Neuromuscular complications of statins

[Guest guest]

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2008 Feb;19(1):47-59, vi.

Neuromuscular complications of statins.

Ahn SC.

Loyola University, 2160 South 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153-5500,

USA.

Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methlglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors,

are commonly prescribed for patients who have hyperlipidemia. Statins

were first approved in 1987. Statin therapy is well documented to

reduce serum low-density lipoprotein levels, incidence of

cardiovascular events, and mortality.

Although statin therapy is well tolerated, serious adverse affects

have been reported, including neuromuscular and hepatic

complications. Myopathy is particularly concerning because of the

potential for rhabdomyolysis and death. Recently, peripheral

neuropathy also has been identified as a possible complication. The

incidence of neuromuscular complications is expected to increase with

the increased number of people using statin therapy.

Clinicians should be aware of the potential neuromuscular

complications. This article reviews epidemiology, possible

mechanisms, risk factors, and management of statin-associated

neuromuscular complications.

[Guest guest]

Niacin can definitely help! Just make sure to check with your doctor first to

discuss safety and dosage info, since Niacin in higher doses carries it's on set

of risks. And be careful when using Niacin and a statin together. Listen to

your body and stop if you feel any problem.

http://www.prevention.com/cda/article/don-t-do-this-alone/26c272e50d803110VgnVCM\

10000013281eac____/health/conditions.treatments/cholesterol

Don't Do This Alone

Niacin and statin combo offers amazing cholesterol benefits--but carries risks

By Bridget Doherty , Bridget Doherty is a freelance health writer.

Taking a cholesterol-lowering statin drug plus the B vitamin niacin can reduce

heart attacks and strokes by a whopping 70 percent. But it's not a

do-it-yourself therapy.

" Don't ever use niacin on your own to treat cholesterol problems, " says

Prevention advisor nne J. Legato, MD, director of the Partnership for

Women's Health at Columbia University. " Large doses can lead to liver damage.

And combining niacin with a statin creates a small risk for skeletal muscle

breakdown and life-threatening kidney failure. "

Niacin helps raise good HDL cholesterol and lowers triglycerides. And statins

are good at reducing bad LDL cholesterol. The combo can be safe if you do this.

Check your HDLs. If they're below 40 mg/dl, ask your doc about niacin. She may

add it to your statin therapy, substitute it for a statin, or prescribe the new

statin/niacin combination drug, Advicor.

Get a prescription. Ask about Niaspan, a prescription-only form that's been

researched in clinical studies.

Keep your blood test appointments. Your doctor should check your liver function

after 6 weeks of niacin, then every 6 months.

Know the warning signs. Call your doctor immediately if you have muscle pain,

weakness, fever, dark urine, nausea, or vomiting. The muscles most frequently

affected include the calves and lower back.

Last Updated: 10/12/2004 Copyright © Rodale, Inc. 2002

[Guest guest]

I also use niacin along with oatmeal and Cheerios and my blood work comes back

OK.

Jeanann

[Guest guest]

I don't have CMT; my DH does. I take Niaspan 1000 mg and was told to take a

baby aspirin 1/2 hour before taking the niacin to avoid flushing. So far it

works.

Elinor