Statins (Again)

[Arrods]

I saw my GP a couple of weeks ago after experiencing unexplained leg muscle 'cramp-like' aches. I wouldn't go as far as to say they are 'pains' and in fact I could probably suffer them going forward, other than being wary about possible underlying causes.

The doctor could see nothing outwardly wrong in the leg area and he said give it a couple of weeks to see if they disappeared - which they haven't, albeit disappearing and appearing intermittently. Before moving on to blood tests, he suggested I come off statins for a month, which I probably will do after checking back with the GP. The issue I have is that I've been on statins for over 20 years without any side-effects whatsoever. The pharmacy change the statin manufacturer from time to time and I was wondering if this could be a reason for the sudden change. I believe that different outer coatings of tablets can cause tummy problems but surely the ingredients shouldn't make any difference? The GP opined that sometimes changes in the body itself can cause drugs to react differently.

Any thoughts/comments would be welcome. Thank you.

[jazzgirl]

Just one query....what part of the leg/s is affected eg front of thigh, calves .....? also do you experience pain when or after walking, or simply doing nothing ?

[jazzgirl]

Have you ever been given Simvastatin brand?

[jazzgirl]

Maybe you would rather wait for Sqad to reply if he is around.... that's fine

[Sqad]

I cannot convince myself that the coating of your statin pills has anything to do with your problems.

I agree with the GP to lay off them for a month and see what happens.
If they return, then change to a different statin or ask the GP if he could recommend Ezetimibe 10 mgms which is not a statin but does the same thing with minimal side effects.

I look forward to your answers posed by jazzgirl.

[Khandro]

jazzgirl: Why do you ask about Simvastatin please?

[jazzgirl]

I was prescribed Simvastatin many years ago in place of a previous statin and am happy this brand has never caused any aches

[Etch]

Arrods - I too would be interested to know whether the 'aches' are around the thigh/hips. If they are and you are over 50 and have not had a PSA blood test I suggest that you insist that your GP gives you one as soon as possible. Don't take "no" for an answer. Unfortunately, current guidance on PSA testing does not require the GP to offer it, the onus is on the individual to ask for testing. I wish I had known that earlier.
https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/prostate-tests/psa-blood-test?scrollTo=if-my-gp-won%27t-give-me-a-psa-blood-test

[Khandro]

j.g. Thanks

[Arrods]

Thanks all. The aches - not pains - are in the back of the legs (mainly calves, and sometimes occurring a bit higher).

Will chat with the GP.

Thanks again.

[jazzgirl]

Maybe check for claudication with GP

[Arrods]

Sorry jazz girl. Meant to say they sometimes ache getting up in the morning but then tend to wear off during the day. They did ache sometimes during walking, but even those aches bother me less nowadays.

[Arrods]

Thanks jazz girl. Lots to question the GP about.

[jazzgirl]

That's good to hear arrods