Mevacor symptoms and conditions

Over 6 years ago, the following Petition was submitted to the FDA, I would encourage every patient being treated with statins to read it and bring it to the immediate attention of their physician:

CITIZEN PETITION TO CHANGE THE LABELING FOR
ALL STATIN DRUGS (MEVACOR, LESCOL, PRAVACHOL, ZOCOR, LIPITOR, AND ADVICOR) RECOMMENDING USE OF
100-200mg PER DAY OF SUPPLEMENTAL CO-ENZYME Q10 TO REDUCE THE RISK OF STATIN-INDUCED MYOPATHIES (INCLUDING
CARDIOMYOPATHY AND CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE). http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/dailys/02/May02/052902/02p-0244-cp00001-01-vol1.pdf
May 24, 2002
Petitioner:
Dr. Julian M. Whitaker, M.D.

This Petition is based in part on the clinical findings of Dr Peter H. Langsjoen, MD, FAAC,

Over 6 years ago, the following Petition was submitted to the FDA, I would encourage every patient being treated with statins to read it and bring it to the immediate attention of their physician:

CITIZEN PETITION TO CHANGE THE LABELING FOR
ALL STATIN DRUGS (MEVACOR, LESCOL, PRAVACHOL, ZOCOR, LIPITOR, AND ADVICOR) RECOMMENDING USE OF
100-200mg PER DAY OF SUPPLEMENTAL CO-ENZYME Q10 TO REDUCE THE RISK OF STATIN-INDUCED MYOPATHIES (INCLUDING
CARDIOMYOPATHY AND CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE). http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/dailys/02/May02/052902/02p-0244-cp00001-01-vol1.pdf
May 24, 2002
Petitioner:
Dr. Julian M. Whitaker, M.D.

This Petition is based in part on the clinical findings and safety concerns of Dr Peter H. Langsjoen, MD, FAAC

Statins kill people - lots of people - and they wound many, many more. All patients taking statins become depleted in Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), eventually - those patients who start with a relatively low CoQ10 levels (the elderly and patients with heart failure) begin to manifest signs/symptoms of CoQ10 deficiency relatively rapidly - in 6 to 12 months. Younger, healthier people who's only "illness" is the non-illness "hypercholesterolemia" can tolerate statins for several years before getting into trouble with fatigue, muscle weakness and soreness (usually with normal muscle enzyme CPK tests) and most ominously - heart failure. In my practice of 17 years in Tyler, Texas, I have seen a frightening increase in heart failure secondary to statin usage, "statin cardiomyopathy". Over the past five years, statins have become more potent, are being prescribed in higher doses, and are being used with reckless abandon in the elderly and in patients with "normal" cholesterol levels. We are in the midst of a CHF epidemic in the US with a dramatic increase over the past decade. Are we causing this epidemic through our zealous use of statins? In large part I think the answer is yes. We are now in a position to witness the unfolding of the greatest medical tragedy of all time - never before in history has the medical establishment knowingly (Merck & Co., Inc. has two 1990 patents combining CoQ10 with statins to prevent CoQ10 depletion and attendant side effects) created a life threatening nutrient deficiency in millions of otherwise healthy people, only to then sit back with arrogance and horrific irresponsibility and watch to see what happens - as I see two to three new statin cardiomyopathies per week in my practice, I cannot help but view my once great profession with a mixture of sorrow and contempt.

Over 6 years ago, the following Petition was submitted to the FDA, I would encourage every patient being treated with statins to read it and bring it to the immediate attention of their physician:

CITIZEN PETITION TO CHANGE THE LABELING FOR
ALL STATIN DRUGS (MEVACOR, LESCOL, PRAVACHOL, ZOCOR, LIPITOR, AND ADVICOR) RECOMMENDING USE OF
100-200mg PER DAY OF SUPPLEMENTAL CO-ENZYME Q10 TO REDUCE THE RISK OF STATIN-INDUCED MYOPATHIES (INCLUDING
CARDIOMYOPATHY AND CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE). http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/dailys/02/May02/052902/02p-0244-cp00001-01-vol1.pdf
May 24, 2002
Petitioner:
Dr. Julian M. Whitaker, M.D.

This Petition is based in part on the clinical findings of Dr Peter H. Langsjoen, MD, which he also reported to the FDA:

Statins kill people - lots of people - and they wound many, many more. All patients taking statins become depleted in Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), eventually - those patients who start with a relatively low CoQ10 levels (the elderly and patients with heart failure) begin to manifest signs/symptoms of CoQ10 deficiency relatively rapidly - in 6 to 12 months. Younger, healthier people who's only "illness" is the non-illness "hypercholesterolemia" can tolerate statins for several years before getting into trouble with fatigue, muscle weakness and soreness (usually with normal muscle enzyme CPK tests) and most ominously - heart failure. In my practice of 17 years in Tyler, Texas, I have seen a frightening increase in heart failure secondary to statin usage, "statin cardiomyopathy". Over the past five years, statins have become more potent, are being prescribed in higher doses, and are being used with reckless abandon in the elderly and in patients with "normal" cholesterol levels. We are in the midst of a CHF epidemic in the US with a dramatic increase over the past decade. Are we causing this epidemic through our zealous use of statins? In large part I think the answer is yes. We are now in a position to witness the unfolding of the greatest medical tragedy of all time - never before in history has the medical establishment knowingly (Merck & Co., Inc. has two 1990 patents combining CoQ10 with statins to prevent CoQ10 depletion and attendant side effects) created a life threatening nutrient deficiency in millions of otherwise healthy people, only to then sit back with arrogance and horrific irresponsibility and watch to see what happens - as I see two to three new statin cardiomyopathies per week in my practice, I cannot help but view my once great profession with a mixture of sorrow and contempt.

Over 6 years ago, the following Petition was submitted to the FDA. I would encourage every patient being treated with statins to read it and bring it to the immediate attention of their physician:

CITIZEN PETITION TO CHANGE THE LABELING FOR
ALL STATIN DRUGS (MEVACOR, LESCOL, PRAVACHOL, ZOCOR,LIPITOR, AND ADVICOR) RECOMMENDING USE OF 100-200mg PER DAY OF SUPPLEMENTAL CO-ENZYME Q10 TO REDUCE THE RISK OF STATIN-INDUCED MYOPATHIES (INCLUDING
CARDIOMYOPATHY AND CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE). http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/dailys/02/May02/052902/02p-0244-cp00001-01-vol1.pdf
May 24, 2002
Petitioner:
Dr. Julian M. Whitaker, M.D.

This Petition is based on the clinical findings of Dr Peter H. Langsjoen, MD, who also reported it to the FDA as follows:

Statins kill people - lots of people - and they wound many, many more. All patients taking statins become depleted in Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), eventually - those patients who start with a relatively low CoQ10 levels (the elderly and patients with heart failure) begin to manifest signs/symptoms of CoQ10 deficiency relatively rapidly - in 6 to 12 months. Younger, healthier people who's only "illness" is the non-illness "hypercholesterolemia" can tolerate statins for several years before getting into trouble with fatigue, muscle weakness and soreness (usually with normal muscle enzyme CPK tests) and most ominously - heart failure. In my practice of 17 years in Tyler, Texas, I have seen a frightening increase in heart failure secondary to statin usage, "statin cardiomyopathy". Over the past five years, statins have become more potent, are being prescribed in higher doses, and are being used with reckless abandon in the elderly and in patients with "normal" cholesterol levels. We are in the midst of a CHF epidemic in the US with a dramatic increase over the past decade. Are we causing this epidemic through our zealous use of statins? In large part I think the answer is yes. We are now in a position to witness the unfolding of the greatest medical tragedy of all time - never before in history has the medical establishment knowingly (Merck & Co., Inc. has two 1990 patents combining CoQ10 with statins to prevent CoQ10 depletion and attendant side effects) created a life threatening nutrient deficiency in millions of otherwise healthy people, only to then sit back with arrogance and horrific irresponsibility and watch to see what happens - as I see two to three new statin cardiomyopathies per week in my practice, I cannot help but view my once great profession with a mixture of sorrow and contempt.

Over 6 years ago, the following Petition was submitted to the FDA. I would encourage every patient being treated with statins to read it and bring it to the immediate attention of their physician:

CITIZEN PETITION TO CHANGE THE LABELING FOR
ALL STATIN DRUGS (MEVACOR, LESCOL, PRAVACHOL, ZOCOR, LIPITOR, AND ADVICOR) RECOMMENDING USE OF
100-200mg PER DAY OF SUPPLEMENTAL CO-ENZYME Q10 TO REDUCE THE RISK OF STATIN-INDUCED MYOPATHIES (INCLUDING
CARDIOMYOPATHY AND CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE). http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/dailys/02/May02/052902/02p-0244-cp00001-01-vol1.pdf
May 24, 2002
Petitioner:
Dr. Julian M. Whitaker, M.D.

This Petition is based on the clinical findings of Dr Peter H. Langsjoen, MD, who also reported it to the FDA as follows:

Statins kill people - lots of people - and they wound many, many more. All patients taking statins become depleted in Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), eventually - those patients who start with a relatively low CoQ10 levels (the elderly and patients with heart failure) begin to manifest signs/symptoms of CoQ10 deficiency relatively rapidly - in 6 to 12 months. Younger, healthier people who's only "illness" is the non-illness "hypercholesterolemia" can tolerate statins for several years before getting into trouble with fatigue, muscle weakness and soreness (usually with normal muscle enzyme CPK tests) and most ominously - heart failure. In my practice of 17 years in Tyler, Texas, I have seen a frightening increase in heart failure secondary to statin usage, "statin cardiomyopathy". Over the past five years, statins have become more potent, are being prescribed in higher doses, and are being used with reckless abandon in the elderly and in patients with "normal" cholesterol levels. We are in the midst of a CHF epidemic in the US with a dramatic increase over the past decade. Are we causing this epidemic through our zealous use of statins? In large part I think the answer is yes. We are now in a position to witness the unfolding of the greatest medical tragedy of all time - never before in history has the medical establishment knowingly (Merck & Co., Inc. has two 1990 patents combining CoQ10 with statins to prevent CoQ10 depletion and attendant side effects) created a life threatening nutrient deficiency in millions of otherwise healthy people, only to then sit back with arrogance and horrific irresponsibility and watch to see what happens - as I see two to three new statin cardiomyopathies per week in my practice, I cannot help but view my once great profession with a mixture of sorrow and contempt.

i was a healthy 35 year old male but had high cholesterol, so the doctor prescribed lovastatin (mevacor) and tried it for a month but developed muscle weakness. months later, i'm still experiencing severe muscle spasms and my neurologist is stumped -- mri's, spinal tap, emg -- all normal. I just want to feel normal again. can anyone help? please email me!

After taking 10 mg of Crestor for a short time, i experienced shortness of breath and was very tired. This continued even thou the doctor said it was not a problem. I finally got in to see him and they had me immediately quit the drug and I was sent for a echo/stress test. My heart rate had dropped so low and my breathing so labored, that I was considering suicide, there was no way I was going to go on living if all that I could do was to wake up and get dressed and be so tired , that I was unable to function at all.

In the past, I had taken Zocor, Mevacor, and others which I can't even remember. They did NOT help my low HDL, and high LDL and terribly elevated Triglycerides. I have Diabetes, so this is real important. So then I was put on Lipitor...still didn't do much. Then, 2 years ago my Dr. added Niaspan ER, 1000 mgs, to the 20 Mg. Lipitor.

I followed his instructions and take an 81 mg. Aspirin 1/2 hour before taking the Niaspan. I very rarely have the bright red ears, chest and arms with all the flushing IF I don't eat something fat like Ice cream! If I am awakened with it I sometimes go get a really cold washcloth and just hold it over the worst of it and within 1/2 hour it pretty well goes away. I wouldn't be able to take it at all if I didn't take the aspirin first.

I have been on Vytorin for about 2 years. Before the drug, I had not aches or pains. My cholesterol levels are good now but the quality of my life is not. I feel as if my joints have aged 30 years over the past two. Lower back pain has caused me to see chiropractors, physical therapists, and surgeons. Now, my feet are hurting so badly that I can hardly walk. I don't know if it's related, but since I've been taking vytorin, my 2nd toe on both of my feet has become crooked and it almost on top of my big toe. I've spoken to my doctor today once again with all these concerns and will be discontinuing the drug for a week to see if these horrible symptoms disappear.

My doctor started me on Mevacor a few months ago at 40 mg - I could hardly stand up to walk - my back was killing me! Then she put meon 5 mg of Zocor - okay for the first few weeks, and my cholestorol went down so she told me to double it to 10 mg - then the leg cramps started. I stopped taking if for a few weeks and restarted at 5 mgs (again) last week - now my legs are aching and my ankles are swollen big time. Also noticing fatique and some blues/depression. I told my doctor today that I am not taking it anymore! Not asking her, TELLING her.

I have been on Welchol about 21/2 months. I have bloating and lots of gas.indegestion, acid reflux, headache in back of head. I thought was a sinus headache. Not sure now. Just called my Dr. about blood work after reading all remarks.Watch out for the other drugs, especially Crestar. My muscles were breaking down into my blood stream with that and I had to go through some painful tests to make sure threr was no permanet damage. Zocor,Mevacor,Lipitor all caused muscle weakness as did all of the statins. So please get to your Drs. if you experience any of these.
thanks, NLC

I have been on Zocor for about 13 months.Doctor put me on 40 mgs at first and later changed the dosage to 80 mgs . Since then I have pains in my left hip and down the calf and ankle. I also have pains in my right hand I think Zocor causes these pains. I was on Mevacor for 5 years but did not have any pains. My doctor suggested Zocor stating it was better for you health. I think I will go back to 40 mgs and see if that will help. If not I will go back to mevacor.

I am a heathy 63 year old male. Completed a half marathon last year. Run 15-20 miles a week and bike 20-35 miles a week. I've never had any medical problems except to be on blood pressure medicine for 20 years. It is controlled.

Last April I had a bout of plantar fasciitis in my right foot. The podiatrist recommended and I purchased orthotics.

The heel pain did not subside, in fact the whole foot became sore all the time. The other foot joined the party and within a couple of months I could not run because of pain.

I used stretching exercises recommended. Purchased two foot splints to hold the foot at 90 degrees at night to reduce tearing of the tendon. I mixed Aleve and Iboprophin to help with the pain. No relief.

The discomfort in both my feet was at a level it hurt to get out of bed and walk. I did not wish to walk to the mail box or go shopping with my wife. I hold national computer workshops. I could not stand all day. I had to use a bar stool. When I finished for the day, I'd go to my hotel room and order from room service. I had no interest in walking.

I was wondering if it was the orthoditics. Tried it without them. No change. It was now into the 8th month. I was thinking I was just an old man who had worn out his feet running.

Then I did research on the Interent and discovered Lipitor side effects. I had gone on Vytorin (Lipitor/Zetia combo drug) a couple of weeks before the plantar fasciitis started.

I slowly reduced my Vytorin until it was zero. Within 3 weeks 95% of pain was GONE! Within 2 months it was completely gone including the heel pain.

I now run again, walk and have my quality of life back.

When I went for my annual physical I explained what happened. The doctor did not say wow, that is common. He was kind enough not to make a judgement call. He said well, you must have had a side effect not well known. I told him it was muscle pain in my feet rather than large musle groups as is usual with this side effect of Lipitor.

My lipids are not over the hill bad but he is aggressive in treating carcio vascular issues. So we are going to try Zetia by itself and then possibly Niacin.

Let me say, I am not an extremist about statins nor do I believe there is a conspiracy wiht drug companies. Statins do work for most people.

I have a strong opinion that we must have a equal relationship with our doctor to determine our treatment. The Internet gives us that opportunuity to get the knowledge we need to talk to our doctor. Without the info on boards like this I would been a broken down old man with bad feet using the electric cart at Sams and selling my RV.

Best wishes in your search for satisfactory health.

RED YEAST RICE IS A STATIN--mevacolin K is the active anti cholesterol ingredient in red yeast rice--this is the SAME ingredient found in the very first statin manufactured--mevacor. so if your husband is taking red yeast rice, he is still taking a statin, albeit a much milder version of one.....

I was on Mevacor for a number of years due to high levels and family hx. I changed doctors (insurance change) and started on Lipitor 20 mg. for a couple years. Muscle pain started but was attributed to 'getting older'. I've tried to exercise rigoriously and diet to lower levels w/o success. Now I'm on 40 mg. and the physical attributes of muscle ache, memory and hearing issues persist. I can see that there are nmany others out there with similar symptoms.....what can we do?

I just found this site when I was looking up side effects from Lipitor. I've been on 40mg for about 8 years or so - Zocor and Mevacor before that. Had by-pass surgery 18 months ago (I'm a 53 year old male). Lately my shoulders and sometimes my elbow ache although it's more annoying than anything. I work out every other day and have no problems with that and actually I'm in better shape then I've been in 25 years. In addition to the joint pain, I do seem to be more tired than I should be. My wife's on 20mg and has been experiencing slight balance problems, a writer's cramp sort of thing, as well as being tired. Since this is all relatively new to me it'll be a topic when I visit my doctor in a few weeks. Thank you all for your posts. I've learned alot today.

I am a 53 year old female. I have been taking Mevacor and Lipitor for over 20 years. NO great side effects until recently. I am experiencing tingling in my body especially hands and feet. My big toe feels numb.
I had a MRI which was nonconclusive. My cardiologist decided to change my lipitor (20 mgs) to pravachall (40 mg). I am so afraid now..my parents and sister all died at an early age of heart disease. I try to exercise and take care of myself. I am afraid to get off statins, but even more afraid to stay on them with most folks on this sharing board have not received relief. I am going to a neurologist next week. Since no one has said the lipitor has caused this, they are looking at MS...
Any advice? Would this develop after being on statins for 20 years?
If I take CoQ10, can you take it at the same time you take a statin?

Started lipitor on Friday and by Sunday I was feeling AWFUL. Aches and Flu like symtoms, like I fell down a flight of stairs. By Monday morning getting out of bed was difficult, so tired and so many aches and pains. Back, neck, knees, etc. I was on lipitor for a total of 3 days and stopped taking it. Same thing happened about six months ago, when I was on Mevacor for 1 week. I had pains and burning pains in my thighs and lower back.

Guess I am NOT a candidate for statin drugs.

I have been on statins for 20 years. Started with Mevacor and then Lipitor 10 mg. Had a triple bypass 4 years ago and at that time my Lipitor was raised to 40 mg. I didn't seem to have any problems. About six months ago Zetia, Actos and Glucophage were added and since then it has been a nightmare. I have had general body cramping, fasciculations (twitching) in my legs, muscle pain, lethargy, atrophy of the muscles of my legs (right>left), and foot drop on the right side. Saw Neurologist and had EMG/Nerve conduction studies showing motor nerve deficit in my legs. This is the picture of ALS. I stopped Lipitor about 1 month ago and the rest of the meds about 1 week ago and everything is better (except the foot drop). Hopefully that will improve with time. The problem is that I need those meds. Anyone had problems with lipitor that then switched to another statin without problems? Anyone had problems with Zetia alone? Anyone had problems with Actos or Glucophage?
Thanks,

I have been on zocor, mevacor, and lipitor for five years or so. After I complained to my new doctor that I was experiencing killer fatigue, calf pains, muscle loss, and tinnitus, among other things, he put me on zetia and coreg and CQ-10. My status has improved much, and I am now laying off the zetia and coreg for a couple of weeks.
I am most disturbed by accounts from individuals who have quit lipitor but have gotten no relief from the symptoms most commonly attributed to lipitor.