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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Weakness In The Legs And Shoulder Pain After Taking Statins?

Hi, I am a 63 year old minister, 6 ft. 196 lbs & have type 2 diabetes, high cholestrol, high blood pressure & over active bladder. Since starting my statin & all the meds my doctor prescribed, for the above health problems, I have become very weak in my legs such as climbing steps & my shoulders began to hurt 2 nights ago horribly. I try & exercise & even go snow skiing when able, but I m very concerned about my weakness in my legs & sore shoulders. Pastor Jim Burns, Van Wert, OH
posted on Wed, 7 Dec 2016
Twitter Sat, 17 Dec 2016 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 19 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Dear Sir, Hi & Welcome.
Based on the history you seem to have developed a side effect due to intake of Statin.

Statins are usually prescribed to reduce high blood cholesterol level, they are generally safe. However their most common side effects include myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness and weakness), stomach upset, and liver dysfunction.

In some cases myopathy can be serious resulting in rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle protein) causing myoglobinuria (loss of muscle protein through urine) which may cause kidney damage.

So, in view of the above, stop taking Statin and consult your treating doctor to prescribe an alternate effective but a safer medication like bile acid binding resin to lower your high blood cholesterol.

Hope this will help.

A feed back is appreciated.
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What Causes Weakness In The Legs And Shoulder Pain After Taking Statins?

Dear Sir, Hi & Welcome. Based on the history you seem to have developed a side effect due to intake of Statin. Statins are usually prescribed to reduce high blood cholesterol level, they are generally safe. However their most common side effects include myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness and weakness), stomach upset, and liver dysfunction. In some cases myopathy can be serious resulting in rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle protein) causing myoglobinuria (loss of muscle protein through urine) which may cause kidney damage. So, in view of the above, stop taking Statin and consult your treating doctor to prescribe an alternate effective but a safer medication like bile acid binding resin to lower your high blood cholesterol. Hope this will help. A feed back is appreciated.