Zocor and legs

I am a 58-year-old woman that changed from zetia to zocor about 6 months ago because of the price of zetia AND I had tolerated the zetia ok but my chol was still elevated. My initial dose of zocor was just 10 mg, even though I had a lot of aches and pains from the slighest exertion I really did not connect this to zocor. After my last checkup, the doctor wanted to up my dose to 20 mg daily because my chol was 228 (liver functions were all ok). I have been doing that for 6 days and my legs have become very achy, my left knee has swollen above my kneecap (which is very painful), and my lower back hurts. I have been having a lot of trouble sleeping and feel draggy all the time. I got on the net to research these symptoms when I found this site. I am going to go off this med and see if my condition improves! I will post an update as to the results.

I was prescribed Zocor for high cholesterol. Almost immediately I began to experience body aches -- some days more severe than others. I would take ibuprofen and it would help. Then, I started getting a pretty strong pain on my hip which radiated down my leg onto my foot. The pain was so severe, even the Motrin 800 mg. pills didn't help it. I am 53 years old, but I felt like a 90 year old. I had problems walking, especially after sitting for an hour or so. I had problems with stairs. Even laying down was painful. I tried heating pads, ointments, etc. When I told my doctor about it, she said that this was a typical side effect of statins, and that because I am diabetic, I need to continue taking Zocor to keep my cholesterol down. Just the other day, I stopped taking Zocor for 3 glorious days and guess what? NO pain!!! I resumed it because my doctor insists that I stay on it, but I wish there was something else I could take that wouldn't cause pain.

i have been taking zocor for about a year when i remember to take it but have been having very bad muscle weakness in my legs.I have had a few leg cramps occasionally.Also when i sit and then get up i am like an old women.The ache never really goes away.My legs are so much worse when i wake up in the morning.I am going to stop taking it for now and see if things change

I HAVE TAKEN ZOCOR FOR 4YEARS ALSO I HAVE VERY BAD PAINS IN MY RIGHT LEGS AND HIP. THIS IS SOMETHING I'LL NEVER HAD BEFORE IN MY LIFE. THE DOCTOR NEED TO STOP GIVING PEOPLE THIS MEDICATION BECAUSE IT'S NOT GO FOR ANYBODY.

I've used the Zocor generic, Simvastatin for approximately 7 months with no problems. Suddenly, I began to experience pain in my muscles and joints. From one day to the next, my body was in excruciating pain especially my knee, I could barely get up from a seated position, and could barely lift my legs to walk. I told the doctor, I felt like a very old person. I am 53 and never had any problem with my knee. The doctor advised me to stop taking the pills. Now, all muscle pain is gone, but the knee pain is still huge problem. I am wondering if this will ever go away or will I be crippled for the rest of my life. Prior to this, my only illness was high blood pressure. I know that my recent problems are from taking Simvastatin.

I have been on Zocor for one year. I am a former athlete used to dealing with pain associated with playing and training at a high level. Since using Zocor, my energy level has decreased significantly, very tired, before, during and after workouts. Muscle pain specifically in my neck, back and legs has significantly increased without cause. I have a constant feeling of a stabbing pain in my abdomen, accompanied with nausea, bloating and abdominal gas. After seeing some of the posts on this site, has there been a lot of reporting of abdominal pain? Bloating? Gas?
I too, have had trouble sleeping, accompanied by unexplained itching, and now after seeing these posts probably some mild depression. I believe I've had some short term memory loss - but then I can't really remember - LOL. Is the drug worth it? Physicians all seem to downplay the side effects, justifying the desired lower cholesterol, as more important than the side effects.........is it?
At 46 years old and formerly a competitive athlete at an elite level, I'm wondering if feeling better by NOT taking the drug is better than feeling worse and taking it. My training regimen was very intense prior to starting Zocor - NOW - it seems as if I can't keep up any longer. Any response to these problems would be greatly appreciated.

I took Zorcor for about 9 months and developed cramps and spasms in my legs. At one point the leg cramps lasted almost twenty minutes. I literally could not move my legs.The cramps kept happening more often then less. I discontinue using the medication and it took almost two to three weeks for the cramping to seize.

I did not know that there were web sites like this, I stumbled on another web site last night looking for some help for my husband and realized these are out here.

I was on Zocor last year, I took a total of 29 pills from June 16, 07 to October 20, 07. I took them when I remembered. During that time I had many problems and did not relate them to Zocor since I did not take it on a regular basis. I'm 58, both my parents were sick and baby sitting 3 little kids from 6 mos. 2, and 4. Side effects did not come into my thoughts.

Anyway I am right handed and I begin to have (pain in my right hand, pain in knuckle of middle finger, lost all strength in (R) hand, and my hand would be very stiff). I could not longer squat down to get into cabnets or get low for any reason, pain was so severe in the back of my knees. I had pain in my hip, pain down my leg between my calf and ankle that was so pain ful I could not move or scream it was worst that labor pains.

I was given xrays for hand, finger and my hip. Still I didn't relate it to taking zocor. Finally the pain was so severe in my leg I went to the Dr. I told her that I have had pain in my leg off and on since June and how bad it was she looked at my chart and ask was I taking the zocor, I told her not regularly but I would start.

Then she said not to take it for a month and come back because the pain in my legs was a side effect other patients had had.

Well after 5 months my hand has come back to normal, no pain in hip, from time to time a lttle discomfort in my lower leg, and now I can squat still a little pain getting up.
Before I could not lower my body.

Oh yeah, I wasn't sleeping, and extreme constipation. I am sleeping now and constipation is long gone. My Dr. assured me that all the symptoms would leave eventually.

Through this I have learned that medication effects us all differently and just because it is not a side effect the Dr. is familiar with doesn't mean it does not exist.

Just started taking zocor 3 weeks ago. I have noticed some of the symptoms listed by others. I am having trouble with constipation. Now my hemorrhoids are flaring up. My whole bottom is hurting. I also am having charley horses in my legs. I haven't had this problem for years. Has anyone noticed these problems?

I have many of the symptoms stated by readers. It started with general fatigue and muscle stiffness. I told the doctor that I have never felt this old before ( I am in my mid forties). I have gone from being healthy and fit to feeling old and fatigued. I have stopped Zocor after almost a year. I now have numbness and tingling in my right arm, legs ( including toes). My Doctor is trying hard to convince me that it could be because of diabetes when I have not been diagnosed as having diabetes? I am sure Zocor is the cause and the FDA needs to investigate. I do hope there are no long term repercussions!

I'm 40 year old male and I'v been taking ZOCOR for almost 2 years. I am very active ,working out 3-5 times a week both lifting weights and either running or eliptical training. MY cholesterol was a genetic issue and 20mg of ZOCOR at night has lowered it to normal some what normal ranges. I have noticed that my stools in the morning have been irregular. I have noticed more muscle pains in my legs when I lay down at night. I just recently had had my first ECG and now it appears there may be some sort of irregularly. After reading all the postings, it appears that alot I have a lot of the same side affects and just brushed them off. I now have a consult with a cardiologists. Has anyone else had abnormal ECG's after taking ZOCOR ?

richard

I`ve been on Simvasatin for years- 10 mg. Secrist at ctcn.net The last 2 months blured vision, nausea, numb foot, hands & chin, burning feeling in legs & bladder. stopped the medicine about 4 days ago, will it ever get back to normal? Arlene

55 yo male. I started Vytorin (20mg zocor) in Jan of 2007 until May of 2007. I lowered the dose to 10mg in March but am still suffering side effects (3/29/08) It did lower my cholesterol dramatically but at what price?
I began having tingling/burning in my feet and shins. Also, muscle pains in my calves and something like shin splints. I had been very active but have not fully recovered. B-12, methylcobalimin, has helped the tingling. I was taking as much as 10mg per day. Also, L-carnitine for the muscles, CoQ10, and Ribose. I do feel like I am gradually improving. The tingling is much less but my legs are weaker than before.

Sounds like everyone is having the same symptoms...I was taking lipitor and my doc changed mine to ZOCOR ..he started me off on 40 mg..and just recently upped it to 80 mg..my legs are so sore when I stand up , I can hardly walk up the stairs...I have unexplained pain in my legs , shoulders, arms...and recently have been having anxiety attacks...I have felt horrible since being on this medication. I thought it was supposed to help , not make me feel worse..I am fatigued all the time, dizziness, heel and leg pain..I am 43 years old and feel as though I am nearing 70....I think I am going to stop taking this medication and see if there is a difference in the way I feel, especially after reading everyone else's side affects. it's very scary after reading all this, but I am glad I found this site ...

I was prescribed Zocor 10mg about 3 mos ago. I started having severe pain in my knee when kneeling down like a hot knife. The skin on the side also became numb. After x-raying the knee they found nothing wrong. Cholesterol went down but they upped me to 20mg and within a few days I developed a rash on my arms, hands and legs - no itching but annoying. Thinking it was a food allergy I didn't worry about it too much. Then I started getting knee pain in my other knee and then in my big toe. I'm 50 years old and feel like I'm 80. Now the palms of my hands are peeling like they've been sunburned. My doctor has told me to stop taking the Zocor but that she has never heard of these side effects.

Have been on some form of statins since 2000 when I had a heart attack, Baycol until they recalled it then Zocor. Have had three stents since 2000, one in 2005 and one in 2006, a year apart all most to the day. Things got really bad after the last stent, was put on 40 mg. Then the Dr. was not happy with the cholesterol test after the 6 week checkup after the last stent, put me on 80mg, thats when things really went down hill , fatigue,eyes twitching,foot pain,joint pain, finally ended up in the e.r. with sever lower back pain. After morphine and muscle relaxer was sent home, when entering our house right leg gave out and fell, since then legs have been weak and can't stand to be on them for long periods of time. Have been recently told I have polyneuropathy. The Dr. don't think the statins have anything to do with all these ailments.Have since stopped using the statins and most ailments have been gradually getting better. I am getting to understand why they call it a wonder drug so many unexplainable side effects so many more $$$$.

I was reading the various side effects and I have one more to add. Has anyone experienced vertigo--not dizziness but spinning. It lasts for about 15 seconds and it's enough to scare you to death! I've also noticed that the whites of my eyes turn red.
I've also experienced pain in my legs, heels and knees. It's so difficult to walk that I had cortisone shots in my knees and three series of epidural in my lower back. No doctor ever thinks it could be from medication. I've been on Zocor 10mg for two years
I've gone to more doctors now than I have in all my years. Everyone is a specialist. No one treats you as a whole. Now I have to go to a neurologist for the vertigo.
I'm thinking all this is related to Zocor. The only other medicine I take is Protonix.

I am a 48 year old male. Was placed on Zocor last year. Since the day I was placed on it, I have felt weak, no ambition, no drive, feel like a zombie. I eventually had pain in my legs so severe that I had to take Hydrocodone so I could sleep. The skin on my thumbs and two first fingers peels off. I haven't had a good nights sleep since the second day I was on this crap. I haven't been taking it since June and still have a lot of problems. I still am very weak, no energy, tired all the time, skin is still peeling off my fingers, can't think, can't keep a straight thought. I have pretty severe pain in my hips that started when I was on Zocor. Also, my knees are very weak, and they pop every time I get up. At the time I stopped taking it, I was unable to make it up a flight of stairs.
My doctor constantly denied any link between any of this and the Zocor, but amazingly, after I stopped taking it, some of the symptoms reduced. I still suffer from many.
I was a small business owner with 7 employees and have since lost everything. I have been unable to find a job now for almost a year. The doctors are all "programmed" to think and tell you that these are good for you.

Have been taking Zocor for about 5 years now, leg and knee pain makes in almost impossible for me to walk. Has this medicine caused permanent damage to my muscles and joints? a question I would like to have answered. I am 71 years old and up to now could walk endlessly without pain or distress. A couple of years ago switched to generic Zocor which is SIMVASTATIN. Noticed no difference, but still have difficulty walking very far and am from side to side unstable, when I walk, because of pain in one leg or the other. Now what is the answer, has this medicine caused permanent injury, it has caused me to be more comfortable sitting and have things to do. Will the pain go away and will I regain my strength back in my legs? Wonder what is the answer.

Tom.

I am 59. Not overweight and now eat intelligently .Had moderate heart attack in August 2001 and have taken 20mg of ZOCOR every day since.About four years ago I stated getting mild pain in right buttocks muscle and groin but thought this was just "AGE" setting in.Doctor thought it was arthritis in lower back and causing associated musle strain.Went to physio but no progress in pain alleviation, in fact pain and weakness kept getting steadily worse.Pain then started in left shoulder last spring (2007) then about three months ago really severe in left hip and buttocks. Sleep was interrupted every night by pain.Movement from sitting position to standing/walking was like a ninety year old,slow and stumbling.My legs felt nearly numb when walking.Getting out of bed in the morning and putting on my socks became an ordeal of PAIN.
Seen my doctor last week and told him of current status and that I couldn't go on like thisanymore.He said to STOP the Zocor immediately. I can feel the difference already, in one week!!! Not perfect but maybe 50% improvement!!!
He ordered a battery of blood tests including PSA . I just hope something else isn't now really F--ked Up from taking this stuff for six years ?
I will defiately NOT TAKE ZOCOR or any other STATIN again!!!

I have been off Zocor now for almost 6 weeks. I am not sure if my symptoms are from Zocor but they have been slowly, very slowly getting better. I have had numbness in both my legs, groin area and feet. Now there is this crackling feeling in both my feet and the numbness has changed to a feeling that my muscles are tightly flexed all the time. Has anyone else had these effects? I am trying to see if it is the Zocor or may be some other problem I may have.

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.

Practically the same as everyone else. I have PAD (so they say). So, I 'm not really sure whether the extreme pain in my calves and hips are a result of that (I don't think so), or the Zocor. I'm coming off of it immediately. I'll find something else to take for my cholesterol. The pain in my legs have definitely gotten worse. I've been on Zocor for 3 years. Started on 40 mgs, now on 80 mgs. I honestly think it's the Zocor that's causing the pain and not the PAD. Also have trouble with blurred vision and I just feel tired all the time. I hope this is not permanent, but I'm so afraid that it is. Also on Lexapro for depression. No wonder. I've made up my mind that if a label says "FDA approved", I don't want any part of it.

I have numbness in both feet and legs up to about my knees. I was on Zocor for several months but the damage is done now.

When I started taking Zocor a few months ago I also had added aqua jogging to my exercise routine and I thought that the tiredness, fatique, muscle aches and the swelling in my knee were from exercising. I thought it was strange the my body never adjusted to it because it should have become easier with practice. At that time I was also walking 3 miles a day. About two months ago the doctor increased my dosage. The pain in my legs became unbearable. I tried walking and it was difficult when starting out and became increasingly harder until I started feeling light headed and just couldn't go any further. I have also been experiencing blurred vision and pain in my shoulders and I thought that was from aqua jogging. I called my pharmacist to see if I was taking anything that could be causing those symtoms. Immediately he said it was the Zocor. My doctor doesn't agree. He has since diagnosed me with diabetes but my meter has never shown and readings that would indicate high blood sugar and he has ordered ultra sounds on my legs that showed nothing. Where does one go to get help with this problem? I have missed so much time from work that I have gotten a "warning". Also, I am registered to go back to school in the fall and I am afraid I may not make it if I am not feeling better by then.

Like everyone here I have a lot of the same symptoms. Since starting zocor, I am on medicine for depression, gained weight, can't sleep well, tired all the time, legs egg when walking. My biggest concern and I didn't notice anyone having this problem; I am wondering if zocor can make your blood pressure rise. I stopped taking zocor about three weeks ago and my blood pressure (yesterday) was 128/68...perfect for me 55 year old woman. Prior to stopping the zocor (and taking blood pressure med's) it was 140/88. I stopped the b/p medicine too.

Extreme fatigue, severe muscle pain, feel horrible, no energy, hot then cold, extreme swelling in feet, blood vessels breaking in legs and arms. stiffness in all joints itchy skin

I started taking Vytorin 10 months ago. This medication is a
mix of zocar and some other medication. I began to feel
muscle pain immediately but dismissed it because I started a
new job and was on my feet. Everyday my legs hurt and
everyday I just thought it was because I was up on my feet
more than usual. I stopped working after 6 months but my
legs have continued to hurt. I decided to get on line to see if
anyone else was experiencing this sort of problems with this
med. Boy, have I been enlightened. I have an appt. with my
doctor. I just hope this muscle pain will not be permanent.

I have been on zocor for 7 weeks and almost immediately upon taking have experienced leg cramping. When I saw dr. about 4 weeks after starting zocor I told him that 2 hrs. after taking med's I have muscle cramping. He disregarded my concern. Since then, I have experienced more severe pains in my legs, shoulder tightness , back of neck spasms. This morning spasm were severe in neck, feet, calfs plus blurred vision. I am in route to the dr. to tell him that I am discontinuing this medication.

after 1 week on drug, my legs began cramping and were very painful. I walk regularly 3 miles every day, and with this drug I could not walk at all.

Worse, this drug triggered tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that has persisted after discontinuing the drug.

I don't remember when I started taking Zocor - I think it was late 1990's. Recently I've been having pins and needles in my legs, arms and other parts of my body. Doctor did an EMG and it came back normal. Blood tests were also normal. He's now sending me to a neurologist. I researched Zocor and found that it can cause nerve damage which is what my doctor said I probably have. The research said that it starts in the feet then travels to the rest of the body. In 1999 I went to the doctor with pins and needles in the feet and he diagnosed it as arthritis and gave me quinine. I was in a car accident in 2001 and have been on pain medicine since then which was covering up the pain. The pain sometimes has me using a cane.

I have not taken Zocor in eight weeks. The pain in my legs is almost completely gone. I can stand up for ten minutes (which is nine minutes longer than 8 weeks ago). My balance is still off, and I still fall, though not as frequently. I feel better mentally and physically. I don't know that the damage already done will be reversed, but I can say with certainty that I have not gotten worse since I stopped taking the Zocor.

Good luck to anyone that will end up having to see a neurologist. I am finding that physicians and the drug companies work together.

My prescription plan at work is sponsored in part by Merck,
who also makes Zocor.

My doctor just put me on Zocor a month agao. Both my bad and good cholesterol were high. My total cholesterol was 273. I am already thin and have a good diet so medication was the next step. I have had back pain, muscle stiffnes in my joints, especially my legs. I can hardly get out of bed in the morning. My chest on the left side hurts all the time and I feel a throbbing in my back on the left side. My doctor has done a ton of blood work and also a cat scan. Everything has came back normal. I did not have any of these symptons until I started the Zocor. I have asked my doctor to take me off of Zocor. One last thing, I have also experienced the diziness and blurred vision just for a moment.

I think this medication should be pulled off the shelves!
My father was having weakness in his legs and arms that started overnight. He got so bad we had to call an ambulance to take him to the hospital because he could not walk. Simvastin took over all of his muscles in his body which 2 weeks later killed him. The physician said his mylogan was over 2 million and he had not ever seen it that high. If you know of someone that on this medication please warn them!

when I was on Lipitor I had cramping in my legs and pain in my back. Since May have been on Zocor and now simvastation and have developed severe itching in my arms
no matter what I do nothing is helping. So, as of Oct.9th I haven't taken any of them no change yet.
Barbara

In July I was put on lovastatin for moderately elevated cholesterol, I have a family history of heart disease. After being on it for a week I started feeling achy, and flu-like symptoms. My joints and back hurt. My doctor had me go off for two weeks and try again. This time after just two days all symptoms came back. Again, my doctor took me off the lovastatin and a month later had me restarted Zocor (simvastatin). My back pain got worse and the back of my legs started aching and getting charleyhorses at night. My doctor checked a CK level which was normal and her nurse advised me to keeping taking the drug, that it wasn't doing any harm to my muscles and that my side effects would probably get better. Two weeks later I woke up in the middle of the night with restless arms and muscle twtiching all over my body. Another CK level was done and it was normal. I have seen two neurologists and they seem to think it is lingering effects of the statin drugs. I have been off of them for a month and still have twitching, although I think it is a little better. I am really getting tired of this and think that something is really wrong. Has anyone else ever experienced somethimg like this?

I too have been taking Zocor for about two years and have experienced several of the same symptoms. I have pins and needles in my feet and legs, cramping and stiff neck and shoulder, as well as dizziness, and tiredness. I stopped taking it four days ago and have allready felt many of the symptoms fading.

I have been taking Zocor for over 4 years after having problems with Lipitor. I have recentley developed muscle and joint pain in the neck, shoulders and elbows and sometimes in the knees and legs. I have a great amount of fatigue and general weakness at times. Occasionally, I have a pale colored stool. I have also noticed a loss of muscle mass particularly in my arms. I am also experiencing easy bruising. After reading these testimonials, I am discontinuing Zocor to see if the problems improve. I am a 61 yr old male.

My side effects are the same as Guest #26472. The pain is so bad in my legs and ankle musles sometimes I can hardly get up from a chair or walk across a room, I find myself walking bent over to relieve the pain I have in my shoulder and upper arm musles, my hands feel like pins and needles and my ankles and lower legs swell. In January I had a triple bypass and have been taking 80mg Zocor ever since. I have talked with my Dr. about this and he has never said to stop taking Zocor or recommended any other medication, he has only adjusted other medications I am on.

My mother was prescribed zocor a month ago and 2 weeks ago she started having terrible abdominal cramps and muscle weakness. I had to take to ER and doctors could not find anything wrong bec all tests came back OK. A week later she went back to the ER because the muscle pain was so bad she could hardly walk. She took herself off the medication. Now she's getting blisters and nodules on her legs and torso. Is this going to get better?

I have been taking Zocor for several years. I now have a chronic rash on my legs and also on other parts of my body at times. My back aches terribly and the muscles are very weak. I have read that the back ache and muscle weakness could be a sympton opf a serious problem.

What serious probelm is this and could it be worse that this terrible skin rash and back muscle weakness.

I stpped taking it and my rash is much improved, but not my back yet.

Pleas let me know if you havew experienced the same and if after quittin the drug did it clear up.

Started Zocor in May 2005, took for approx. three weeks. Had been given samples by GP. Stopped June 10, 2005 due to problems. Following is a list of symptoms as they occurred. Head shake, thinking and speaking problems, difficulty swallowing, weakness, low back pain, muscle spasms, pain in legs (especially left leg) Kidney pain, dark urine for one day only, and especially extreme fatigue. GP said was Myopathy. didnt seem to know cause. Continued to get worse untill approx. July 15, 2005. Started phy therapy. This helped to build back the muscles lost but would only build to a certain point. Presently, april 2006, Most of the symptoms have abated but I still have difficulty walking and standing very long. Had to quit working, could not handle. I will keep updating as I progress. This has been some nightmare.

I RECENTLY HAD TO TAKE MY DAD TO THE V.A. HOSPITAL IN SAGINAW MICHIGAN WITH ALL OF THESE SIDE EFFECTS. HE SHOWED SIGNS OF KIDNEY FAILURE. HE HAS HAD LITTLE TO NO FEELING IN HIS LEGS AND NO FEELING IN HIS FEET WHICH CARRIED ON FOR 10 OR MORE YEARS. HE HAS A DIEBATCE ALSER ON HIS BIG TOE! HUH? NO CLUE! TOOK HIM OFF ZOCOR AND WITHIN A WEEK HE IS BETTER! WE STILL HAVE A LITTLE WAYS TO GO BUT BETTER THEN HE HAS BEEN FOR A LONG TIME!!!

I now take zetia because the Lipitor I was origonally on caused the aching in my legs and back as well as my shoulders. Zetia does not cause this but my Cholesterol isnt as low as the Lipitor so my doctor wants to put me on Vytorum which is a combo of zocor and zetia. Hearing about the same symptoms from zocor makes me heitant.

I was prescribed Zocor about 2 months ago. No problems until about a week or so ago. I noticed that my legs would just ache all day. That is a problem since I am on my feet and walking all day for my job. After reading this forum, i will stop taking it and see if my aches don't go away. I hope so...

This is the second time my Doctor has put me on Zocor. Since taking this medication, both times I have experienced pains in my hips and down the sides and backs of my legs. It doesn't bother me as much on soft, carpeted surfaces, but becomes very uncomfortable on hard surfaces. I also have a good deal of pain in my legs if I try to pick up a heavy item to move it. I am 67 and have always been strong, but this has caused me to feel like a really old lady. Has anyone else been successful changing to another medicine that does the same thing? I feel as if my muscles are tied up in knots, and I guess they are since I also experience more charley horses.

This post is about my mom she was put on Vytorin which is a combination of Zorcor and Zetia. Her cholesterol was not all that high but her Dr wanted her to try it to see if it would come down. She was on it for one month and her cholesterol droped from 195 to 86 BUT she was having really bad headaches and her neck would be stiff her legs hurt and she had blurred vision in her left eye only and shooting pain in the left side temple. Before taking Vytorin she was in pretty good shape for a 71 year old but not she is so tired all the time, I am really worried about her overall health. Yesterday when I took her back to her Dr to find out why she was still having these problems he said the medician should already be out of her system since she quit taking it on Nov 17. I requested that he send her to the hospital for blood test since Vyortin had been known to make blood test abnormal. I also requested a CoQ10 Blood Test which should show any damage to the muscle tissue which can be a side effect of the Vytorin it breaks down muscle tissue in some cases. I really think MD's need training on these drugs before giving to patients. Also do anyone know how long it takes these meds to get out of the systems. Has anyone else had these problems. Thanks for any response and help. Sharon

My doctor put me on Zocor this spring becuase my colestrol level was a little high. After about 3 weeks of taking it I started getting pain in my left arm and then it started in my right arm and legs within 2 days. I called my doctor and told him about it. He said to stop taking the Zocor for a week and if the pain went a way to try 1/2 a pill. Well the pain still hasn't gone away and it is almost Thanksgiving already. I have been very rundown and weak but am managing to get things done so far. I hope this helps others in some way.

started taking zocor for 2 months and some fatigue, joint
pains in knees but worst side effect was rashes and lost
hair in large spots on my legs. Where loss of hair the
oil in the follicle has dried up and became hard. Doctor said
no relation. Quit taking for 2 months stop spredding. Started
again symptom got worse. Stopped taking again. I am sure
its Zocor. If its doing this to my skin whats happening to my
body organs? Started taking Red Yeast Rice Plus CoQ-10 with
flush-free niacin all in 1 pill from health food store for now.

Took Simvastin for two years,took off it by GP when I experienced severe pain in both legs, after over another year I am left with severe pain in the whole of my left leg and upper right thigh.After many visits to hospital both my GP and hospital are hoping I will stay away, both have refused to supply written evidence that the statin was the cause.My active life is in ruins. Is there any legal body in UK that are interested. If all the people on this site got together there would be a powerful body to get compensation, come on!! it has been done in USA. Brian Walder.