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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Simvastatin Be Taken Instead Of Pravastatin For High Cholesterol?

I have hi chloresterol (but not very high) - I have been taking prevastatin SOD tab 20mg at night. I get leg cramps, mostly toes and calves, during the day, but I don't know if its from this pill. If it is, what can I change to. My doctor said "simvastatin". What do you think? Thank you.
Mon, 22 Jan 2018
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hello!

Welcome on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that muscle pain and cramps are a common adverse effects of statins.

In this regard, simvastatin is very similar to pravastatin.

Coming to this point, I would recommend checking your muscular enzymes (CPK, LDH, ALT, AST) and blood electrolytes.

It is necessary stopping pravastatin for a short period of time, as your situation improves.

A healthy diet will help maintain a normal blood lipid profile during this period of time.

Only after you will be free of leg cramps, I would recommend staring simvastatin at a low dose and increase slowly in order to avoid this possible adverse effect from occurring.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

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Can Simvastatin Be Taken Instead Of Pravastatin For High Cholesterol?

Hello! Welcome on HCM! Regarding your concern, I would explain that muscle pain and cramps are a common adverse effects of statins. In this regard, simvastatin is very similar to pravastatin. Coming to this point, I would recommend checking your muscular enzymes (CPK, LDH, ALT, AST) and blood electrolytes. It is necessary stopping pravastatin for a short period of time, as your situation improves. A healthy diet will help maintain a normal blood lipid profile during this period of time. Only after you will be free of leg cramps, I would recommend staring simvastatin at a low dose and increase slowly in order to avoid this possible adverse effect from occurring. Hope you will find this answer helpful! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri