Cpk symptoms and conditions

I have been on LIPITOR for years 10mg. at least 8years my doctor told me as long as my blood tests were normal "I had nothing too worry about" through the years I had so many health problems,along with so many tests I thought this pain was normal.My pain was gradually getting worse I started to think this pain has to be because of my age.I'm 67yrs old. Last week I had an appointment with one of many Drs. I mentioned that I felt more pain than usual when I told him I was taking Lipitor he was concerned I was told this medication I should stop but it was up to me if I wanted too or not. I had an appointment with another doctor the same day to found out the results of all my blood tests. I was pleased that all my blood were within normal range but there was the blood test for muscle enzyme,CPK was mildly elevated. I was told that Lipitor could make that test elevated. I had another test that that day and was called and was told that that blood test was elevated a little more.I have been off Lipitor for one week now and never going back to taking Lipitor again. I'm so glad I found out about Lipitor and the damage it could do to your health. I'm also grateful for finding this sight by accident. I hope one day I will feel better also I'm not going back to the Dr. that started me on Lipitor and wanted me to stay on it!

Being a scientist, I am reluctant to say my symptoms are completely due to the statin (Crestor) that I've been on for 2.5 yrs. Started with a bulging/herniated disk in my lumbar region 4 months ago. Then increasing leg pain and major leg/foot cramping at night. Had my blood checked for electrolytes and CPK. Electrolytes were ok but elevated CPK (muscle breakdown enzyme). Doc took me off Crestor and now a month later, no cramping and much reduced leg pain. Am going in for a cholesterol check next week to see what the levels are. I wonder how much the Crestor played in my herniated disk. Certainly it has played a role in the leg pain and cramping as I no longer have it to the same degree. The FDA and surgeon general talk about putting everyone on statins. BIG MISTAKE!!!! Maybe CoQ helps, but I am done with statins.

Hi All,

I was diagnosed with dermatologists when I was 14 years old and put on very high dosage of prednisone to get my disease under control (40 mg a day at the beginning). My muscle enzymes were out of control (CPK was almost 8,500 when it should be less than 215) and I was barely mobile, huge amounts of weight loss, alopecia, Raynaud's, etc. That was 11 years ago and I am now almost 100% better. Prednisone saved my life, but the side-effects were TERRIBLE! Especially for a girl going through puberty. Kids at school don't understand you're sick, and they can be extremely cruel. Luckily for me a large number of my family members are in the medical profession all over the world and my parents were able to pool knowledge to find the best treatment for me without all the horrible side effects. An uncle in Germany suggested I take a Prednisone alternative widely available in Europe called Diflazacort. This medicine is not available in the states apparently because the FDA thought it was exactly like Prednisone so was unnecessary. I'm sure this is some pharmaceutical company lobbying to preserve Prednisone's monopoly on inflammatory diseases, but regardless it makes finding Diflazacort difficult for Americans. This is a HUGE shame since this medicine gave me ALL of the benefits of Prednisone with NONE of the side effects. My mood swings, water retention, increased appetite, hazy brain, thinning skin, etc etc etc ALL stopped with Diflazacort. This wasn't only true for me either. A family friend had been diagnosed with Crohn's at the time and he was put on Diflazacort from the beginning of his treatment after seeing how I reacted to it and NEVER had any of the negative side effects I had to deal with. Really this drug was like a miracle for me. Prednisone prevented my sure death, but Diflazacort gave me my life back in its entirety. I've now been off of any steroid for 7 years and my muscles are fully back to normal. Some of the fat deposits Predinose caused still linger, but to most people's eyes I'm totally back to normal. I wish I could find everyone having problems with Prednisone side-effects and tell them about Diflazacort. Even though it isn't available in the states (although I heard recently they are trying to get it approved again since a number of studies showed Diflazacort is much more effective treating Crohn's than Prednisone is) you can get it on the internet or if you have doctor friends abroad as I did. I'm always wary of buying drugs over the internet since there's no control so I would suggest contacting doctors in Europe or Asia directly or through your doctor here in the states. Anyways, I wanted everyone to know that some people do get better and I wish you all the best of luck!

Hi All,

I was diagnosed with dermatologists when I was 14 years old and put on very high dosage of prednisone to get my disease under control (40 mg a day at the beginning). My muscle enzymes were out of control (CPK was almost 8,500 when it should be s no control so I would suggest contacting doctors in Europe or Asia directly or through your doctor here in the states. Anyways, I wanted everyone to know that some people do get better and I wish you all the best of luck!

Yes, I have been taking Vytorin 10/40 for about 10 months, and it did reduce my cholesterol and triglycerides to 'normal', however, I slowly developed (initially) some 3 months back, problems in my left solder, diagnosed eventually as 'rotator cuff' ligament damage, however, it came on slowly and progressively worsened. I had not done anything strenuous to develop such a condition. It became so bad that I was basically redd to using my right arm. On top of this, the muscles in my lower arms became sore and felt strained even lifting a glass of water was painful. My Doctor was informed of increasing on-going muscle problems, did an emzine muscle test, which turned out to be 'clear'. And I also lost my sexual drive gradually.
I went off taking Vytorin a week ago on my own gut feeling, and my arm muscles and left shoulder have improved. I am also hoping no permanent damage. I am moving to a much higher exercise regime to 'burn' cholesterol and reduce triglycerides, and in the mean time look for 'natural' solutions as well.
I am not impressed with the medical responses I got, along with miss-diagnosed muscle / tendon supposed 'rotator cuff' serious problem that developed in my left shoulder, which I suspect may never be the same functionally. I recommend looking at other alternatives and natural remedies, this is my course of action. MM

Let me begin by telling you that I am a nurse with 28 years experience. My father is 76 years old with a history of cardiac problems. He has been on Lipitor for 8 years. In the past two months he has developed muscle pain that had gotten to the point he could hardly walk. His doctor diagnosed him with "arthritis." His joints did not hurt and I questioned his diagnosis. What he has is fibromyalgia. Muscle dysfunction caused by Lipitor. We have taken him off of the drug and he is improving. In place of Lipitor he now takes 2000 milligrams of vitamin C daily. Vitamin C is a natural way to control cholesterol. In my opinion I suggest anyone taking symvistatin in any form should stop immediately. It is a very dangerous drug. If you think this is what you have please request your physician order the following two tests.....CPK and serum myogluten levels. Cholesterol is very important to muscle function and that is why it is produced by the body. Zocor, Lipitor, ( symvistatin) inhibits the production thus lowering the level. Let me add that prior to this condition onset my dad was riding his bike 3 plus miles a day and could out walk me any day of the week. This drug has disabled him. We are hoping for a full recovery but that is yet to be seen.
Thank you ******

1. Throbbing and radiating pain in thigh muscles, back muscles, and arms and hands.

2. Calf cramps when sleeping and Restless Leg syndrome.

3. Numbness in toes

4. Headaches when in a lot of pain.

5. Blurry vision throughout the day along with dry eye syndrome

6. Dry Skin problems, and bacteria infection of hair follicles on head.

7. Chest Pains like having a heart attack.

8. Forgetfulness, short and long term

9. Anxiety, Depression, disorientation, panic attacks, worrying about everything

10. Overly Aggressive behavior, not normal to past personality

11. Feelings of dying and death in general. Being overly concerned that life insurance is paid up etc...

12. Problems swallowing, breathing, and sleeping

13 Kidney & Bowel problems

14. CPK Test of 2300, 2600, and rising until medication stopped.

15. Glucose variations between 62 and 136 during repeated fasting FBG

16 Biopsy of thigh muscle showed Statin Drug throughout thigh muscle causing severe degeneration & inflammation.

17. Five months after stopping Vytorin CPK is down from 2650 to 900. I still have symptoms, but throbbing and radiating pains seem to be gone. Still have muscle pain & weakness, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and am being treated with an anti-inflammatory drug, a pill for anxiety and depression, a sleeping pill and CPAP machine for breathing when sleeping. However I still have trouble sleeping and pains in the night.

II have been on Statins for many years. Started with Zocor which caused two large muscle knots in my side. I talked to my cardiologist and was told it couldn’t be, as it would be more systemic. I asked him for a CPK check and he telephoned me and said get off of it at once. In the meantime I broke two ribs swinging a golf club. I was switched to at least three other Statins with the same results, muscle pain. I finally ended up on lipitor. My CPK was elevated, but my cardiologist said that the benefits of 10 mg. of Lipitor trumped the slight CPK elevation. All went well for a couple of years. During that time I participated in a Lipitor study and was monitored for approximately six weeks. Results were Ok until the dose was increased from 10 to 20 mg. I was immediately dropped from the study. Three weeks ago my cardiologist increased my Lipitor to 20 mg. and added co Q-10 300mg. It took four weeks until I developed severe muscle pain in my lower back and shoulders and neck. My doctor will not accept that Lipitor is the cause. I took myself off of it a week ago. I am now almost pain free. He appears to be avoiding communication with me. He also was one of the Dr. participating in the Lipitor study. I would hope that many MDs read this entire list of problems attributed to Lipitor.

Numbness in legs and arms. A buzzing sensation in extremity's. Feels like my muscles are shorting out and easily fatigued. High CPK lab value of 1104! Off Vytorin now!

i thought my life was over. not even fourty years old and ask my doctor to write an order for a toilet lift. thats how bad my muscle hurt. getting in and out of cars, as though i were a 90 y/o. horriable! and we didn't know why. doctor did not make any refference to 'statins" . In addition to muscle death, restles leg syndrome found me as well. really thought i was dying from an unyet diagnosed disease. and where did that come from? all of a sudden everyone has it.
this was nonexistant not that long ago. similiar to the " bi -polor. every other person seems to have it or someone they know. I'm still mad. iwill never be the way I was prior to all this. I want to sue the shorts of the maker;'s and or the F.D.A.
don't they approve these drugs first? all comes back up the drain pipe . Does it not?. the cost alone from ill considered passage of such drugs does more harm than good. not only suffering but death. millions of dollars from the side effects. all these costs are passed on to the state and or one pocket book.
my cholesterol is o.k. now but with each blood test and blood donation i give mentions enzymes.. now i willl also check reports for(cpk) lookin to sue you ZOCOR..

My husband was prescribed Levaquin for epididymitis. After one day, he felt substantially worse. He is a very physically active man but could hardly walk and his arms were extremely painful. He couldn't write or grip anything. I had to talk him into going to the emergency room and he had to literally crawl to get into the car. The doctor on call tested enzymes in his blood--apparantly Levaquin can cause a condition that causes the muscles in the body to secrete this enzyme and break down the muscle. His bloodwork was positive for this enzyme. The test, I believe, was something like CPK or CPG. Someone could research that. He immediately took him off of the meds, prescribed an anti-inflammatory, but it took another day for the pain to disappear. The doctor warned that it can come back with phsycial active if there isn't adequate rest for about 2 weeks afterwards. There is also a name for this condition but I'd need to reserach that as well.

I want people to know my story. I am an RN of 23 years currently 44 years old. I was on Lipitor for 5 years started at 39. It did it job with lowering the blood levels etc.

Ten months ago I developed numbness, tingling and burning pain in my entire lower legs. I could not stand in one place it made the pain worse. I work ten hour shifts and I am on my feet the whole shift. I remember coming home and I could not stand the pain in both legs. Feet both would go numb. No back or disc problems. They ruled out diabetes. I had developed a perpheral neuropathy. Neuroton does help take the pain away folks. I would take 300mg at night at needed. I had the restless leg at night. My MD did not think much of all this ran the blood tests and that was about it. I kept mentioning it. Mind you my 47 year old MD also takes Lipitor.

Next fatigue exhausting I can't get out of bed fatigue. I have missed more days at my job in the 20 years I have been employed there. I knew something was wrong as I was so exahusted. I could hardly finish me shift. I got short of breath at the end of me shift.

I took MYSELF off the lipitor. Things got better a little. Four weeks later I still have the severe calf pain, fatigue still missing work, . Now more lab tests are orderd.

Ask your MD to do CPK levels on you this tells you if you have muscle injury or damage.Ok I have been off Lipitor for 4 weeks and my CPK level that I asked to be drawn is 1,225 normal high is 190. I have muscle injury and damage. I hope it is reversible. No wonder why I could not get out of bed.

Ask for those CPK levels. I think any prudent MD should check CPK levels along with the liver enzymes periodically.

I still have more lab test pending. I am on steroids prednisone for 10 days. I hope I can make it to work soon -they are shooting up all my vacation time with this.

This drug caused me a lot of pain , emotional distress, time lost from work.......... stress period. With my RN knowledge I have thought of possibly looking more legally into a Pfizer lawsuit. However; I live in Kalamazoo a lawyer my take my case but I would bet not many MD's in this town who their drug reps bankroll in free lunches and lavish gifts may not back me.

Educate yourself from my story and don't have to suffer atleast 10 months maybe 12 by now. I missed social and family events........... I was always in bed and could not get up just to shower and get ready for work.

Any questions email me. Vicky RN

Like Bill, I am searching for an answer as to how to relieve the pain that still continues after being off Lipitor for 7 months. I now have pain in arms as well as hips and legs and even my fingers. are swollen, stiff and painfulI. I got a long acting cortisone shot today and hopefully it will help for awhile. I was on for 3 years and cpk was elevated slightly so doctor finally listened to my complaints and took me off. Has anyone finally gotten relief over a period of time. I would like to hope so.

I also took Lipitor, about 5 years ago, my legs got so weak that, if I got down on the floor, I could not get back up. I told my GP. She said that I needed to have my CPK checked. It was 5,500, normal is between a high of 200 and a low of 50. I was put on a drug plan and blood work. It was not fun. My liver tests were not good. So get to your doctor and ask to have your CPK checked, NOW, NOW!!! Your CPK can climb so high that you will not be able to move or breath on your own

I have been off lipitor for 6 months after 3 years on the drug. I had extreme muscle pain in legs and thighs and a slight raise in cpk test. After 2 months I began to get better but still have pain and weakness in one hip and thigh. The doctor said it is bursitis but I'm wondering if it is permanent from the lipitor. Has anyone had lasting pain and weakness after stopping?

My husband has been on Crestor since early 2004 then switched to Lipitor this year. He started having low back ache about three days ago and continual tremors (painless muscle spasms) in his neck, face, shoulders, arms, and hands that have increased in intensity. He was told to go the Emergency Room today. They ran a full spectrum of blood tests including CPK, which all returned normal results and sent him home. After clearing it with the Dr. he decided to stop taking Lipitor and see if that makes a difference.

Has anyone else had tremors, muscle twitching, or small muscle spasms with statin drugs?

I've been off Lipitor for 8 weeks and am better but still have muscle pain. I had another CPK test and it was now down to normal. The cholesterol was up again after being off the Lipitor but my cardiologist wants me off of all cholesterol lowering drugs including niacin until the muscle problem subsides. Now it is low fat and cholesterol diet. I hope the muscle damage is not permanent. At least my doctor is lisenting to me at last.

I have now been off Lipitor for 3 weeks and am feeling less fatigue and my hips and thighs are not hurting as much. Still pain when walking up stairs. I ask my General Practioner for a CPK test (muscle test). My Cardiologist did not agree with me that Lipitor was causing my hip and thigh pain and weakness. Sure enough the test came back slightly elevated. Because of a heart attack, my doctor wanted me on a statin drug. I tried 2 with the same results. My liver test always came back good so that is all He cared about. Now I have some muscle wasting. I'm not sure if that can be corrected but whatever I will never take Lipitor again.

I have been off lipitor for about a week and am beginning to feel less pain in hips and thighs. My CPK test came back a little elevated so will remain off the lipitor for the 30 days and then begin trying another cholesterol lowering treatment (no statins). Due to a heart attack the doctor wants the colesterol to be in the lower range. I feel less fatigue since going off the lipitor and not as weak in my legs. It is still too soon to know if lipitor has been the cause.

this is on behalf of my husband he was on zecor for about 2years and then his gp put him on 40mg of atorvastatin it was then he started to complain about pain in his legs but years ago he did suffer aspell with his legs so he just thought he was having abit of athritis he is 53 and as the weeks have gone by he can bearly walk because of pain in his calf thigh and lower back his cpk and liver blood results are raised he is waiting for an appointment with a rheumatologist on the 10 of august but he is due to take a hgv goods medical in september to renew his liscence but Ican not see that he will be well enough to do a tread mill test which is part of his medical he has stopped takeing the 40mg of atorvastatin after reading so many other people who are suffering with the same side affects he was defenately well before his dose was increased we are worried to death about his symtoms and he will proberly lose his job also he is irratable and his memory does seem to be affected no one seems to know how long the symtems go on for or is the damage permerment

I have been on Lipitor for 5 1/2 years. About 7 weeks ago I got severe pains in both hamstrings. I could hardly walk. I had my G.P take me off the 10 mg. that I was on June 24,2004 because of this website. Started taking 200 mg of COQ10 and I have had some relief, in that there is no longer the shooting pains. I am walking with a cane for the last 2 weeks because I wobble a lot when getting up from a seated position. The G.P. sent me for nephrology after testing for CP or CPK which was elevated at 280,to see if he could understand the problem or hasten the solution.So far urine test shows elevated proteins. Next up 24 hr urine and ultrasound of kidneys. Suspects not Lipitor, but not completely ruled out, but maybe Celebrex or Diovan.

I took 15 days of Avelox in March 2004. This was given with Prednisone (Medrol) which enhances the possibility of an ADR. I initially had lower leg and Achilles tendon pain, then sharp wrist pain. Paresthesia soon followed. I called my ENT who told me to quit the medication. Nevertheless, a couple days later, I developed a rash on my palms which looked like allergic vasculitis, and the paresthesia intesified. My GP suspected a drug reaction and performed CPK tests. CPK 3 came back elevated but later returned to normal. A couple weeks later, numbness developed in my toes.

A neurologist has so far diagnosed me with bilateral ulnar neuritis (nerve inflammation in the elbows), carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis. There is also evidence of a peripheral neuropathy. I can no longer exercise, and it hurts to type. My hands are still red and inflammed.

ADRs to this drug are virtually identical to those of Levaquin. the drug is extraordinarily dangerous, and should be reserved for the most aggressive infections.

after taking lipitor for 4 weeks i had a general tests done and to my horror discovered that my cpk(cardiac enzyme) result was 2215!!!!!. Scared out my wits i got a echo and ett done which came out totaly normal...any one else who has experienced a similar problem?????

I am(was) a healthy,very active 53 year old female who began taking lipitor on November 24th. After a week, I began to experience muscle spasms in my legs and contacted my doctor. She attributed it to panic. I had my husband take me to the emergency room because I was frightened that I had ms als or some other"s" All tests cane back negative. I started experiencing pain in my bicep calves and eye. I was constantly fatigued. My husband was talking with a friend who was having similar side effects who eventually stopped taking lipitor. I happened to speak with a well respected orthopedic surgeon who suggested that i go off lipitor. I went to a neuro who said spasms were benign. I have all sorts of tests(mri, mra,cat scan,cardio tests and numerous blood tests (all negative (cpk slightly high soon after i stopped meds.) I am off lipitor for over a month and began taking coq 10(by the way Canadians patients are told to take this with lipitor.I am still having spasms in my calves but energy seems to be back. I am documenting everything i have been through in case of a class action suit and i suggest you all do the same. if my symptoms are permanent my life is greatly impacted. I am so angry at my doctors for not knowing all the side effects of this drug.