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What Causes Lower Extremity Muscle Pain While Taking Prednisone?
Hello. I had been on cholesterol reducing meds for a number of years. At one point (again years ago) I developed lots of lower extremity muscle pain and was taken off those meds. 2 years ago I was diagnosed (sed rate over 100) with PMR and prescribed prednisone. I finally weaned off the prednisone in Nov. 2014. I still had some aches but figured they weren t too bad. My cholesterol was over 300 and in Nov. 2014 I was put on Lipitor 10 mg qd. I am having aches, especially if I ve sat for an extended period. I think my gait is even effected. I am 71 years old, female, and lead a fairly active life. Recent lipid check is doing much better. Is this something I need to worry about?
posted on
Thu, 30 Apr 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 4 Mar 2023
Answered on
Tue, 21 Mar 2023
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Muscle pain or myopathy is a known side effect of prednisone use. The muscle pain you are experiencing may be related to the previous use of prednisone for PMR. However, it is also possible that the muscle pain is unrelated to the prednisone and may be related to other factors such as age-related changes or a new medical condition.
Lipitor is also known to have potential side effects including muscle pain and weakness, although these side effects are relatively rare. Your muscle aches and changes in gait may be related to Lipitor use.
It is important to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider, who can evaluate you and determine the cause of your muscle pain. They may recommend further testing or adjustments to your medications. It is always better to err on the side of caution and get a professional medical opinion.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Muscle pain or myopathy is a known side effect of prednisone use. The muscle pain you are experiencing may be related to the previous use of prednisone for PMR. However, it is also possible that the muscle pain is unrelated to the prednisone and may be related to other factors such as age-related changes or a new medical condition.
Lipitor is also known to have potential side effects including muscle pain and weakness, although these side effects are relatively rare. Your muscle aches and changes in gait may be related to Lipitor use.
It is important to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider, who can evaluate you and determine the cause of your muscle pain. They may recommend further testing or adjustments to your medications. It is always better to err on the side of caution and get a professional medical opinion.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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