How to Handle Statin Muscle Aches and Weakness

Statin drugs have revolutionized the treatment of elevated cholesterol levels. Not only do they lower cholesterol levels, but they also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke independent of their cholesterol lowering effects – which is good news for anyone at risk for heart disease. Unfortunately, up to ten percent of people who take these medications develop statin muscle aches or muscle weakness – a condition known as statin myopathy.

The Symptoms of Statin Myopathy: Are They Serious?

In most cases, the symptoms of statin myopathy aren’t serious and are more of a nuisance than a threat to health; but in a small number of people will develop a life threatening condition called rhabdomyolysis where the muscle tissue breaks and injures the kidneys. The rare but serious condition of rhabdomyolysis can be diagnosed by checking a CPK level through a blood test. This is why it’s important to tell your doctor about any muscle discomfort experienced while on a statin.

Statin Muscle Aches with a Normal CPK: Treatment Options

If you have a normal CPK level and suffer from garden variety statin muscle weakness and aches, what are your options?  Your doctor can try lowering the medication dose which may reduce symptoms of statin myopathy, or you can be switched over to a different statin drug. Some statin  medications – such as fluvastatin and pravastatin – are less likely to cause statin muscle aches and may be a better option for some people.

There’s also the possibility of switching over to another medication that isn’t in the statin family. Cholesterol lowering medications such as Zetia that lower cholesterol by blocking cholesterol absorption by the intestines is one option. Other non-statin medications that lower cholesterol levels include the fibrates, binding resins, and the natural B-vitamin supplement niacin. Although niacin is a natural supplement, it should be only used under a doctor’s care since it can have side effects such as elevated liver enzymes that need to be monitored.  

Using Coenzyme Q10 to Prevent Symptoms of Statin Myopathy

Some studies have shown that taking the natural supplement coenzyme Q10 while taking statins prevents muscle aches and weakness. In one small study, forty-one people who took 100 mg. of coenzyme Q10 each day experienced significantly less statin weakness and muscle discomfort. Coenzyme Q10 can be purchased from most vitamin suppliers and is usually well tolerated. It can cause mild stomach upset and insomnia in some people. Also, be sure you’re getting enough vitamin D by having your blood level checked. Vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle weakness.

Statin Muscle Aches: The Bottom Line?

If you’re on a statin medication and experience statin muscle weakness or other muscle discomfort, talk to your doctor about your options. Statins are an effective treatment for elevated cholesterol levels, but you shouldn’t have to suffer from statin muscles aches and pains just to get your cholesterol down.