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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Intake Of Zetia Along With Zocor Cause Pain In Shoulder Blade?

Several weeks ago, my husband, who was already on Zocor (40 mg), began taking Zetia 10 mg) once a day. Shortly thereafter, he developed a small area of pain around one shoulder blade. Thinking it might be emanating from his upper spinal cord, an x-ray and then an MRI was performed...He was also placed on a steroid. Neither the x-ray or MRI revealed the source of the problem. The steroid provided some relief from the pain, but he s run through that prescription. He s now considering massage therapy and/or a chiropractor. BenGay provides temporary relief and he s taking pain pills, but they simply mask the pain for a brief period. The pain is worse in the evening.
Mon, 14 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi!
If taken together it can cause harmful reactions.

Both the drugs are effectively prescribed in the treatment of high blood cholesterol. Each of these medications can cause myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness or weakness), liver damage, stomach upset,etc.

Thus taking Zetia (Ezetimibe) together with Zocor (Simvastatin) can increase the risk of side effects such as myopathy and liver damage many folds. This combination can also cause a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. which result in kidney damage.

Based on the history given in your query, you seem to have developed myopathy due to these prescribed medications.

I would therefore advise you to stop taking these medications immediately and consult your treating doctor for either dose reductions or use of an alternate effective but safer medications to lower your high cholesterol levels.

Hope to have answered your query.
Best wishes.
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Does Intake Of Zetia Along With Zocor Cause Pain In Shoulder Blade?

Hi! If taken together it can cause harmful reactions. Both the drugs are effectively prescribed in the treatment of high blood cholesterol. Each of these medications can cause myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness or weakness), liver damage, stomach upset,etc. Thus taking Zetia (Ezetimibe) together with Zocor (Simvastatin) can increase the risk of side effects such as myopathy and liver damage many folds. This combination can also cause a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. which result in kidney damage. Based on the history given in your query, you seem to have developed myopathy due to these prescribed medications. I would therefore advise you to stop taking these medications immediately and consult your treating doctor for either dose reductions or use of an alternate effective but safer medications to lower your high cholesterol levels. Hope to have answered your query. Best wishes.