DISCLAIMER: iGuard is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. iGuard cannot and does not take into consideration every possible interaction or account for individual responses to medicine. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have before making any changes to your treatment. The use of the iGuard site and its content is at your own risk. The iGuard site and the information contained in it is intended for users in the United States and information in other countries may be different.
Global Patient Feedback for Simvastatin ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
Hey I'm glad I found this site My husband has been on zocor for alot of years and steadily increased it over those years he is now taking 80mg a day, a couple of years back it stop working as well and they added gemfibrozil 600mg twice aday he has been having problem for awhile a year ago he had abnormal liver test and he ask the doctor about it and he did nothing he is now having severe muscle pain he can't even put his hands behind his back.he just had lab last friday and now his white count is down with many monocytes so after the dr. sent this in the mail with a note to come back in for more lab and he did on wed. still we have heard nothing his urine is dark he is now weak in his leg and seem as though there not strong enough to hold him up so I started researching this and come up with possible drug toxicity from these two drug and some muscle wasting thing is this something the doctor should have caught?a year ago it say if you take gemfibrozil with zocor the dose of the zocor should not excede 10mg he is on 80mg shouldn't the phamacy have caught this? all they told us was when they put him on this was that they would run test on his liver and keep an eye on that no warning about muscle problems and even when his liver tests were abnormal they did nothing and now they are making us wait on result and no one even explained why he needed more test I found out this stuff on the interweb. I'm a little po'd what to do? I'm lost long way off till monday.
49 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-21 00:12:10
Answer/Reply:
Dark urine is a dangerous sign of muscle breakdown from cholesterol lowering drugs and should be adressed ASAP. Your physician should have ordered a test called CK or sometimes referred to as CPK. When muscles break down, they release an enzyme into the blood stream and thats what the CK test is all about.
Under no circumstances should your doctor have ignored this. In my personal opinion, this is malpractice and litigation is in order. I usually don't recommend legal action since in most cases "nobody wins a lawsuit except the lawyers" but there are exeptions to that, and thats where the legal system steps in and helps those who were wrongfully damaged. Talk to an attorney and make your choices. Meanwhile, document, document, document everything.
To help you see things in a better perspective, get rid of the word "patient" and replace it with "customer" and you will see clearer what has happened.
52 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-22 11:51:12
Answer/Reply:
I still have no results from the doctor about his most recent labs taken last wed I am taking this as a good sign but also I have contacted an atty. they have yet to get back to me and I also take that as a good sign. med mal is my concern also this a gov institution and am afraid he is seriously being mistreated. there are other incidents that I cave not go into at this point but be assured I will do all I can to insure my husband is ok but it is hard when all that has gone on and he is refusing to go elsewhere to be seen by anyone because of financial restriction and no insurance.
49 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-24 08:01:27
Answer/Reply:
Stand firm. You will probably have to see another physician for diagnoses as the prescribing physician doesn't want to diagnose the patient with anything that would bring legal action.
You will probably need a CK test and a muscle biopsy. Muscle biopsy is the proof that muscle damage has occured even if CK is normal.
52 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-25 12:08:48
Answer/Reply:
Just one more question I have like I stated little outside insurance medicare and was wondering what kind of a doctor he should go see? I don't think he need to set up another primary care and start all over again I think that may be just a waste of time.I think he need to be seen real soon
49 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-25 14:31:52
Answer/Reply:
I am sorry for your troubles! I hope all turns out well for you! If it were me this would be a clear sign to me, that it is now time to change doctors. I know from personal knowledge, that a lot of times unless the test results have been red flag as stat and notify docotor right away. It make take two to three weeks to get the results back and unless it is mark attn:urgent it may be a week or two for the doctor to read the report. This very true of a doctor with a large practice
54 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-21 11:03:33
Question/Comment:
I take simvastin for cholesterol and lisinopril for hbp, and have been doing so for several years. I am 56 and curious to know if anyone else has the same problems I do. I have the memory problems but also I have a real problem with a lack of energy. If I ever sit down for a while that is it, I don't feel like doing anything else. Thanks for listening and for any suggestions.
Ray
57 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-19 19:41:52
Answer/Reply:
Many HBP meds cause people to feel sleepy. If you are not taking your lisonpril at night try switching times. If you do switch times do it over several days adjusting the time 2 hours/day
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-16 22:29:11
Answer/Reply:
I take both Simvastatin and Fosinopril plus 3 other meds that cause drowsiness. I am 70 and I do NOT have memory problems. I can fall asleep in the bathroom or in front of the TV, but if I am with other people I have no problem staying awake. I have been making my coffee with 1/3 reg. coffee and 2/3 Decaff to help me stay active at home alone..
71 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-17 01:43:21
Answer/Reply:
I too take the statin as well as lisinipril for hbp and have for a couple of years. I also do not have much energy but worse, I seem to have lost my desire to do anything.
72 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-20 11:37:09
Question/Comment:
I have decreased memory with respect to using words. I can remember what the word means and the first letter, and can use another word instead of the one I intended. I have been on statins (now simvastatin 80mg) for 9 years. My problem is getting worse. I take coQ10. Recently I have met several people who have the same problem that I have. One such person discontinued her simnivastin for 2 weeks and the problem has disappeared. She now takes Crestor and the problem has not returned. Does anyone know of others with this problem and how they dealt with it.?
MS
75 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-16 20:04:26
Answer/Reply:
Memory problems with statins are more common than you may realize. The brain is the one organ with the highest concentrations of cholesterol than any other organ. The cholesterol is vital for nerve communication called synapses.
Dr. Graveline suffered amnesia from statins and has done extensive research into the matter. He wrote a book called "Lipitor, Thief of Memory" and is about to release a book called "The Statin Damage Crisis" This guy has been a real blessing to us who have suffered on statins, only to have our physicians dismiss our side effects, or blame something else. Go to spacedoc.net
52 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-19 11:35:39
Answer/Reply:
Many thanks for this information, I think I am going to come off them and try the Red Yeast Rice if I can get it in the UK, mainly because I have noticed trouble with getting out what I want to say sometimes, yet I know what I should be saying, simple stuff, weird.
Also I get the gas and abdominal pain I also get palpitations and stress pain in my chest area, all of a sudden I am getting very dark urine and I have a strange taste in my mouth first thing in the morning.
45 year old Male
Posted: 2009-06-15 08:16:50
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Less than 1% of iGuard members report altered memory and taste. Overall, the incidence is thought to be less than 5%. Some of your symptoms may be caused by another medication or medical condition. Please make an appointment with your physician to make sure there is not an underlying medical condition causing your symptoms. Before adding or stopping any medication or herbal preparation, you should discuss the change with your doctor as well. Herbal supplements are not approved or regulated by the FDA, so their safety and effectiveness has not been proven. Also, many times the herbal preparation actually works in the body in a similar way to the prescription medication, with similar side effects as well.
Posted: 2009-06-24 23:36:24
Answer/Reply:
I have had same problems with memory, weakness and aches as other people taking Simvastatin. I just gave up and decided I would try going without. In 3 days I felt a renewed and young. Is it worth feeling old in order to live to be old? I don't think so. I am eating oatmeal and working out much more and not eating very many eggs. If the numbers don't skyrocket, I'll skip drugs.
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-15 18:45:58
Answer/Reply:
I have been on 20mg of zocor and have had no such problems.
60 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-16 06:31:03
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking 40 mg daily of Zocor for about 5 years. It has had salutary effects on my cholesterol, but several months ago I began having muscle pain and spasms in my lower back. At first, I thought I might have injured myself and ceased working out. No improvement. I tried massage. No improvement.
Is it possible that Zocor is implicated in my problem?
Female, 66 years of age
67 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-17 19:14:44
Question/Comment:
How many people have been prescribed Gemfibrozil and Simvastatin (Zocor) together? I recently have been and IGuard gives a warning about using them together:
Gemfibrozil may significantly increase your risk of developing muscle pain/breakdown on Simvastatin. As a result, these drugs are normally not used together.
Just wondering what I what I may experience.
Thank you
S.
42 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-12 17:59:20
Question/Comment:
can Tylenol PM be taken at night with Simvastatin to help with the leg pain from Simvastatin
73 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-03 23:03:19
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
i take tylenol pm every night when i take my zocor and cardizem. it works. no jumpiness and i get a good nights sleep. my sister also takes tylenol pm for restless leg syndrome, it also works for her. sandy
Posted: 2009-03-05 17:27:09
Answer/Reply:
Leg pain is not typical symptom with Simvastatin,you should ask your dr. about your leg pain options.I also experience leg pain,(NOT related to my use of Simvastatin,)and there is a WONDERFUL medication for leg pain that I HAVE used in the past: Lyrica.Just be aware that a person should NEVER stop taking Lyrica suddenly.It is a drug that NEED"S to be GRADUALLY titrated,or taken down from. Ask your dr. abouy it,and as ALWAYS,STRICTLY follow thier advice and instructions TO-THE-LETTER! Good luck to you,and Best Wishes!
44 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-21 16:24:54
Answer/Reply:
has any one suggested that taking coq 10 with zocor would help to ease or eliminate pain. muscle Pain that is . statins elimate coq10 from the liver and taking it at the same time as zocor w ill help elimanate it. I HAVE BE TAKING COQ10 FOR 6 YEARS WITH MY ZOCOR, AND NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS ALSO YOU BE LOW ON POTASSIUM AND THAT CAN CAUSE LEG CRAMPS. I EAT A BANANA OR DRINK A GLASS OF O J FOR IT.
72 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-29 21:02:59
Question/Comment:
I use to be on this simvastatin, it made my muscle hurt so bad I could not sleep at night. The dr. said my cholesterol was high and put me back on it. Do you know of any thing else can lower high cholesterol. Which medicine has less side affect Pravachol ro simvastatin?
71 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-26 23:37:03
Answer/Reply:
I'm so glad I subscribe to this newletter. I too take Simvastatin and I couldn't figure out why my muscles seemed to hurt. Your post seemed to answer my question.
I'll be seeing my doctor and I will be telling him about the effects I get with simvastatin. I definitely will be getting a satisfactory answer or have him prescribe something else.
Quite frankly I'm sick of doctors & medicine.
73 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-04 12:52:09
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
WHEN TAKING SIMVASTATIN YOU NEED TO TAKE 2 POTASSIUM PILLS THEN THE LEG CRAMPS WILL STOP.
Posted: 2009-03-19 18:57:40
Answer/Reply:
I, too, am on this medication. I noticed some problems with muscle pains...started doing aerobic swim for diabetics...and working out at the fitness center..my aches and pains are gone and my cholesterol is fine! But, remember as far as the doctors go...they call them practictioners for a reason!
64 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-27 19:53:46
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Ask you doctor about taking a prescription form of niacin. Some cardiologists prescribe 500mg daily doses to raise good cholesteral (HDL) and lower the bad (LDL).
55yr old female
Posted: 2009-03-04 19:45:35
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
there are so many statins out there, there shouldn't be any reason to be on only one! i could not take lipitor, my numbers went, so i went on zocor, that seems to do the trick. please tell the doctor to try something else, it's out there. you have to be in control, concerning your body. i have been fighting for a long time, for my husband and now for myself. good luck, sandy
Posted: 2009-03-05 17:20:59
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Muscle pain is a common side effect of the class of cholesterol lowering medications call “statins†(a class which includes simvastatin and Pravachol). Currently there are no studies that show a difference in the rate of side effects in the Pravachol and simvastatin.
You may want to discuss with your doctor about possible treatment options if you continue to feel muscle pain with your statin. Sometimes lowering the dose will reduce the side effects. Some iGuard members have reported that adding the supplement CoEnzyme Q10 has helped with the muscle pain caused by statins. There are also other cholesterol lowering medications available, such as a bile acid sequestrant agents (Colestyramine, Colesevelam) or ezetimibe (Zetia). However, it is a good idea to discuss these medications with your doctor to see if any of them are suitable for you.
Posted: 2009-03-09 00:18:41
Answer/Reply:
I am taking two prescriptions Biaxin and Rifampin for an bacterial infection in my lung. I would like to know if these can be taken with all my other prescriptions which are Zocor, Zetia, Zantac, Nasonex and Mobic. The reason I am asking my heart as been beating fast since I started taking Biaxin and Rifampin. Please let me know as soon as possiblle. Thanks...
71 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-11 10:53:52
Answer/Reply:
I too ecperienced muscle pain the CoQ10 cleared that up but I needed to take the larger dose for it to work so start with small dose keep raising it till you ge twha tis right for you.
I have experieced worse memory loss than just words, numbers have been a big deal. No doctor has suspected meds. In fact he is sending me to neurologist for evaluation. Will let ya'll know what Nuero thinks.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-18 00:32:00
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Do you know about taking Coenzyme Q with simvistatin? This can sometimes help with the muscle problems. Research has shown reduction in muscle pain. Also, however, you should continue to have blood tests to rule out significant myopathy or liver problems.
I have been taking it for a very long time, in a low dose, and sometimes had problems with muscle pain, although not as severe as you're speaking of. Recently, my chiropractor suggested taking red rice yeast supplement instead--and then I wound up with cholesterol that was too low!!! However, it would be something to consider.
Posted: 2009-03-16 21:33:21
Answer/Reply:
I have been having bad muscle pains in my legs, and I thought it had something to do with my shoes. But I am on simvastatin. They even hurt when I walk. Female, age 54
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-16 22:38:38
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
SIMVASTATIN DEPLETES YOUR POTASSIUM SO TAKE 2 POTASSIUM PILLS WITH IT AND THE MUSCLE PAIN WILL GO AWAY
Posted: 2009-03-19 18:59:12
Answer/Reply:
Try Red Yeast Rice which is an over the counter supplement. It works for me. I too was on simvastatin and had muscle aches and headaches. Give it a try, its cheaper than prescription drugs too.
45 year old female
46 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-24 20:25:01
Answer/Reply:
a natural alternative is milk thistle capsules available at most GNC or health food stores, ok it with your physician first to rule out any possible side effects with other meds.
39 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-27 18:32:40
Answer/Reply:
I am so glad to receive this information. I have been taking Simvastatin for more than a year Now that I have read the comments regarding body pains, mini strokes possibly caused by the Simvastatin I now no why I feel so bad everyday and have both legs aching all the time. I am very active, do aerobics, zumba and play volleyball,thought my leg pain was due to the activity. But, I have been participating in these activities most of my life and could not understand why my legs hurt so bad, now I know. have a scheduoled doctor appt. next week and will talk to my doctor about changing my medication. I had been taking Lipitor and Zetia together prior to taking only Simvastatin. I would like to try the Red Yeast Rice, is it expensive?
61yr old very active female.
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-01 02:30:31
Question/Comment:
I had a massive stroke in the spring of 1993. My family doctor put me on Lipitor. a few months later, he retired after having found another doctor to take over his practice. The new doctor switched me to simvistatin, which I firmly believe caused me to have SEVERAL mini-strokes. I have the MRI films to prove it. When I ran out of the prescription, I left it at that. I haven't had another episode since I haven't been taking it. I will never be stupid enough to take it again. I'm doing much better without it. People please be warned, talk to your doctor, and make an informed decision.
51 year old female
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-23 16:20:10
Answer/Reply:
I have stopped taking the Simvastatin and have been taking Red Yeast Rice. Two capsuls twice a day. I have had great results with it.
54 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-06 09:59:02
Answer/Reply:
The doc just put me on it but now since i read what you wrote i would rather get the Red Yeast Rice but i need to find out where to buy it.. Can you please let me know so i can buy it and see if it helps ?
54 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-08 00:33:11
Answer/Reply:
Hello - You can get red yeast rice from any store that sells vitamins and herbs. Even your local supermarket. I like using Puritan Pride Vitamins also. You can order them on line sometimes much less expensive. But I think it is a good idea to use Co-Q-10 with it.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-11 10:36:02
Answer/Reply:
Hello - You can get red yeast rice from any store that sells vitamins and herbs. Even your local supermarket. I like using Puritan Pride Vitamins also. You can order them on line sometimes much less expensive. But I think it is a good idea to use Co-Q-10 with it, beause ANY cholestorol reducing drug also reduces your naturally made Co-Q-10 enzyme.
50 and not willing to take symvastatin.
Carol
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-11 10:46:20
Question/Comment:
I am on 20mg at bedtime to help bring my cholesterol down. My question is; why do I have to eat a snack with the dose and why do I have to take it at bedtime? Why can't I just take it a couple hours after dinner? Second, how long do I have to stay on this med?
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-13 11:25:51
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Simvastatin (Zocor) is used to treat high cholesterol. More cholesterol is made at night time, so simvastatin works better when taken at bedtime. Since simvastatin is used to lower your cholesterol, it should be used until your cholesterol is within a desired range and your doctor instructs you to stop the medication.
Simvastatin can be taken with or without food – you may want to follow up and talk more about this with the doctor or pharmacist who recommended you take it with a snack.
Posted: 2009-02-16 15:43:32
Question/Comment:
I have the same problem I too am taking laxatives . At least twice I have been so in packed I was sure I might have to go to the hospital . I have ask my doctor about this problem and still she not really address the problem . Any suggestion's ?
Bill c.
68 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-30 22:19:02
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
please take stool softeners instead of laxatives. they will work better and especially if you're on meds. i am and sometimes i have to do that. it works so much better that laxatives, take for one or two days at the most. it works for me. i am on cardizem and paxil and they are known for constipation. sandy p.
Posted: 2009-03-05 17:24:31
Question/Comment:
Constipation:
Has anyone experienced constipation with Zocar? It seems I can't deficate without a laxitive and then I don't deficate much.
Any info would be greatly appreciated
51 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-28 09:29:34
Question/Comment:
I'm having chemical burning sensation from my knees up on body front and back and can't take it and have obdominal pain and on toilet all the time. will not ever take this shit again. doctor keeps me on zocor and been on it for 3 yrs and it has not lowered my cholestrol .
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-22 10:44:22
Answer/Reply:
Why do you want to lower your cholesterol? Who says you need to lower your cholesterol?
Is it possible that medical recommendations to lower cholesterol could be originating from those who sell the drugs, and they want you as a customer for life?
Were you ever informed by your doctor about all the positive roles cholesterol plays in human biology?
Were you ever informed about the risks of debilitating side effects from your physician?
Was there a frank discussion between you and your physician about the RISK and REWARDS of Zocor so you could make an informed decision?
Did your Doctor share with you that zocor has not been shown to spare females of a cardiac event?
They want to prescribe these drugs for life. Statins for life is a BIG decision. Next to buying a car and a house, its one of the the biggest decisions a person can make. Did you look at the statins as carefully as you would a house before making that big decision?
These are important questions to consider. I wish I had before I was injured by a cholesterol lowering drug.
52 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-22 13:18:26
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I was only presented the positives of a statin regime. Most of the websites I have used to date are pharmacy-sponsered. What more can you offer on "counter-points"?
Posted: 2009-01-29 09:54:02
Answer/Reply:
I've been on Zocor for several years. It has lowered my cholesterol, but not my triglycerides.
My doctor had me add gemfibrasol and that seems to work fine. My wife's doctor just had her change from high priced Lipitor to the generic Zocor. He says that Zocor is a wonderful drug.
I have a friend who had to stop Zocor due to leg muscle cramps, so everyone is different, but the bottom line is, you definitely need to lower your cholesterol, particularly the LDL, and it is important to raise your HDL, which avoids clots. Niacin is also great for lowering triglycerides, if it doesn't bother you with flushing.
77 year old Male
Posted: 2009-02-18 20:43:07
Answer/Reply:
If you take the time to research it from reliable data bases such as the CDC, Quest diagnostics and Harvard longevity studies, you will find in the united states the geographic areas which tested with the highest LDL levels greater than 130mg/dl had the lowest rates of heart attacks and the best longevity. No kidding. I'm serious.
The problem is most people will never take the time to do that. Instead we watch expensive TV ads, and lay down for our physicians and do whatever they say because "he's a doctor." We forget that statins are a business, and we are the customers.
52 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-19 12:01:02
Answer/Reply:
i am on symvastatin and it is not lowering my cholesterol either and last week woulnd up in hospital cause of twitching in legs chest pain and rapid pulse and high bp thought it was from ambien but maybe it wasnt after all heart checks out fine on ekg has anybody else had these symptoms
54 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-19 00:39:09
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Simvastatin is used to lower your cholesterol, and it may take some time for this medication to start working. Although iGuard has had several reports of muscle pain and cramping, iGuard has not received any reports of muscle twitching, chest pain, high heart rate, or blood pressure by simvastatin users. Although rare, some iGuard members taking Ambien have been reported muscle pains, tremors or palpitations.
Since there are many other things that might contribute to these symptoms, it may be difficult to determine if your medications are truly linked to the problem. It is a good idea to follow up with your doctor at your next routine check up to see if these medications and the dosages are best suited for you.
Posted: 2009-02-23 13:34:09
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Yes, I was just on here surfing to see the side effects for zocor, my mom has been on it for bout a month now, and 2day, she said her arms @ legs were so achy, her heart rate, an BP both were up, an says shes tired, she called doc. he said to stop taking them for 10days. Hope this dont lead 2 anything else. Take care, @ thanx
Posted: 2009-02-27 22:13:05
Question/Comment:
I seem to be experiencing hair loss and dryness with simvastatin, also tingling at times It was interesting to see that others had this same effect. 66 year old female
67 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-21 16:21:42
Question/Comment:
After stopping 80mg due to need to take clarithomycin for sinusitus and then restarting severe muscle pains, groin pains and weekness occurred + sleep disorders and flu like symptoms. Doctor decided to stop this treatment.
59 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-16 13:58:21
Question/Comment:
I am taking both simvastin and gemfibrozil together and have asked the doctor why? There is and interaction and I wonder why she still prescribes it. The gemfibrozil is for triglycerides and it seems to be ineffective.
69 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-11 17:52:31
Answer/Reply:
I was on both and did fine for about a year and then 3 weeks ago, severe backaches, shoulder pain and other muscle pain developed. I stopped taking the zocor to see if that was the problem and sure enough, my muscle pains have nearly gone away.
44 year old Male
Posted: 2009-02-05 11:52:30
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Yes, I just went off too and find the pain in gone. I am going to eat oatmeal to try to keep cholesterol low.
Posted: 2009-03-02 15:38:48
Answer/Reply:
I take both of these meds. I read somewhere that if you take 100 mg of Q-10 with them it helps with the muscle problems. I was having terrible backaches, but since adding the Q-10 it has not been much of a problem.
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-18 15:40:23
Question/Comment:
I had stints placed Dec. of 2006. At 56 I now feel that I'm, hang on till death! My weight is 175 and I'm 6'2". I walk and even run some. My problem is muscle weakness and no energy. The doctors don't seem to worry. It's not there sex life thats gone out the window! my personal belief is, with each med we take, each create new medical problems of there on! Our bodies don't know what to do with these cemical compound from the meds we take. When we get the buildup in our liver, kidneys etc.... welcome to the new problems! Guess the Doctors will never tell us that. Lesser of two evels?
57 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-11 13:03:15
Answer/Reply:
"Sex life gone out the window"
To understand WHY this happens with cholesterol lowering drugs, goggle "steroid hormone cascade zrt" Click on the ZRT lab site with the color pdf diagram showing how all of our steroid hormones are manufactured from LDL "Bad" cholesterol.
When we inhibit our body's ability to manufacture LDL cholesterol, we take away its ability to produce testosterone. Testosterone is vital to maintain libido and lean muscle mass.
There you go. Free Biology 101 lesson. No charge.
52 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-12 13:17:43
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
is it true that this med blocks testostarone production
Posted: 2009-02-04 15:32:39
Question/Comment:
Why isn't the FDA telling the truth about statins?
58 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-07 14:07:00
Answer/Reply:
Excellent question.
To begin with, Lack of reporting. The FDA isn't hearing all the complaints. When a patient complains of symptoms to their doctor, the most common response from the physician is "statins don't do that" or "thats not a side effect from statins" or to quote many patients they get "Poo-pooed" by their physician with no compasion and even blamed that the symptoms are "in their head". The end result is it doesn't get reported by the physician to the FDA.
The patient does have the option of reporting the side effects directly to the FDA thru FDA's Medwatch program. But ask yourself how many people who suffer these side effects actually find their way to FDA medwatch? Maybe .0001%. Then what happens to the medwatch file? Usually it just sits there gathering dust.
Then there is critisism of the FDA itself. The FDA has been blamed for rushing drugs to market in record short time. Half the time it used to take. Questions of who the FDA represents, the consumer, or the Drug Company, has come to surface in recent years. Proposals of creating an entity to monitor the FDA have come up in the news.
Despite all this, I'm glad I live in a country where we do have the FDA. Without them
we would be purchasing bacterial laden food. But I do agree, that there are certain areas that need a serious overhaul. We live in a world where money and corruption penetrates all professions. No industry is immune. Yes, its easy to be paid to look the other way.
52 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-08 12:12:06
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Excellent answer!
Posted: 2009-01-21 13:36:26
Question/Comment:
i am on simvastatin 40mg. and lately i started experiencing muscle pains , reading this page puts my mind at rest from worry about the cause of muscle pain.also i experience pins and needle sensation in the left leg ,sometime in the left arm.
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-04 11:13:30
Answer/Reply:
Pins and needles is a common manefestation from cholesterol lowering drugs. Cholesterol plays an all important role in maintaining the human nervous system. Inhibition of cholesterol through artificial means can induce problems anywhere your body has nerves.
52 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-04 20:00:46
Question/Comment:
I am on 80mg. of simastatin, I have aches in my right upper hip,every night when I go to bed, Do you think this has anything to do with the medication? I also wald five miles everyday, but it doesn't bother me than. I was on crestor with no ill effect, but my insurance company quit me getting it without a very high pay.
69 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-02 13:58:44
Answer/Reply:
Very common. Take a ticket and get in line. Your number is 4,657,823.
OK. Bad joke I admit. But I wanted everyone who experiences these side effects to understand they are not alone. This is a HUGE problem wordwide.
52 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-04 20:04:52
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I had drug-coated stents inserted into two blocked arteries in November, 2005.
Since then, I've been on Lipitor with no side effects I'm aware of.
A few months ago, my insurance took the drug off the formulary list, so I tried Crestor. After taking it for two weeks at half the dose the doctor prescribed, I had more side effects than if I'd gone on ten drugs. So I went back to Lipitor.
Then they upped the price again, so I just started on Zocor, which is already causing constipation, upper arm and shoulder pain, and minor legs cramps. And I've only been on it for a week.
I think I may just bite the bullet and go back to Lipitor and pay up the wazoo for it.
60 year old male
Posted: 2009-01-07 20:02:24
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
The iGuard profile for simvastatin shows that 10% of iGuard patients experienced muscle pain and stiffness.
Posted: 2009-01-12 16:51:48
Question/Comment:
On or about May 24th, my implant was turned on. The first of June I was admitted to sunnyside with heart problaMS, i COULS NOT WALK AND BREATH, without gasimg for breath, no pain in the chest, jusat the rib aREA AND SOME SHARP PAINS IN THE NECK AND SHOULDERS. So I was provided with simvastatin amoung other drugs, and now I am so sleeping all the time''' And I have lost my memory and I an afraid of losig my job, any suggestions
61 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-29 02:10:12
Answer/Reply:
Muscle pain, fatigue, and memory problems are all common complaints with statin drugs. You may be interested in reading my postings under "lipitor" concerning memory problems. There you will find a biological explaination for the memory peoblems.
You will have to talk this over with your doctor. Since you are already a heart patient, then there is a small benefit from statins. But like any drug, you will have to weigh the benefits and the risks, and make a decision. Your physician may prescribe an alternate drug. Sometimes switching to an water soluable statin helps.
52 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-29 15:41:09
Question/Comment:
74 year old Exercise I have joined a gym. Walking 2 mile on a treadmil a day or at least three times a week has stoped the pain in my legs, feet and hips.
75 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-27 21:20:55
Question/Comment:
What is more important, that you take the simvastatin for lowering cholesterol or Nexium for the GERD? I have been experiencing pain in the legs that has built up since I was put on Nexium about six months ago. Before that, the simvastatin didn't give me much muscle pain.
66 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-26 16:32:58
Question/Comment:
Is there anything other then taking another drug that can help reduce the muscle pains?
I have R arthritis and am to start taking this med as well - I am quite concerned about the additional pains I may get.
any advice?
47 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-24 02:41:38
Answer/Reply:
I can understand your concern. Ultimately, the decision is yours. You may be interested in researching the RISK / REWARD of zocor for females in your age bracket.
We know zocor will lower your cholesterol, but will it prevent a cardiac event? Drugs have what is called an NNT score. This score asks the question "How many people have to take the drug for one person to benefit?"
Its a good question. Statins have high NNT scores, meaning lots of people have to take the drug for one person to avoid a cardiac event. Ask your doctor what the NNT score is for Zocor for females. If you get an honest answer from your doctor, you will probably decide your chances of winning the lottery are better odds.
Now look at the risks.
Then make an INFORMED decision.
52 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-24 12:36:25
Answer/Reply:
At 37yrI had a MI stent placed due to geneticly high cholestrol. Statins brought down cholestrol but caused sever muscle reactions. Lowered Statin dose but needed Niaspan to help bring down lipid level. Although muscle pain lessened it was not bearable. Started taking Mirapex and now muscle pain gone.
46 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-24 18:01:48
Question/Comment:
I was in the ER two months ago due to losing most of my electolyets from dehydration. From that I lost control or feeling in my muscles. My doctor just put me on 20mgs of simistation and now im hearing of the muscle pain it can cause. I dont need any more of that I have enough, should I continue to take it? My cholestrol was not that high and i was eating poorly I knew it.
53 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-12 09:48:23
Answer/Reply:
You are the one who has to make the decision if you want to continue taking it or not. Keep in mind that there is no pill that can replace a healthy lifestyle. And there never will be.
52 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-12 09:53:56
Answer/Reply:
Yes i understand that now im also on gimfisibol not sure how u spell it and i read on here they interact with each other. Also how do I get my triclyerides down?
53 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-13 17:33:02
Answer/Reply:
There are three excellent ways to reduce triglycerides.
1) Reduce consumption of sweets.
2) Increase thyroid hormone if below optimal levels. Theres the key word -OPTIMAL.
3) 3 grams fish oil per day
52 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-17 12:04:44
Answer/Reply:
Muscle pain or cramps or spasms?
A new doctor switched my medication to avandia and hyzaar. I got off the hyzaar immediately but continued the avandia for one year. The havoc those two medications caused me lasted 4 years. I am now back on my original medications but must take small doses of calcuim, magnesium, potassium twice a day to avoid the crippling muscle cramps in my upper thighs
72 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-01 14:00:58
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Simvastatin for a couple of years. About 6 weeks ago, I acquired pain in my leg muscles. It got so bad I got worried about winding up crippled and I went to my doctor. My doctor wasn't in so I saw one of his associates. She mentioned the muscle ache as a possible side effect of Simvastatin but didn't go into it. She gave me a prescription for Diclofenac SOD for the pain. This reduced the pain but it was still very uncomforatble. After checking here about Simvastatin side effects, I realised that this could be the cause of the pain. The directions I found said to stop taking the medicine and consult with you doctor in this event. I have only skipped on day and already the pain has diminished a lot. The thing that threw me is the time lapse between starting this drug and the the start of the side effects. I will have my doctor try another drug.
64 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-07 13:54:23
Answer/Reply:
Muscle pain from statins is the most common reported side effect. The legs is also the most common area to ache.
As far as time laps from the time you start the drug, to having your muscles torched, varies. Some people fall sick the first week. Others can take the drug for 20 years, then suddenly they can't walk.
Muscle damage from statins is common because the muscle cell membranes get their structural entegrity from cholesterol. Think of cholesterol as the 2x4 studs in your house walls. Now start knocking out every other stud in the walls. Keep going untill the house begins to colapse. Thats what just happened to your muscles.
52 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-11 11:43:01
Question/Comment:
I am a 67 year old female. Two years ago I was treated for high blood presssure and had one stent inserted in the left side of my heart. I take a variety of medications for these two conditions and migraine. I have never had muscle problems before. Two months ago I began having lower back problems and an all-over stiffness. This has progressed to dull muscle pain all over my body. I have pain in my upper legs, hips, arms, neck, upper and lower back. It is worse in the morning after I have slept all night. My lower back hurts so bad when I try to get out of bed that I have to lay on the floor and stretch it out before I can begin to move around. The stiffness and pain lessens as the day goes on but never goes completely away. I am ready to call my doctor and ask about quitting the simvastatin (generic) to see if this helps. Is this similar to the muscle pain anyone else experiences?
68 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-24 13:17:29
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I am 58 year old female - my doc prescribed simvastatin over a year ago which I took
OK for a few months - it brought my bad cholesterol levels to a good reading.
However, I started experiencing pretty severe joint & muscle pain especially in the
hip area and had a hard time even turning over in bed at night.
I took myself off this med. My yearly check up is in a couple of months and I
am going to try to convince my doc to put me on something else.
High cholesterol, hypertension, stroke and heart disease runs big-time in my family.
Posted: 2008-11-25 12:34:42
Answer/Reply:
Your story and description sounds very familiar. You might want to ask your doctor WHY you were put on this drug. Ask your doctor what the NNT score is for Zocor with females in your age group.
52 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-26 15:45:01
Answer/Reply:
I have had a year from hell started to feel warm sensations in one leg which moved to genitals became pain then spread to other leg. now have both weakness and pain. Was dxed with idiopathic neuropathy. my own research found that this might be caused by statins. Started to take coq10 and with docs ok stopped statin use. Any idea how long I might hope for some improvement? I'm in a great deal of pain and more than a bit worried about long term damage
53 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-05 12:10:34
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
My arms hurt so bad I can not sleep at night; upper arms and shoulders. Can't raise arms. Hurt! Hurt! Hurt!
Posted: 2008-11-28 22:42:46
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I take Simvastatin and I can not raise my uppers arms, shoulders they hurt so bad. My arms keep me up all night. Upper arms, shoulders.
Posted: 2008-11-28 23:27:31
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I also have severe pain in upper arms and shoulders as you described. Although my doctor took me off simvastatin 3 months ago and was only on it for 6 mos., the pain seems to be worse than ever (I think this is caused by muscle and nerve damage) which leaves me to believe that this may be permanent. Good luck and keep in touch.
66 year old female
Posted: 2008-12-01 16:09:52
Answer/Reply:
You can read my entry just above yours. I had sever muscle pain in both legs, basically from my waist to my feet. On night, the top of my left foot ached, even with pain meds. It was very difficult to get up and walk around in the morning. By afternoon, movement seemed to have helped a bit and I could move a little easier.
64 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-07 13:58:42
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
0.1% of people develop arthritis. It happened to me.
Posted: 2008-12-13 16:05:09
Answer/Reply:
yes' i experience the same thing every morning for the past 6 months, i feel like i have been running and lifting weighs all day, my legs feels very heavy everyday, so whenever i get a chance to rest during the day, i lay on an heating pad and just move it around my body, it helps me a lot!
53 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-26 10:28:10
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