by Tony Britton on August 13, 2013
Statins are drugs that are prescribed to reduce the risk of heart problems by lowering the level of cholesterol in the blood – when this is elevated.
The most common side-effects of statins include adverse effects on skeletal muscle (myalgia = muscle pain, myositis = inflammation of muscle and occasionally rhabdomyolysis). Where muscle problems occur the drug may have to be discontinued.
People with pre-existing muscle disorders appear to be at increased risk of developing this side-effect. So this should always be taken into consideration before a statin is being considered.
Doctors have now been issued with comprehensive guidance on how to deal with patients who report muscle symptoms when taking statins
www.eguidelines.co.uk/eguidelinesmain/guidelines/summaries/cardiovascular/wpg_statin_2013.php#.Ugn9DBb3DJx
Anyone with ME/CFS who is taking statins and notices new muscle symptoms or an exacerbation of existing muscle symptoms should always consult their doctor – who will arrange for a blood test to measure the level of a muscle enzyme called CK (creatine kinase)
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