What is myopathy caused by statins?
The most severe adverse effect of statins is myotoxicity, in the form of myopathy, myalgia, myositis or rhabdomyolysis. Clinical trials commonly define statin toxicity as myalgia or muscle weakness with creatine kinase (CK) levels greater than 10 times the normal upper limit.
When does statin-induced myopathy start?
The muscle symptoms tend to be proximal, generalised, and worse with exercise. In a small retrospective study of 45 patients, the mean duration of statin therapy before onset of symptoms was 6.3 (SD 9.3) months (range 1 week to 4 years).
Which statin is most likely to cause myopathy?
The incidence of myopathy was highest for rosuvastatin and lowest for fluvastatin. Statin-associated myopathy may be dose related.
Is myopathy from statins reversible?
While myopathy caused by statins can be mild and can be reversed when the medication is discontinued, it may present as rhabdomyolysis or severe muscle damage.
How do you test for statin myopathy?
If you begin to show symptoms of muscle myopathy after starting statin therapy, talk with a doctor or physician as soon as possible. A blood test is usually ordered to measure your creatine kinase levels and rule out rhabdomyolysis. If rhabdomyolysis is the culprit, statin treatment will be stopped immediately.
How do you know if statins are affecting your muscles?
One of the most common complaints of people taking statins is muscle pain. You may feel this pain as a soreness, tiredness or weakness in your muscles. The pain can be a mild discomfort, or it can be severe enough to make your daily activities difficult.
How long does statin myopathy last?
The majority of muscle damage by statins is secondary to its direct toxic effects, possibly via coenzyme Q10 depletion causing mitochondrial dysfunction. The injury is dose dependent and reversible after withdrawing the drug, with most recovery of symptoms occurring within 2–3 months (3).
What does muscle damage from statins feel like?
Muscle pain and damage One of the most common complaints of people taking statins is muscle pain. You may feel this pain as a soreness, tiredness or weakness in your muscles. The pain can be a mild discomfort, or it can be severe enough to make your daily activities difficult.
Which muscles are most affected by statins?
Within a month of starting statin therapy, they may feel aches or weakness in the large muscles of their arms, shoulders, thighs or buttocks on both sides of the body. About 5 to 10% of people who try statins are affected. It’s more common in the elderly, in women and in those taking the more potent statins.