Statin Side Effects: Risk Factors that Increase Your Risk for Statin Myalgias

Statin medications are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for people who have an elevated cholesterol level, especially those at high risk for heart disease. Many people do well on statins, but some suffer from muscle aches and a feeling of heaviness or weakness in their legs while taking them. These muscle symptoms are called statin myalgias.

Sometimes the muscle discomfort is so severe that a statin user has to take a lower dose or stop taking them entirely. In rare cases, statin side effects can cause a more serious type of muscle problem called myositis, which can be fatal. Fortunately, this is not very common.

If you're taking a statin medication, you may wonder whether you're at high risk for statin myalgias - or more serious muscle-related symptoms. There are certain risk factors that make myalgias while taking statins more likely. Here are some you should know about.

Statin Side Effects: Risk Factors for Statin Myalgias

The risk of statin myalgias rises as the dose of statin goes up. This is particularly true of a statin called simvastatin. This is why most doctors try to keep patients on the lowest dose possible that will still control their cholesterol. If you're taking other drugs, those medications when combined with a statin may further raise the risk of muscle problems from statin therapy.

People who drink alcohol or use amphetamines or cocaine are also at higher risk for statin side effects involving muscles. Always tell your doctor if you're taking other medications, even supplements, or if you drink alcohol before starting a statin medication.

If you're over the age of 70 or are a female, you're at higher risk for statin myalgias, especially if you have a low body weight. No one knows exactly why older, thinner females are more likely to have muscle aches and weakness on statins.

Certain medical conditions such as an underactive thyroid that hasn't been treated and decreased liver or kidney function also increase the risk.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Statin Side-Effects

No one wants to have weak achy muscles on a statin - or any other statin side effects. If you do have to stop statin therapy because of statin myalgias, the muscle symptoms usually resolve over eight weeks. Sometimes taking a lower dose or switching to another statin medication will eliminate the symptoms. Talk to your doctor about this.

References:

American Family Physician. Volume 83, Number 6. March 15, 2011.

Physician's Desk Reference. 2011.