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Switched From Simvastatin To Atorvastatin And Taking Valacyclovir, Having Muscle Cramps In Legs. Related?
Question: How long has atorvastatin been on the market? I was switched from Simvastatin 80 mg. to 40 mg of Atorvastatin in February or March of this year. I have since been having severe muscle cramps in my legs. Could the change of drug and/or the change of strength caused these cramps?
Also, around the same time, I began taking Valacyclovir 100 mg., could that in any way interact with the Atorvastatin?
Also, around the same time, I began taking Valacyclovir 100 mg., could that in any way interact with the Atorvastatin?
Brief Answer:
Yes, the drug therapy may be responsible.
Detailed Answer:
Respected Sir
1. Atorvastatin was approved in 1996.
2. Yes, the change of drug could have caused this. Although muscle weakness / cramps/ fatigue is a known side effect of all statins, it may be possible that one gets a side effect from one drug of same class and not from other. However since you started Valacyclovir at the same time, it may be the culprit drug as muscle cramps/ fatigue/ ache are also known to occur with it, although uncommonly.
3. Usually no drug interaction is expected between atorvastatin & valacyclovir.
4. I would advise you to discuss the issue with your GP. He will assess the whole clinical scenario, will get your CPK and CPK-MM levels (these enzyme levels are increased in cases of muscle damage ) done and will decide on withdrawal/ dose reduction of one the drugs you are taking.
Hope this helps. Feel free to discuss further.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder Singh
Yes, the drug therapy may be responsible.
Detailed Answer:
Respected Sir
1. Atorvastatin was approved in 1996.
2. Yes, the change of drug could have caused this. Although muscle weakness / cramps/ fatigue is a known side effect of all statins, it may be possible that one gets a side effect from one drug of same class and not from other. However since you started Valacyclovir at the same time, it may be the culprit drug as muscle cramps/ fatigue/ ache are also known to occur with it, although uncommonly.
3. Usually no drug interaction is expected between atorvastatin & valacyclovir.
4. I would advise you to discuss the issue with your GP. He will assess the whole clinical scenario, will get your CPK and CPK-MM levels (these enzyme levels are increased in cases of muscle damage ) done and will decide on withdrawal/ dose reduction of one the drugs you are taking.
Hope this helps. Feel free to discuss further.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder Singh
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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