Statins are highly effective medications for both preventing and treating heart disease in those at risk, primarily by substantially lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Their benefits significantly outweigh their potential side effects in most people.
Some of the main side effects of statins related to muscle pain and weakness include:
- Myalgia – Muscle aches, tenderness, or weakness. This is a common side effect, occurring in up to 1 in 10 people taking statins.
- Myopathy – Muscle damage marked by muscle pain and significant increases in blood levels of creatine kinase (CK), which is released by damaged muscles. This is a rare but serious side effect4. Those at higher risk include the elderly, those taking high doses of statins, and those taking certain other medications.
- Rhabdomyolysis – Severe muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney damage. This is a very rare but life-threatening side effect of statins.
- Reduced muscle strength and function – Some studies suggest statins may interfere with implementing physical activity in some patients, potentially worsening muscle weakness.
- Nerve damage – There are some reports statins may increase nerve damage risk in rare cases, contributing to muscle pain.
- Impaired muscle repair – Some claims statins may block muscle regeneration abilities, which could worsen muscle pain and damage.
The exact mechanisms behind statins’ muscle-related side effects are still being investigated. Speaking with a doctor about options is recommended if experiencing significant muscle pain, weakness, or damage while taking statins.
Statins and Fibromyalgia
There is some evidence that statin use may exacerbate symptoms in people with fibromyalgia, though the evidence is mixed:
- One study in 2021 found no association between statin use for at least 1 month and worsening of fibromyalgia symptoms like pain, fatigue, and sleep issues[5].
- However, other studies suggest statins may interfere with implementing physical activity in fibromyalgia patients[3], and increase risk of myalgia (muscle pain/weakness) which is also a common symptom of fibromyalgia[4].
- Some experts note statins have reasonable common side effects like muscular fatigue and pain, so it may be worth considering switching medications if on statins and experiencing fibromyalgia worsening[2].
- There are also some reports and claims that statins may block muscle repair/regeneration abilities[9], increase nerve damage risk[8], and contribute to pain in some fibromyalgia patients[7].
Overall the evidence seems mixed, but there does appear to be some potential for statins to exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms in some people, especially related to muscle pain and fatigue. However, more research is still needed. Speak to your doctor about options if experiencing worsening of fibromyalgia symptoms while on statins.
Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8571478/
[2] https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/muscles-joints/questions-and-answers/fibromyalgia-and-adverse-reaction-to-cholesterol-medication/
[3] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/414262
[4] https://bpac.org.nz/bt/2014/august/myalgia.aspx
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34765886/
[6] https://www.mcpiqojournal.org/article/S2542-4548(21)00153-3/pdf
[7] https://peakhealthandwellness.com/at-risk-for-developing-or-exacerbating-your-fibromyalgia/
[8] https://promotionhealthcare.com/fibromyalgia/
[9] https://www.vitality101.com/health-a-z/Cholesterol-medications_may_cause_fibromyalgia
[10] https://spacedoc.com/articles/fibromyalgia-and-statins
MD, PhD. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician from São Paulo - Brazil. Pain Fellowship in University of São Paulo.