11 May Muscle Pain and Statins
Muscle Pain and Statin Drugs by Dr. Matt Fontaine Even though commercials for statins like artovastatin(Lipitor), fluvastatin(Lescol), lovastatin(Mevacor), pravastatin(Pravachol), prosuvastatin(Crestor) and simvastatin(Zocor) state that rare but serious side effects may occur including muscle damage(rhabdomyolysis) , the truth is that these drugs often cause muscle pain. Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but serious toxic breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to kidney failure. All statins have been associated with muscle problems, usually in the form of muscle pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, presence of dark urine, nausea and vomiting. Long term use of statins has been shown to significantly increase the risk of developing polyneuropathy in some patients.1 You cannot poison a crucial enzyme or block an important receptor, for the long term , and expect a good result. Statins lower cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. Statins do reduce cholesterol synthesis, but they also reduce ATP synthesis. HMG-CoA reductase is the rate limiting enzyme in the synthesis of a precursor molecule farnysl pyrophosphate. Our bodies use farnysl pyrophosphate to produce coenzyme Q10(CoQ10). Without CoQ10, our ability to make ATP is significantly hindered. Research has shown as much as 25% reduction in CoQ10 when taking statins.2 CoQ10 is also involved in regulating skeletal muscle gene expression and also plays a role as an antioxidant(fighting free radicals). If you are on a statin, what can you do? Patients should be on a good CoQ10 supplement, at least 100 mg per day. Exercising muscles require more energy(ATP) and more magnesium for proper contraction and function. Therefore active individuals may need more, around 3-400 mg due to the fact that exercising muscle needs more ATP and therefore more CoQ10. In addition, taking a multivitamin/mineral, magnesium(100 mg taken Q.I.D/ four times daily) and an EPA/DHA(fish oil), preferably Krill Oil from Mercola. Asthaxanthin in krill oil is a powerful caratenoid that protects the oil from oxidation and going rancid. For more on muscle cramping and nutrition Muscle Cramps Remember, Read the Research!!! 1. Gaist D, Jeppesen U, Anderson M, Garcia Rodriguez LA, Hallas J, Sindrup HS. Statins and risk of polyneuropathy: a case-control study. Neurology 2002;58(9): 1333-7 2. Crane, FL. Biomechanical functions of coenzyme Q10. J AM Coll Nutr 2001; 20(6); 591-598 3. Seaman, D. Statin Drugs and the Problems They Impose on the Patients We See. FCA Journal, Sept-Oct. 2004