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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Backache While On Simvastatin?

i am currently taking generic symvastin 40 mgs along with hypertension meds. beginning about 2 years ago, i began to experience back pain, sciatica, shoulder pain, sometimes excruciating. I am 72 years old, in reasonably good shape, active hunter fishing, motorcylist, not overweight and have had a discectomy about 9 years ago, L4 L5, a recent MRI did not show any significant deterioration of the that area and doctor did not recommend any surgery. but pain persists. I know symvastin has side effects of joint and muscle pain. my PCP is unplugged. as long as i have been going no other alternative to symvastin has been discussed. there must be? an alternative to symvastatin, yes
Tue, 17 Jul 2018
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Simvastatin is known to possibly cause damage to the muscles with associated pain, so your concern is justified. However the distribution of the symptoms is not that typical in your case. Before attributing symptoms to Simvastatin I would conduct a simple blood test for creatine kinase which is an enzyme increased in muscle damage. If raised muscle damage is indeed possible and I would interrupt Simvastatin.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Olsi Taka
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What Causes Backache While On Simvastatin?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Simvastatin is known to possibly cause damage to the muscles with associated pain, so your concern is justified. However the distribution of the symptoms is not that typical in your case. Before attributing symptoms to Simvastatin I would conduct a simple blood test for creatine kinase which is an enzyme increased in muscle damage. If raised muscle damage is indeed possible and I would interrupt Simvastatin. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Olsi Taka