Question: I have been on a high-dose statin drug for three years and have suffered worsening muscle pain and terrible leg/foot cramps. I quit taking it on my own, and my cholesterol shot up, including LDL. I decided to try red yeast rice and B vitamins. I am 70 years old. Am I wrong to at least try alternative treatments?
Dr. Hibberd's Answer:
Muscle pain and leg cramps are the most common side effects of statins. They are quite common, especially if you are 65 years old or older. Instead of quitting your statin completely, you could try lowering your dose to see if your cholesterol levels return to normal and your cramping disappears.
Ezetimibe (Zetia) is a cholesterol-absorption inhibitor medication and may be less likely to cause muscle pain, and it could be used as an alternate cholesterol-lowering medication. However, do consult with your doctor regarding change in medications.
Alternate treatments like the ones you have tried claim to lower cholesterol, but since having normal cholesterol levels is so important, it is better to keep a check regularly and take appropriate medications.