My doc makes me take one. First had simvastin 20mg. Horrible back muscle problems, so he switched me to provastatin 10mg. No probability for several years. Last blood draw it was up to 206 total and ldl was 125 so he ups the statin up to 20mg. Two weeks later here I am laid up in the back. I'd kill for a muscle relaxer.

Only time my liver enzymes were high I was on a statin for cholesterol. My Dr said she was taking me off the statin. Enzymes never been high since and cholesterol runs 170-180.

I took myself off statin against doctors wishes.

My body ached so bad twenty four seven that I just decided I’m not going to live like this.

I may die sooner but I don’t feel like I was beat with a baseball bat everyday.

I can relate!

been taking statins for probably 25 years and had to switch brands at least twice due to musle ache...ask your doctor to switch you statin medicine and see if it doesn't help you....

I have been taking Simvastatin 40MG for years without any problems. I have also been eating the right things, exercising daily, and staying active by going fishing a lot. I see my primary care doctor twice a year and have a complete physical once a year. Taking a statin along with simple activity works good together.


Side Note: I hope you get to feeling better!

I`ve been on a Statin drug (Rosuvastatin / Crestor) for 4 years. Did a lot of research prior to taking it and felt like it was probably the best one to take with the least side effects. All of them have side effects though. Some are just better than other from what learned and everyone reacts differently to them. Most of the research on Statin medications are paid for by drug companies. I even know of one study that was discontinued halfway thru because the results weren`t favorable for the drug company. I have not noticed any side effects from taking the Rosuvastatin and all my blood work #`s are very good.

See if he will put you on a lower Mg and add a drug called Zetia (Ezetimibe). My cardiologist prescribed this to me last week after telling him I did not want to up the Mg on my statin because I also had muscle pain when on a higher dose before. The Zetia is supposed to help lower your LDL along with the statin.

Thanks for the info!

Is the back pain just the lower back? Is it all the time regardless of what you do?

This works for sure. Vytorin used to be a combo statin/zetia drug and I had good results taking it, but it got to be very expensive. I took Atorvistatin for years and recently started taking Zetia also. Keeps the numbers real low. I fought the doctors back in my 50's against taking any statins. Started running daily, lost weight, got down to a sinewy 160 lbs and still my cholesterol numbers were off the charts. I am one of the hereditary high cholesterol folks.

Yes, plus spasms

That’s what I’ve been on for years since taking me off the statin.

I was on 10mg. Did some checking on it. It’s one of the most over prescribed drugs out there. I decided to quit taking it.

Another Cholesterol drug with no statins is Welchol. I tried 3-4 different statin based drugs with the same results -- aches, pains, joint soreness and finally massive bruising. I've been on Welchol with no problems for 10+ years. My cholesterol is under control, I east healthy and exercise as much as my 70+ year old broken down body will let me.

Be advised, if you take Welchol, or the generic equivalent, you need to make sure you are taking plenty of fiber. Don't ask how I know.