Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Oxycodein Effective At Treating Leg Pain With History Of Statin Use?
Question: 11 years after taking statins I have growing leg pains particularly at night that continue during the day. The only temporary solution is taking Baclafin which helps me sleep but doesn't solve the problem. My
GP is offering Oxycodein as an alternative which I am reluctant to take. Unless I can show a problem with the lower spine (which I don't have) the pain doctors show no interest. What can I do?
GP is offering Oxycodein as an alternative which I am reluctant to take. Unless I can show a problem with the lower spine (which I don't have) the pain doctors show no interest. What can I do?
Brief Answer:
Please follow up with further details
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM
It is very important to rule out the underlying cause of your leg pain, especially with your history of long term Statin use. Statins can affect the muscles (a condition called statin induced myositis), which can present as muscle pain and spasms.
Blood investigation checking the creatine kinase level can confirm/rule out the presence of myositis. If confirmed, then the statins need to be discontinued until the pain resolves. Then a statin with low potential of muscle injury like Pravastatin can be restarted.
Other possible causes including periphral vascular disease, neuropathy (especially if you are diabetic) also need to be looked into. Lower leg doppler blood flow studies and nerve conduction studies can confirm the diagnosis.
Could you please follow up with the details regarding whether the above-mentioned conditions have been ruled out?
Also, which particular statin are you taking and the dosage?
Are you on any other medications?
Do you have diabetes, hypertension or coronary artery disease?
What exactly is your worry regarding the oxycodone.Is it the addiction potential?
Awaiting
Dr.Lekshmi
Please follow up with further details
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HCM
It is very important to rule out the underlying cause of your leg pain, especially with your history of long term Statin use. Statins can affect the muscles (a condition called statin induced myositis), which can present as muscle pain and spasms.
Blood investigation checking the creatine kinase level can confirm/rule out the presence of myositis. If confirmed, then the statins need to be discontinued until the pain resolves. Then a statin with low potential of muscle injury like Pravastatin can be restarted.
Other possible causes including periphral vascular disease, neuropathy (especially if you are diabetic) also need to be looked into. Lower leg doppler blood flow studies and nerve conduction studies can confirm the diagnosis.
Could you please follow up with the details regarding whether the above-mentioned conditions have been ruled out?
Also, which particular statin are you taking and the dosage?
Are you on any other medications?
Do you have diabetes, hypertension or coronary artery disease?
What exactly is your worry regarding the oxycodone.Is it the addiction potential?
Awaiting
Dr.Lekshmi
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Simvastatin. I think the the ck levels are ok but am considering seeing a pain specialist who is not linked to spine treatment. My gp is willing to consider a full spine MIR to see if the upper spine has any problems (including an existing curvature). My health club trainer had a client with similar leg problems who was diagnosed with a cyst in that area. Once treated her leg pains stopped.
Brief Answer:
Follow up answer
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
If your creatine Kinase was normal, then statins is unlikely to be the problem.
Other possibilities mentioned in above discussion like peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy needs to be ruled out.
If spinal imaging has not yet been done, then Spine MRI is also indicated.
If you are worried about oxycodone for pain, then a milder medication like Tramadol can be tried. You can also take Advil 600 mg up to 4 times daily for the time being to help with pain.
Hope this answers your question
Please let me know if you need further clarifications
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Follow up answer
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
If your creatine Kinase was normal, then statins is unlikely to be the problem.
Other possibilities mentioned in above discussion like peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy needs to be ruled out.
If spinal imaging has not yet been done, then Spine MRI is also indicated.
If you are worried about oxycodone for pain, then a milder medication like Tramadol can be tried. You can also take Advil 600 mg up to 4 times daily for the time being to help with pain.
Hope this answers your question
Please let me know if you need further clarifications
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
