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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Persistent Muscle Cramps While On Pravastatin?

I AM TAKING FENOFRBRATE 160MG AND METROPROLOL TARTRATE 25MG NOW. MY DOC. ALSO PRISCRIBED PRAVASTIN FOR CHOLESTEROL BUT I AM NOT TAKING IT. HERE S WHY 1. I CONSTANTLY EXPERIENCE SEVER MUSCLE CRAMPING (ESPECAILLY IN MY BACK AND LEGS)AND SOME SORENESS IN MY JOINTS AND MUSCLES (HEAD TO TOE). IS THIS BECAUSE THE PRAVASTATIN IS A STATIN DRUG? 2. IS ONE OF THESE MEDS...FIGHTING...WITH THE OTHER?
Thu, 17 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.

Both Pravastatin & Fenofibrate are known to cause myopathy.

Based on the history given in your query you seem to be suffering from side effect of myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness and weakness) apparently caused by both the cholesterol lowering medications Pravastatin (a statin drug) & Fenofibrate either taken alone or together.

Taken together (Pravastatin & Fenofibrate) may increase the risk of myopathy many folds to the extent of causing a severe condition called rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle protein) which can cause kidney problems.

Hence, I would advise you to stop taking both these medications and consult your treating doctor to prescribe and effective alternate but a safer medication like Cholestyramine to lower the high blood cholesterol level.

Hope this answers your query.
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What Causes Persistent Muscle Cramps While On Pravastatin?

Hi & Welcome. Both Pravastatin & Fenofibrate are known to cause myopathy. Based on the history given in your query you seem to be suffering from side effect of myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness and weakness) apparently caused by both the cholesterol lowering medications Pravastatin (a statin drug) & Fenofibrate either taken alone or together. Taken together (Pravastatin & Fenofibrate) may increase the risk of myopathy many folds to the extent of causing a severe condition called rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle protein) which can cause kidney problems. Hence, I would advise you to stop taking both these medications and consult your treating doctor to prescribe and effective alternate but a safer medication like Cholestyramine to lower the high blood cholesterol level. Hope this answers your query.