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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Muscle Aches, Joint Pain And Leg Weakness While On Lovastatin?

I have been taking lovastatin for over a year and am now experiencing muscle aches, joint pain, spasms, and leg weakness. I want to know if these will clear up if I stop taking the drug? I am 65 years old, reasonably healthy, with type 2 diabetes, controlled by metformin and diet. I can hardly walk and must use a cane.
Tue, 20 Jun 2017
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Hello, thanks for the query.
Statins are known to cause muscle cramps and pains. Joint pains are not so much seen. If you have this as a persistent side effects then it is better to discontinue the drug. I am sure it has been given for treating dyslipidemia. If the levels of lipids are not too high, then diet and exercise should help in controlling. Once the drug is stopped in about 24 to 48 hours it will be completely eliminated from the system and then that side effect will not be felt. Since you are a T2 DM patient, it is very essential to take a proper diet and do exercise to control lipids. Thanks.
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What Causes Muscle Aches, Joint Pain And Leg Weakness While On Lovastatin?

Hello, thanks for the query. Statins are known to cause muscle cramps and pains. Joint pains are not so much seen. If you have this as a persistent side effects then it is better to discontinue the drug. I am sure it has been given for treating dyslipidemia. If the levels of lipids are not too high, then diet and exercise should help in controlling. Once the drug is stopped in about 24 to 48 hours it will be completely eliminated from the system and then that side effect will not be felt. Since you are a T2 DM patient, it is very essential to take a proper diet and do exercise to control lipids. Thanks.