinic acid and cyanocobalamin and see if there is improvement. If yes, can ask your doctor to re-start those drugs (if necessary) one by one (at different stages) to understand what causes such problems to you. If no improvement, can wait more time until you restart taking these drugs if necessary. Hope it answered your inquiries! If you have more questions, feel free to write me back! Dr.Sejdini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj