Statins: what they don't tell you

I am wondering how many of you out there have been affected by the use of statins in a negative way? I had no idea the side effects were going to turn out to be so bad, my doctor's response was that 'the positive benefits of using Lipitor outweighs the risk of not using the drug'. What? ! I should have been told staight up that it would cause me to have RLS. I should have been told that the backaches I suffer were because of the drug, the tingling in my hands and arms would not go away, the pin pricks to my legs all the time will now be a permanant sensation for me. Headaches, blurred vision, tooth problems, nervous ticks in my eyelids, skin conditions that no one has ever even heard of. I could have drank orange juice to help with the cholesterol, why didn't they tell me that? All the other meds I take now are to counteract the side effects, permanant and temporary, of the Lipitor. Anybody else?

reply to post by space cadet

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RLS?

Sorry, I don't recognize the condition.



I've been on statins for about five years now; first Lipotor, now Vytorin (HMO wouldn't cover the cost of Lipotor anymore).

I've suffered no side effects whatsoever. I do have regular blood-work to check for liver function; so far all is normal.

reply to post by Bhadhidar

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RLS is restless leg syndrome. I cannot go to sleep or sit for even a few minutes without having to get up and stretch my legs, they feel the need to move or be stretched if I try to relax. It was one of the first side effects I had, back when I was on Pravachol. I now take the same drugs as a person with Parkinson's might take, dopamine. Then I developed a weird and rare skin problem called 'dermatographism', better known as skin writing. Quite the uncomfortable problem. I cannot even take a shower without breaking out in lines/wheals. My hands tingle and feel like they are asleep all the time. From what I have been reading lately all of these are possible side effects from the statins, but my doctor has been treating each symptom as a separate issue. The doctor's themselves are just learning about some of the other side effects like mine. Thousands of others are on the net seeking answers. I am about to be tested next week to see if there is nerve and muscle damage, my doctor already did a round of reflex tests and apparently my nerves could be messed up. I just know I am having involuntary reflexes and my hands go so numb I can't feel my fingers.

reply to post by space cadet

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It is so wrong that you were not told of the possible side effects. Your doctor was wrong. If your inner voice says don't trust your dr it's time to get a new one. It is often the medical perception of helping the masses and ignoring the person, and my heart goes out to you.
For your side effects, if possible, I would strongly suggest acupuncture, some of the possible nerve damage that you have suggested may be able to be reversed. On the possitive side, some insurance companys are reconizing this type of treatment like they do chiropractors now.
I suffered a broken neck in 1993 with almost no cord damage (thank the powers to be) after my halo came off I had pinprick and weekness in my left limbs, acupuncture helped me way back then, and I believe as it is more mainstreamed now, it may be better. I use acupuncture like people use tylenol for everything from aches and pains to flue to headaches and insomnea.

OMG, you have my deepest empathy.

Mine tried to get me to go on it b/c my cholesterol was a bit elevated.

I said 'OK', but never took it.

Instead I did this:

1. Lost 60lbs over the last 15mo (I hit goal last Oct and have kept it off for 6mos);
2. Started eating a bowl (1/2 cup dry) of Scottish oatmeal with a tbsp of extra virgin olive oil mixed in each morning without fail (since Jan 08);
3. Started taking Cayenne (one capsule 40K HU, 1/day) (thanks for the tip, Retikx)
4. Cut back to almost no red meat (all fish, eggs, milk, cheese);
5. Added broccoli and more fruit to my diet (after discussions here; thx DeadFlagBlues);
6. Continued exercising (30-60min 1-2x per day 5-6 days a week for the past 2 years (2006-2008), prior to that 40min 1-2x/day 7 days a week for the previous 3 years (2003-2006); Only missed a workout about 21 days/year on average due to weather/illness in that time period. Did 2 workouts/day 2-3x/week. Consistency is more important than volume and intensity, mostly.
7. Continued to research and be alert for non-drug solutions to similar problems.


Is it helping? I don't know. I haven't had a follow up lipid panel, but even if it doesn't help, too bad, now I -know- I'm not taking that cr*p.

I'll keep my eye out for anything that might help reverse your situation.

Good luck; you'll be in our thoughts.



[edit on 18-3-2008 by Badge01]

I am sorry you are going through that. I am always skeptical of any prescription... I am honestly surprised though that your doctor hasn't given you a laundry list of other prescriptions to counteract the new side effects from your lipitor... each with their own side effects.

I hate the pharmaceutical industry.

Thanks to all of you for your concern. I am certified for a local program since my job does not provide insurance and purchasing a plan for myself is not within my means at this time. I am at their mercy when it comes to my health care. I am assigned to a doctor who is doing their residency, and when one finishes another picks up your case. I don't think any of them have any idea what they are doing, I have had to do my own research and diagnosis, which my doctor agrees are correct. Next step, find out what the extent of damage is, and I am on my own with this, they have pulled a record showing an upaid bill from 1998 and refuse to see me at this time. I don't know if it is because of the bill, or because I have accused the previous doctor of mishandling my case. My 'new' doctor agreed that the lipitor is possibly the exact cause of all my ills.