Zocor and cardiologist

PLEASE HELP! My father, age 74, was on lipitor for a year or so and then was switched to zocor a few weeks ago to help control his cholestorol. In the past week, the tightening he experienced in his leg, while on lipitor, has become debilitating leg pain now while he is on Zocor. Ultrasounds have ruled out a blood clot. He has no pain when he sits, but he describes the pain has his calf wanting to explode when he stands and he cannot walk with out the help of a cain. The pain radiates from his leg up to his hip.

His cardiologist has taken him off the zocor for a few weeks to see if there is an improvement. It has been 3 days and he feels a bit of relief. SO here is the million dollar question: His labs indicate his cholestorol is normal now, most likely thanks to the statins.....can anyone suggest another form of meds that will help regulate his cholestorol....say COeq10 and fish oil? Any help is SO appreciated!!! Thanks to each of you for your posts. It is so comforting for my dad to know he isn't developing a new issue and that it can be resolved with the removal of zocor!

My cardiologist prescribed 40mg zocor in Dec 07, I couldn't understand why I was feeling tired, having muscle aches and pains and just recently every joint in my body was hurting and inflamed. I haven't been able to do anything but lay around.. even getting up to take a shower or use the restroom was a task for me. I was also very depressed and just not myself. I am 47 and I have always been very active and full of energy and couldn't understand what was happening to me. I never would have thought that this horrible medicine was the culprit. I quit taking it on Sept 15th and already feel so much better. I can only hope and pray that there is no long lasting effects. I can manage my cholesterol without it!!!!!

Taking high dose of statin (generic zocor 80mg/day), I was short of breath, severe fatigue and couldn't get out of bead for long. The following information saved me. The article was published in 2002 by a Board Cerified Cardiologist:

"July 8, 2002
STATIN-INDUCED CARDIOMYOPATHY
INTRODUCTION TO THE CITIZEN’S PETITION ON STATINS
By Peter H. Langsjoen, MD
The medical profession has, after more than 30 years of excellent propaganda, successfully created the wholly iatrogenic - "pseudo-disease" dubbed "hypercholesterolemia" and the associated malady "cholesterol neurosis". After decades of dismal failure to cure this "disease" of numbers with low fat diets and a host of cholesterol lowering drugs, the medical profession stumbled upon the magic bullet, the cure for this dreaded artificial disease - statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). First released on the US market in 1987, statins have rapidly grown into one of the most widely prescribed class of drugs in history. Statins do three things:
1. They block the body's ability to make cholesterol, thus lowering the blood level of cholesterol, thereby curing cholesterol neurosis. Doctors and patients equally neurotic have immediate gratification. The "evil" high cholesterol has been dramatically lowered and the future is bright and promising. So far...so good.
2. Unrelated to their cholesterol lowering, statins have been found to have anti-inflammatory, plaque-stabilizing properties which have a slight benefit in coronary heart disease.
3. 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.
Statin-induced CoQ10 depletion is the topic of a recent petition to the FDA requesting that this drug/nutrient interaction be identified in a black box warning as part of statin package insert information. A comprehensive review of animal and human trials addressing this issue has been submitted to the FDA as a supporting document. We, of course, do not expect any response from the FDA, but 10 years from now when the full extent of statin toxicity becomes painfully evident, at least we can, in good conscience, know that we tried and who knows, sometimes small sparks may spread in dry grass.

See Also:
Cholesterol Drugs And The Depletion Of Coenzyme Q10: A Review Of Human And Animal Data.
By Peter H. Langsjoen, MD
Citizen Petition: Needed - A Change In The Labeling Of All Statin Drugs"

I've been on Zocor since December for high cholestorol, 20 mg. In july, after blood work, it had no effect on cholestorol so my cardiologist, increased dose to 40mg. I don't have the muscle issues described here, but I noticed in August, my eyes have become extremely dry and I can't cry. They are so dry especially at night. I've been on allergy and asthma meds for 2 years now- but those prerscriptions haven't changed. Also, taking zoloft for depression- that was increased also after my car accident in Dec. I don't know if this is a new problem or a result of meds- If anyone has this problem please write. I've changed jobs, my insurance now stinks and can't afford to see my doctors at the present time.

I have been taking zocor for about 3 years. Started out with 10 mg every other day, then every day; for nearly the last year I have been taking 20 mg once a day. It did lower my cholesterol enough to suit the doc. Did not really notice any symptoms at first. It seems I have been noticing more and more problems recently. Especially after my husband decided to tell me that he thinks something is very wrong. Maybe my problems are just age related. Most recently I have had two falls brought on by a simple "toe stubbing". For the past 3-4 months I have had unrelenting lower back pain and hip pain. Both to the point that I can't sleep and am having trouble walking. All of that I attributed to arthritis which I do have in my hands. The tingling, pins/needles sensations and foot pain started over 2 years ago but my doc said that couldn't be the zocor. My liver function was normal every time he checked. Diabetes has been ruled out. I am overweight so I just wrote off the fatigue to that. But - three years ago I was walking daily on our farm - up and down hills for over one hour at a time - and teaching high school full time. I am retired now and I don't think I could do that much walking because of the pain and stiffness. Does any body know how long it will take me to get rid of the symptoms? I stopped the zocor without the doc's knowledge day before yesterday.

Anyone have peripheral neuropathy on Zocor? I had shooting pains down both arms for a few days one month into taking Zocor. This stopped but is replaced with intense muscle pain in arms, hands, shoulders and back - and recently hot flashes. I stopped taking the Zocor 3 days ago AMA (against medical advice) as my doc said the neuropathy is not a side effect of Zocor.

I had a light heart attack in February 2005, then had two bypasses. Upon release from hospital I was prescribed Zocor to control cholesterol (previous cholesterol levels were between 200-220). My family doctor had not prescribed medications previously but cardiologist said I should have been on this medication "long ago." When I had my heart attack I did not have chest pain (which I understand is fairly common in women); rather I had intense pain in my arms, shoulders, and back. Since the surgery and being placed on Toprol and Zocor, I have had continuous nagging pain in my arms and back. Of course this makes me think I am going to have another heart attack. I have been told by medical personnel that this "probably could not be a side effect of the Zocor, might be "in my head," etc. My family has a history of heart attacks, high cholesterol, etc., so would be very hesitant to stop the Zocor (or some other statin drug) unless I could be very sure this is causing the pain. The pain is not high level (possibly 2-3 level; occasionally higher), but is always there! I am now going to chiropractor but he has been very straight-forward about his ability to help me.

I have had diabetes 47 years, and have been treated for high cholesterol for nearly 25 years. First with Lopid, then with Lipitor which causde my leg muscles to weaken and hurt after minimal exertion. Was swtched to Zocor about 1 year ago - the weakness and pain in my legs are still present, although not with too much difference that I have noticed. Weight-bearing exercise does seem to help the weakness, but the pain during the exertion is very unpleasant. Interestingly, the strangest thing did occur after starting Zocor. Suddenly I could hear my heartbeat very loudly inside my head. This seems to occur for a few days, then it will quiet down (although it will not disappear completely) for awhile. My cardiologist was certain that I had to have some blockage in my heart, and was sure that I was experiencing major blockage in my carotiids. The result: no blockage in my heart, and minimal blockage in my carotids. The doc was quite shocked, but let me say that vegetarianism pays off! So there is no explanatin for the loud beating in my ears. I take several supplements and they do seem to help, and they are strongly recommended for diabetics with high cholesterol: vitamin E - 400 IU daily, CoQ10 - 60 mg daily, cayenne pepper - 1 capsule at each meal, and Garlic - 1 talet or capsule at each meal. The medication did not seem to be very effective (diabetics' bodies produce an inordinate amount of their own cholesterol for some reason), but since taking the supplements, I have noticed a significant reduction in my cholesterol levels. I went from 238 in January 2005 to 93 in January 2006.

My cardiologist advised me to take CQ10 with each dose of Zocor....I ran out of CQ10 and did not take it for 2 weeks. I then developed pain in my arms and legs with severe muscle weakness. I had trouble walking and keeping my balance. I stopped the Zocor and my muscles have improved after 2 weeks. This has been a frightening experience for me .

I am 61 years old and have always exercise and watched my weight. exercise and diet was not enough and the doctor put me on 10mg of Zocor for the last 5 years.
For the passed 3 years I have experienced severe pain, mostly on my knees and ankles that prevents me from walking, at times the pain is so bad that my wife had to take me to the emergency room. This year the pain is occuring more often, almost every week. I had several blood test and MRI's and the doctors can not find the reason for the pain. My cardiologist tells me that the pain is not related to Zocor because it should had happen at the begginig of using the medication. I know that I need to lower my cholesterol and tryglicerides, but after reading this page, I will be affraid to take this medicine.
Does anyone know any other method to lower Cholesterol and tryglicerides??????.

Glad that i found this page today... now a Zocor death story (i am from Hungary, Europe btw). My mother died in Dec 2004, cause of death was Zocor induced rhabdomyolisis (muscle breadown) of course the doctors are not willing to write down the connection . She was 61, and had been taking Zocor for cca 3 years, the reason was relatively higher blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels... so her cardiologist put him on 20mg. Her physical condition was excellent, an energetic woman, was on a healthy diet for several years, exercising regularly (10 km running 3x week) , apperance looked like someone in the age of 47-52, everything predestined her to live until age 80 (just like my grandmother who died 5 months before that....)

Two weeks before her death she started drinking fresh grapefruit juice (one small glass only, as GPs advise this during winter time, everyone knows that ...) . First she had muscle pain in the arms, which progressed further in 3 days (GP said it is rheumatic cause) . Then after 1-2 days she was hardly able to move her legs / arms. At the hospital she was examined for all kinds of other possible causes (trombose etc), then it was finally discovered the ultimate and very serious side effect of statins (muscle breadown) was the cause. CK levels were around 180.000 (!) (doctors didnt believe first) , then the treatment started but it progressed so quickly, in 5 days she died. As the autopsy reported, the cause was complete liver function stop caused by muscle breadown and internal bleedings.

As my father later told me, she had the usual side effects for a year now (dizziness / memory loss / muscle pain / sleeping problems) , but of course cardiologist denied all of these being related to Zocor .

I hope one day this killer drug will be withdrawn and a lawsuit will happen...

PLEASE everyone make sure that if you experience serious muscle pains and you are on Zocor - there is a connection and this might be fatal, ACT quickly. Brown urine tells that muscle is breaking down, and tell your doctor that a blood test for CK level is the first to do...

thats it :(

any comments to ******

I just found this site and I'm totally AMAZED at all the similar complaints I have. I am a 46 year old female and have been on Zocor for about 6 years. My cholesterol is high, due to heredity. I've gone from 20mg, to 40 mg, to 80 mgs. I had leg cramps so badly with the 80 mg. that I just quit taking it. I was put back on 40 mgs. and still have many of the complaints.. i.e.... chronic muscle pain in neck, shoulders, arms, legs... chest pain/burning just doing minimal walking (saw cardiologist and had treadmill - nothing found)... a rash that comes and goes on my face, especially on and around my eyelids... insomnia... strange to horrible dreams... sudden lower abdonimal protrusion (never had that in my life!)... inability to lose weight... So, there you have it. I will be consulting with my doctor and getting off this horrible medicine! Diet and exercise will be a forever friend to me. I'm so glad I found this site.

I was put on 80mg of Zocor with Lopid in 1999. That great decision by the cardiologist resulted in rhabdomyolysis in 2001 and three episodes of anaphylaxis shock! In addition, I had a cardiolite stress test in 1999 prior to going on the high doses of Zocor that reflected a left ventricular ejection fraction of 70. One month after my episode of rhabdo, a cardiolite stress test revealed my heart had enlarged and weakened and I had a left ventricular ejection fraction of 37! That is what that wonderful drug and doctors that believe the propaganda released by the drug companies can do for you.

I am 38 y/o male on Zocor for over 7 years. Had heart attack @ age 32. Cardiologist put me on Zocor immediately. Have experienced just about every problem mentioned on this site. Took 20 mg for first 6 yrs., Dr. upped to 40 mg. recently. Memory has not been the same since getting on this product. Has affected short term memory from day 1., which in turn has made college course work and other work related activities even that much more challenging. Have severe pain on left lower leg and other numerous muscle aches. Most noteably, getting up in the mornings and getting out of bed are a tremendous challenge. Once up for 15 mins. + I start feeling more like my old self. Never felt like this before taking this product. Tired of aching all over and losing ability to communicate/ pronounce words or forgetting words all together.

At 42 years old, had triple bypass. I have been taking Zocor for a number of years and have never experienced any side effects. However, my cardiologist raised my dosage to 80mg and I have been taking that amount for about 8 months or so. I have recently (6 months or so) been experiencing joint discomfort in a finger or two and acute pain in my left hip joint, or what seems to be my hip joint. Feels like a sharp object being inserted. Could this be Zocor or just "growing old" pains? I'll be 50 in February, 2003.

My husband, 42, has been on Zocor for about a year. 4 months ago his cardiologist doubled his dose to 40 mL. He is experiencing almost constant eye twitching, and lower lip twitching, and recently, tingling and numbness sensations in his face. I haven't read any other symptoms from other people regarding twitching, but am really wondering if it's related to his Zocor.

My doctor put me on 80mg of Zocor, about 6 months Ago. I had previously been on 40mg; however the cardiologist finally convinced mt to take 80mg. My last test showed my cholesterol reading at 126. My lowest ever; however, I have been feeling weak, tired, and irritable for some time now. I have read that too low a reading can cause strokes, irritability and etc. Is that true?