Statin disaster
I received a comment today that I feel compelled to post in its entirety as a cautionary tale for anyone contemplating going on statins (or any other drug, for that matter) for no good reason. This reader describes in much more detail than I ever could the agony of drug therapy gone wrong. And the realization that it was unnecessary drug therapy in the first place makes the experience even more devastating. I hope enough of you who are readers of this blog now realize that simply having an elevated cholesterol level is no reason to go on a statin.
The comment below demonstrates in vivid detail what happens thousands of times per day all over this country. People are prescribed drugs for the flimsiest of reasons. These drugs cause side effects. These side effects are treated with more drugs, which themselves cause more side effects. Which are treated with yet more drugs.
When patients go to a doctor for symptoms, the doctor feels the need to treat the symptoms. Often the symptoms can be treated by having the patient discontinue the drugs that caused the symptoms in the first place. But I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a variation of what happened to this unfortunate commenter. The symptoms are simply treated by prescribing another drug designed to quash those symptoms.
Let the story below be a warning against taking any drug for minor symptoms. And don’t take a drug for a lab value that’s a little out of the ordinary and not even causing you symptoms. Remember, in the vast majority of all people, statins have been shown to provide no benefit in terms of decreased all-cause mortality. And in those where some benefit has been shown – men under the age of 65 with a history of a heart attack – the benefit isn’t all that great. Don’t let yourself in for a lot of trouble by taking a drug that provides you with no value.
I want to share a statin experience. I apologize for the length of the comment, but I think that the detail is necessary to give the whole picture of what the real consequences can be from simply being prescribed a billion dollar “wonder” drug.
My life was turned inside out simply because of a routine checkup.
Baseline stats: I am (was) a 56 yr. old male, sedentary (design at computer all day), normal libido, from the south, laid back not given to excitability, 6′, 212 lbs., long term smoker, genetic longevity, decent lung capacity, mean Blood Pressure 118/65 sitting and standing, pulse 64, no special diets (typical southern foods), no supplements, no problems other than occasional bouts with back spasms, no allergies, good EKG, good EEG, blood count normal, thyroid panel normal and liver function normal.
BUT, a test said that I had “high” triglycerides 287, total cholesterol 149, HDL 37, LDL 55, glucose 89.
I was put on Vytorin 20 mg =Tri. 175, TC shot to 214, HDL 40, LDL shot to 139.
Then Vytorin 40mg = Tri. 199, TC 144, HDL 40, LDL 64.
Then Crestor 10mg = Tri. 98, TC 141, HDL 45, LDL 76, glucose 103.I complained of losing energy and libido. I was told to exercise, I did and maintain 2 1/2 mile brisk walk each AM for nine months now.
I complained of greater loss of energy and libido. I was put on Effexor XR 75mg (taking Crestor 10 mg)
I complained of jittery feeling and restless sleep, increased Effexor to 150 mg and added Benztropine 1mg, Lorazepam 2mg (taking Crestor 10 mg).
I reported no significant change, increased Effexor to 225mg, Benztropine 2mg, Lorazepam 4mg (taking Crestor 10 mg).
I started having muscle and joint pain, added Darvocet to the cocktail, which curbed the pain, but had less energy and no libido (taking Crestor 10 mg).
I was switched to Cymbalta 60 mg, Lorazepam 4mg and Darvocet (taking Crestor 10 mg).
I started having anxiety and panic attacks (something that I had never experienced in my life), I had to cancel a business trip, because I panicked about being on a plane (I have flown my whole adult life), the doctor added Seroquill 100mg, increased Cymbalta to 90mg, Lorazepam 4mg and Darvocet (taking Crestor 10 mg).
There was no significant change, so I was switched to Wellbutrin XL 150mg, Lorazepam 4mg and Darvocet (taking Crestor 10 mg).
I had constant anxiety, no panic attacks, sweats, temperature sensitivity, weakness in legs, no libido, intermediate insomnia and started losing appetite and thus weight. Joint and muscle pain if I skipped Darvocet, increased Wellbutrin to 300mg, added Aderall 30mg and switched to Ibuprofen 600mg (taking Crestor 10 mg).
Symptoms got worse, so I switched doctors. New doctor stopped Adderall, weaned me from Wellbutrin and started me on Prozac 20mg and Xanex .25mg. Anxiety became intermittent, but I continued to lose energy, lose weight, feeling weaker with joint and muscle pain. Prozac was increased to 40 mg. No change.
I was switched to Paxil 20 mg; I had less frequent anxiety, but all other symptoms getting worse. Paxil was increased to 40 mg. This almost eliminated anxiety, only occasionally having to use Xanex, mainly to get to sleep at night, but waking up exhausted and wet clothes from sweating in the night. My fatigue and weakness were becoming debilitating with the addition of I was having problems with my eyesight at the computer and my sense of comprehension was waning greatly making it impossible for me to do my work. (Taking Crestor 10 mg).
I was sent to a psychiatrist for counseling for depression. The Psyc. determined that I did not need counseling, symptoms were chemical and switched me back to Prozac 20 mg, replaced Xanex with Lunesta and put me on Provigil 200mg. I had a slight return of the anxiety, but was told to use Xanex in those cases. I began regaining sense of comprehension, but getting weaker, losing more weight, and the right tibialis anterior muscle started getting numb along with my right foot. (Taking Crestor 10 mg).
My walking partner, a retired pharmaceutical sales person, commented that she was noticing foot drop in my right foot as I walked. We began discussing my whole ordeal over the course of the next few days. She asked if I was on a statin and I told her that I was on Crestor 10 mg. She asked if I was advised to supplement with Co-Q10, B-complex and Vitamin C and I told her no. She suggested that I do so immediately and go back to the doctor and revisit my symptoms with him. I had a visit to the Psyc. coming up soon so I did as she suggested. The Psyc. agreed with her supplementation suggestion and agreed that I should have been so advised, but praised the value of Crestor, especially in preventing Alzheimer’s. He increased the Provigil to 300mg. (taking Crestor 10 mg).
Two days later during our walk, I collapsed due to weakness in my legs and knees especially and my right foot was paralyzed. After helping me back home my walking partner suggested that I wean off of the Crestor over 2 weeks, because a sudden stop could make me prone to a stroke, boost the CoQ10 and get to a doctor. I was scheduled to leave on a 4 week business trip immediately which I could not miss due to missing the last one, but I did as she suggested about the Crestor and CoQ10. During the first two weeks of the trip, the pain was almost unbearable (eating Darvocet, hydrocodone & ibuprofen like candy), I could hardly walk or get out chairs.
My associates, who had known me before this incident, kept insisting that I looked like I had had a stroke or something due to my appearance, weight loss, diminished mental capacity and walking.
Symptoms started improving drastically over the next two weeks.
I did extensive internet research and interviewed people with experiences while on statins while on the road and since my return and found literally hundreds of statin horror stories and complete ignorance by the users of statins that the unpleasant onset of symptoms that they were having (depression, fatigue and pain) might be attributable to statins.Upon my return and relaying what I had found to my walking partner, she said that the drug companies knew that such side effects would occur and in fact played with combining CoQ10, B & C vitamins with their statins. They had started instructing doctors to suggest such supplementation upon prescribing statins. She said that it could take from 6 months to a year to recoup from some of the side effects based on reports that she had seen, but that extensive nutritional supplementation would help.
Over this course:
I have lost from 212 lbs. down to 170 lbs., lost muscle mass everywhere even down to my hands, lost close to 50% of my body strength, lost the ability to walk, concentrate and apprehend.I have lived with absolute fatigue, no libido, no appetite, depressive thoughts, anxiety, insomnia and horrible pain
I have been diagnosed with and/or treated for GAD (general anxiety disorder), depression, insomnia, arthritis, ED, poked, prodded and told that “I was just getting old”. I have been sent to a shrink.
I came close to losing my ability to make a living.
All of this because of a number on a scale that prompted a doctor to put me on a statin, which I have found, through my exhaustive research, has no advantages in overall mortality rate.
I am now back 5 days from the trip (Crestor free for almost 3 weeks now).
I have begun a full regimen of nutritional supplements and healthier diet.I am back to walking the 2 1/2 miles again though my muscles get sore like they did when I had just started training.
I have 75% use of my right foot back (getting better everyday), occasional pain running from my left hip to my knee.
I am feeling a little better and stronger each day both mentally and physically, but absolutely paranoid about revisiting the doctor even to have my cholesteral checked.
I am looking into chiropractors to deal with the pain in my left leg.
I am 71 yeqrs of age and had one stent 5 years ago.Can not take statins. I take ryr called hypocol from acompany from singapore called Asiapharm biotech .It has 5 miligrams of nevecor.No side affects.also on low carb diet.Have diabetes 2,diet controled.I also take niacin and many suppliments.Cholesterol225 hdl80.Checked on company with cood results.Will check lipids in two months.Checked with doctor,he said to try it. Have had no heart issues .Just trying to stay healthy.I have been on coq10 for about 6 years for a heart murmer. Great product.Wishing all great health!
I am a 44 yr old female was on Crestor for a month!!!! Lost weight and appetite . And same as above could barely blow dry my hair. Or climb stairs. My whole body felt like I had been run over by a bus. My husband alway’s called me his mule because of my strength. I lost it all and could not ride my horses because I just didn’t feel strong enough. I have also lost all sexual desire , have had anxiety , panic , depression , insomnia and heart palpitations. Their answer was also antidepressant’s and sleeping pills. Which I would under no circumstances take. My concentration and thinking went down the tubes.
I went the natural way to ND and she also felt the crestor had chemically changed something in me. So am now on VIT B with Rhodiola, Vit C , Vit D , Vit B12 , Magnesium and Folic Acid. Also took up yoga. This was a year ago and am JUST starting to get my life back. Still have achey muscles in my upr arms and upr thigh muscles – BUT am pushing on. This drug should be off the market in my opinion!!!
Actually the SUBJECTIVE symptoms of a patient of CHRONIC disease are of utmost importance.
The OBJECTIVEsymptoms in the form of bloodwork, scans, etc are not important.
By focusing on the subjective symptoms and normal functions of the body such as sleep, elimination, etc., one can guarantee the patient a good quality of life in old age.
I am 58 and have been low carbing for about a year and a half. non smoker, wt 145 ht 5’8″. I rececntly had some tests
trig: 57
HDL 69
LDL 400 !
Is this a problem? Mydoctor is concerned, but a I havent talked to him about it yet (hes a friend of mine and pretty sane…) I of course will not even consider any medication and have no problen telling him that. I am wondering if I should re test it , in case it was a glitch in the results??
Thanks for an awesome blog and all the informative comments
Whenever you see a lab result that is way out of line, the best bet is to get retested to make sure the result is correct. You also might want to get your LDL particle size determined.
@George,
I recommend you read this post on Dr. Mike’s blog:
http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/weight-loss/low-carbohydrate-diets-increase-ldl-debunking-the-myth/
It explains how when triglycerides are very low, like yours, the LDL measurement is incorrect because labs routinely use the “Friedewald equation” to calculate it, rather than directly measure it. Because a low-carb diet lowers triglycerides, low-carbs often get back alarming, but wrong, breakdowns of their cholesterol numbers.
I am sorry to hear about Doug’s experience. Obviously diet and exercise would have been a much preferable initial step (an that what is recommended in major guidelines).
This example illustrates why it is good for a patient to question reasons for adding new medications and ask the question – “could this be a medication side effect?” I agree that statins have not been proven to decrease mortality in primary prevention (in people without a history of heart disease). In fact a recent major analysis makes it clear that in the short term, for true primary prevention, the benefit, if any, is very small. (Statins and all-cause mortality in high-risk primary prevention. A meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials involving 65 229 participants. Arch Intern Med 2010; 170:1024-1031.)
HOWEVER:
Do not throw out the baby with the bathwater! For some patients statins have been PROVEN to be LIFE SAVING:
“There is little debate that, compared with placebo, statin therapy among individuals with established coronary heart disease (CHD) not only prevents complications related to atherosclerosis but also reduces all-cause mortality.”
-Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(12):1024-1031.
Co-enzyme Q10 is very interesting, but still a question that has not been answered by medicine:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/coenzyme-q10/AN01541
As a practicing clinical hospital pharmacist I consider it my job to remove unnecessary medications. Statins in some situations need to go, but in others are very necessary!
I heartily disagree. You can search ‘statins’ in the search function of this blog to see why. Statins have been ‘proven’ (not the best word in this case) to be lifesaving in a very small subset of people, not the great masses of humanity that these drugs have been prescribed for. I wouldn’t doubt that statins have killed as many people as they’ve saved. You really need to read up on them in places other than drug company literature.
I respect the fact that you allowed the posting of a contradictory viewpoint on your site. I also respect your questioning of the LDL dogma, which has not been ‘proven’ prospectively (statistically significant relationship documented in prospective clinical trials = proven in my book, what is your definition?) .
BUT, Regarding your assertion that I have been readying only drug company literature…. Really?
I cited a highly respected peer reviewed medical journal in my comment! (Not the Pfizer website).
I consider it part of my job to ‘counter-detail’ industry information (I guess that includes the book industry now also). Further, I mentioned in my post that statins are not right for every one and agree with some of what you are saying. I agree medicine in general is a bit to quick to pull the trigger on starting medications, BUT you have people who are clearly high risk CHD patients who are using your info as justification for stopping a medication that for them has a documented survival benefit. I will look at more of what you have to say but so far I am CONCERNED that your blog may have an inherit conflict of interest. You sell Co-Enzyme Q10 for over $100 a bottle on this website. You sell books, you sell website advertisements. You might say the opposite of the drug company literature, but but your goal appears to be similar.
What do I sell you ask? Nothing but my knowledge. I have not dispensed a Rx since I was a student. My job is to give the best information I can to practitioners about medicine and how to tailor it effectively to a patient (based on risks and benefits).
If you look at double-blind, placebo-controlled trials – the gold standard of scientific investigation – you will find that statins have been shown to prolong the lives of only a small subset of people: makes under the age of 65 with a proven history of heart disease. That means a proven history of heart disease, not putative risk factors. And even in this small subset of people, that benefit is modest, and in my opinion and in the opinions of others, is not worth the expense and risk of putting even this group of people on statins. But if there is justification for statins, it would be only for this group. That means that men over the age of 65, whether they have heart disease or not, receive no benefit from statins. And no women, irrespective of heart disease history or age, benefit from statin use. There is evidence that statins reduce the frequency and the number of deaths from heart disease, but other than in the small subset mentioned above, those reduced deaths are replaced by deaths from other causes because there is no decrease in all-cause mortality in the other groups, i.e., all women and men under 65 without heart disease and all men over age 65. This is what the hard evidence shows. You can read one of my more detailed posts for more info. You can also enter ‘statins’ into the search function of this blog and find many posts giving other people’s opinions on the subject. The point is that the gold-standard evidence shows little value in statins, and the critically-thinking, non-drug-company-involved physicians and scientists understand this and report it. It’s in the best interest of the companies making statins to present evidence obtained from observational and other non-gold-standard studies to imply that statins are a panacea for everything. When I see people parroting the drug company line, I can’t help but think those people read the drug company literature. If I made a mistake in your case, I apologize. But I would appreciate it if you could provide me with a reference to any randomized controlled trial that shows an improvement in all-cause mortality in any other group than the one I identified above. I doubt that you can. And if you can’t, then were I you, I wouldn’t be too quick to be recommending statin use to everyone who walks through the door. I would recommend them only to the subset mentioned above and only after considerable discussion as to the risks and rewards.
My husband has had myalgia now for a year and a half from Lovastatin. Does anyone know how long this is going to last? He can not work and wants to go back to work. Has anyone had myalgia that didn’t go away from the meds?
This is scary, really glad I found my way finally at 65! I was on Lipator for so many years, got to a place where I could not lift foot upon a curb to step upConstant cramping over total body at times! I finally refused all colesterol meds! Doc said it was my call but with my diabetis as it was I needed to do something. Losing weight alone was not the answere, tried too many times! Lowcarb diet ok if you can do it! So I suggested to her I have a Gastric Bypass! Well I did, that was easy way most people say, but trust me once you have it done and two weeks in you will be so glad you did so. No diabetis meds or insulin, no high blood pressure meds, and no Satatins at all!!!! testing once month at local hospital always great, More energy, and use of legs, and feet getting stronger everyday! The more walks I take, no pain no gain, the better they get! I had a dream about the Lipator, so glad I was crazy enough to say no more to that stuff! No more uncontroble muscel spasams in body either! Yes in feet or ankels if I over walk, a bit of hot water soaking and it is gone. why do people put up with this drug gouging? I am never depressed, always on the go now, love life. I did not do it for weight, I only wanted a better quility of life…… that gift is great and I love it! I even go to Y 2 times aweek, and can zumba now! LOLLOL So at 65 I feel like the new 40 again!
There is no mechanism in the bod to regulate Cholesterol levels. There is for blood sugar calcuim etc. Your body just breaks down and reuses chol as need. It is not excreated a a waste product. It is a precursor for vitamin D. Your body produces most of what is found in your blood and diet conributes very little. Worry more about your carb intake that will affect your triglycerides.
I’ve got an interesting question about statins. First off I’m 54, weigh 185, 6′ tall. My cholesterol level was 240. My doctor sometime ago insisted I take statins. I agreed 3 months ago. I take 20mg of pravastatin once a day. 2.5 months ago I had my last hair cut with no issues. Just today my barber commented that I have bald spots on the back of my head about the size of a quarter (3 spots) and should see a doctor. Also she said she did not notice them the last time she cut my hair. I have a full head of hair so longer hair was covering the bald spots. Also, two weeks ago I noticed significant thinning off my mustache. I looked up pravastatin and hair loss and sure enough some people both female and male develop bald spots as a side effect. However, this side effect seems to effect about 1% of those taking statins.
So, I’m going to ween off of this statin and would like to know if others have noticed hair loss from statins.
Thanks
jim
Are there side effects to going OFF statins? I recently stopped taking my simvastatin as I really don’t see the point, being female… And I’ve had some minor muscle aches. Just curious. I did notice a mild loss of memory & “losing words” problem on the statin, which I was atrributing to being nearly 55 y/o, but now I am going to see if that gets better, off this drug.
My doctor told me that I have very high cholesterol and prescribed me Lipitor. He told me that it is a completely safe drug and there is over 25 years of intense scientific study proving that statins are 100% safe and save lives. I trust and believe everything, with all my heart, what my doctor tells me, because he’s highly educated and trained to know these things. I’ve been on Lipitor for 2 weeks and I feel it’s going to do good for me. My doctor also told me to consume salt free foods, no butter, no eggs, absolutely no alcohol, no saturated fats and avoid red meat at all costs. My doctor assures me that Lipitor and a healthy diet will prevent me from having a stroke or heart attack; I’m so greatful for such a good, caring doctor.
My husband is 73 years old non smoker exercises at gym 4-5 times a week health consious. Has been on Lovastatin for 2 years then had high blood sugar and was told to take Metformin. A month ago he came home from the gym and said he thought he was coming down with the flu or something and three days later he was in the ER with memory loss, decided limp on one side, muscle weakness.
All tests precluded stroke so I refused to let them give him Lovastatin and ask that he be given oxygen. Three days later he regained his memory and some strength. He had a spinal tap, ultrasounds of the carotid artery, EEG, EKG and they totally found nothing. Now a few weeks later he is better than ever and libido is back and that scary statin shuffle is gone.
He will never take another statin and was able to get off the metformin also as his blood sugar is back to normal.
I say that to say this: if you have a loved one in nursing care who cannot remember your name or his or hers and
has severe muscle degeneration they put it down to
dementia or senility I beg you to have them take off the statin drugs to see if that is the issue. I have nightmares about how many people are sitting in rest homes or assisted care facilities that do not need to be there.
Had I not been fighting the Doctors (who refused to state any other theory at all) I shudder to think where my husband would be now.
I read your comment with some horrible memories. I am the person about whom this original article was written.
I still to this day have remnant issues with cognition and memory although not to the extent that I had on the statin. You mentioned blood sugar, well blood sugar is what started the run down the rabbit hole and today, on nothing, my blood sugar and cholesterol are perfect.
My case is the perfect example of the prescribe/ symptom maze where the doctors try to fix what one drug caused with another drug.
I wish your husband all the best and my hat is off to you for saving his life.
Doug
I read these last few posts and had an Aha moment!!!! My blood sugar also went crazy after only a month on Crestor!!! I never chalked it up to the drug though . I did kinda suspect but now that I see others – I have my proof. I cam back border line . I am 5’4 and 130 lbs and excersise at leat 60 mins 5 – 6 times a week . so it never made sense. Anyway’s I am no back to normal . Still have a few memory issues . But all in all feeling wayyyy better . But then again this is the best I have felt in 3 yr’s. so was a long haul.
I have been taking zocor or a generic form of it for about 2 years, along with BP meds. My heart tests have been normal, even a recent halter monitor when I had anxiety and other stress related (I thought) problems (like racing heartbeat in middle of night, etc). I thought I was having a heart attack because of racing heartbeat, total exhaustion, and pain in my left upper arm. All tests normal, at ER and then at doctor’s office (including holter testing). Pain in my upper arm was getting worse, my left eye was droopy, memory lapses, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, doctor said it was unclear, ordered an EMG. I drew the line at a costly test that means putting a huge needle in my arm while I have to sit still for about an hour to determine that there is nothing neurologically wrong with me.
Am in contact with lawyers now regarding Zocor, since going off of it, all of my symptoms are going away. Slowly, but surely.
Hi all. I’m in the UK and have just been prescribed 40mg Simvastatin following cholesterol test result two weeks ago of 6.7. I have to say that I was a bit surprised that it was this high since i have a good diet. Perhaps it’s hereditary?Anyway, a little background; I am a 54 year old male non-smoker who enjoys a few beers. I am 6 foot and weigh 15stone. In December 2010 I underwent a 7 hour open heart surgery to repair a leaking mitral valve. The operation was successful and I have made a complete recovery. Went back to the gym properly in September 2010 and go 3-4 times a week. Cycle 15 miles a week and play golf. My heart surgery was to correct a mechanical fault and was not in anyway related to CAD. In fact as a test of completeness prior to surgery they did a coronary angigram to establish the state of my arteries etc since they would have carried out bypass grafts whilst they had my chest open if they needed to; they didn’t because everything was fine apart from a very leaky mitral valve!.
I am not going to take the prescribed statins. Simarvartin is the cheapest statin on the market and they start everyone on this brand in the certain knowledge that 75% of patients will come off it as the side affects are so bad. My wife is a practice nurse in a GP surgery and reckons that loads of people are now refusing statins. I just don’t want to ruin my lifestyle which is relatively healthy by taking a drug that could reduce me to a wreck of a man. I am not going to ignore the fact that I have high cholesterol either. Instead I am now taking fish oil tablets plus a heart vitamin and my wife has completely changed my diet. I will get re-tested in 3 months.and report back!
Ramble over! Any suggestions would be appreciated.
A good quality, whole food, low-carb diet would be my major suggestion.
Don’t take it!!!!!!!!!!!! My husband is ruined and it has been 3 years in severe pain. He was started on it after a spinal surgery.His mitochondria is messed up now. Hasn’t worked for three years.