Cholesterol Medicine Pain

Cholesterol medicine pain is common. Most cholesterol associated muscle pain and myalgias are not serious, with the exception of rhabdomyolysis, a disintegration of the muscle tissue.

Causes

• Some cholesterol medications cause the presence of high levels of circulating enzymes in the blood known to cause muscle pain. Statins, as they are called, can cause myositis which is an inflammation around muscle cells.

Identification

• In many cases, cholesterol medicine pain cannot be differentiated from everyday aches and pains. If you notice muscle pain, you should call your doctor immediately. He can diagnosis cholesterol medicine pain by obtaining a blood sample that checks for the enzyme CPK. If high levels of CPK are found, it can indicate inflammation and alert the doctor to the possibility of statin induced muscle pain.

Significance

• Symptoms of cholesterol medicine pain can include pain and stiffness in the shoulders, arms, thighs, buttocks, legs, back and neck, as well as muscle weakness. The pain is usually not debilitating.

Treatment

• Treatment for cholesterol medicine pain can include taking anti-inflammatory medications. If you receive no relief from pain medications, the doctor may discontinue statin treatment and opt for alternative treatments.

Alternative Treatments

• Alternative to cholesterol medications that cause pain can include exercise, a fat restricted diet, and niacin. Niacin is a B vitamin sold over-the-counter that can lower cholesterol. Patient compliance, however, is often poor due to the substantial flushing that often results from therapeutic doses.

Considerations

• While most cases of cholesterol medicine pain are mild, it is vital that you alert your doctor if pain persists. Severe muscle pain and weakness can indicate rhabdomyolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Although severe in nature, rhabdomyolysis can be treated if detected early.