HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Hypothyroidism While On Lipitor?

Has there been any connection between hypothyroidism and statins and/or head neck radiation? My husband who has never had any thyroid issues has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism after radiation to his throat and more recently having been put on lipitor. Can either of these be the root cause of this sudden onset?
Mon, 7 Nov 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.

I appreciate your concern for your beloved husband who seems to have developed a late onset side effect of hypothyroidism due to radiotherapy (head & neck radiation).

Lipitor (Atorvastatin) is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor commonly prescribed to treat high cholesterol levels in the blood. Its most common side effects include myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness), stomach upset, or liver problems.

It is not known to cause hypothyroidism as its side effect.

Exposure of thyroid to higher radiation doses for head & neck radiation could have been responsible for the development of hypothyroidism.

It can occur as early as 3 months or up to 2-3 years following the radiation.
It is commonly seen following a dose of 40 Gray units of radiation to the head & neck.

He needs to be evaluated by his treating physician for hypothyroidism and treatment with Levothyroxine be started early to prevent complications associated with hypothyroidism.

Hope this will help.
Best regards.
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Hypothyroidism While On Lipitor?

Hi & Welcome. I appreciate your concern for your beloved husband who seems to have developed a late onset side effect of hypothyroidism due to radiotherapy (head & neck radiation). Lipitor (Atorvastatin) is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor commonly prescribed to treat high cholesterol levels in the blood. Its most common side effects include myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness), stomach upset, or liver problems. It is not known to cause hypothyroidism as its side effect. Exposure of thyroid to higher radiation doses for head & neck radiation could have been responsible for the development of hypothyroidism. It can occur as early as 3 months or up to 2-3 years following the radiation. It is commonly seen following a dose of 40 Gray units of radiation to the head & neck. He needs to be evaluated by his treating physician for hypothyroidism and treatment with Levothyroxine be started early to prevent complications associated with hypothyroidism. Hope this will help. Best regards.