While most people tolerate statins well without any side effects, some side effects can occur. Muscle pain is one of the most commonly reported problems with taking pills. However, this sign can sometimes progress to other conditions.
Heart UK explains that muscle pain can lead to myopathy, myositis or rhabdomyolysis.
This is not considered common, as it occurs only in a small number of cases.
However, Monica Wasserman, medical director at Olio Lusso, “strongly” recommends that you familiarize yourself with the warning signs.
myopathy
Wasserman said: “Myopathy refers to conditions that significantly affect the health of our skeletal muscles or the muscles in the body associated with bones.
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Heart UK states that this muscle disease describes a stage in which the muscle “no longer functions adequately”.
The medical director shared these signs of myopathy that you should watch out for:
- Very weak muscles (especially of the shoulders, arms, legs and thighs)
- Intense muscle cramps
- You generally feel weak and exhausted all the time
- Muscle spasms.
myositis
The expert continued: “The side effects of statins can lead to muscle inflammation, causing weakness, pain and lethargy in the muscles, a condition called myositis.
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Your doctor may perform some tests, including a blood test used to measure a substance in your blood called creatine kinase (CK).
This is released into your bloodstream when your muscles become inflamed or damaged.
The NHS explains: “If your blood pressure is more than five times normal, your doctor may advise you to stop taking statins.
“Regular exercise can sometimes increase your CK, so tell your doctor if you’ve exercised a lot.”
Once your CK returns to normal, your doctor may suggest that you start taking the medicine again.
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