My husband takes a statin drug. Make that took -- past tense.
Statin drugs are those such as Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor and others that are intended to keep your blood cholesterol levels in check, therefore reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease.
But here's a twist, and I can imagine that among those of you who read this post, and who also take a statin drug, there will be a good percentage to whom it applies.
Among the known side effects of statin drugs are achy muscles, numbness in the limbs, memory and cognitive problems. Note -- these are KNOWN. Documented. So the results of this study by investigators at UC San Diego just floored me: among hundreds of patient visits, more than 2/3 of the doctors dismissed or would not discuss the possible relationship of statins to the patients' symptoms.
The patients were trained to report complaints of muscle weakness and aches, neuropathy and pain in the limbs, and cognitive difficulties. That way the investigators could rule out (as much as possible) communication problems. The patients asked the doctors directly whether statins could be causing their symptoms.
Among the doctor's comments reported back to investigators by patients, were that their symptoms were just part of the normal aging process, that the symptoms were all in the patients' heads, that doctors didn't take them seriously (including one who laughed), and many who simply denied the possibility.
In only one-third of the cases did doctors take the complaint seriously enough to look further.
So -- now -- back to my husband... As long as I have known him (a little more than two years) he has taken Lipitor. He has also had a great deal of muscle pain and numbness in his feet and fingers. He laments his memory problems (although I've accused him of using them as an excuse!)
Recently (for reasons unrelated to this topic) he decided to change primary care doctors, and having read the results of the statin symptoms reporting study, I encouraged him to ask his new doctor whether his symptoms could be related to the Lipitor.
I'm very happy to report that not only did his doctor sit up and take notice, but he took hubby off the statins. Hubby's heart is strong, his cholesterol is low, and he will go back in three months for new blood work to determine what effect, if any, the lack of Lipitor has on his cardiovascular health.
So what's the bottom line to you? Please do the same! If you are taking a statin drug and are suffering from any of those symptoms, ask your doctor if they can be related. She might say yes -- but because you have such high cholesterol, it may still be necessary for you to continue taking a statin. She might say yes, and suggest you look at adjusting the medication. She might say yes for a number of reasons, but will be willing to discuss the particulars for you, with you.
But if she says no, and simply dismisses your reports -- then it's time to find someone who is not dismissive, who will take you seriously. It may not change whether you take the drug, but it's a good way to learn whether your doctor is willing to partner with you.
And that's the important part.
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