Muscle pain or weakness from medicines

Overview

Statins rarely cause serious muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), which shows up as severe weakness and dark, cola-colored urine.

Many people with mild aches can switch to a different statin, a lower dose, or every-other-day dosing and keep the heart benefit.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Muscle aches on a medicine

Less common

• Weakness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness

When to get medical care

Causes

Medicines.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older age

Diagnosis

Blood tests.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• CK test:

Treatment

Talk to your doctor.

Self-care

• Don't stop on your own
• Track it: note when aches started and where
• Check other causes: low vitamin D, thyroid problems, and hard exercise can cause aches too
• Stay hydrated, especially with exercise

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Take only the dose prescribed
• Tell your doctor about grapefruit juice and other medicines, which can raise statin levels

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a physical therapist, or a sports medicine doctor.
• A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Older adults: Higher risk, especially with many medicines.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Improves.

Aches usually fade within weeks of changing the medicine.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Could a different statin or dose work?
• Should my vitamin D or thyroid be checked?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Muscle pain or weakness from medicines