Q. I seem to have permanent nerve damage after taking Lipitor (atorvastatin) for six years and then Crestor (rosuvastatin) for a year. I developed severe pain in my leg muscles, primarily my calves, which led me to discontinue the drug, but the pain has remained.
I have been diagnosed with probable nerve damage. The neurologist acknowledged that they are seeing side effects after years of statin use by patients.
I control the pain with help from a pain specialist and strong opioids such as fentanyl and oxycodone. I hear daily about others with similar problems, though most doctors seem to be in denial.
A. Many physicians believe that statins are critical for heart health, especially if a patient has suffered a heart attack or has clear signs of heart disease. Clinical studies designed to get FDA drug approval for statins did not reveal signs of nerve damage, so such symptoms are often discounted as not drug-related.
That said, in recent years researchers have uncovered neurological side effects (Pharmazie, June, 2014). According to the World Health Drug Information (vol. 19, No. 2, 2005), “Statin-associated peripheral neuropathy may persist for months or years after withdrawal of the statin.”
Our book, Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them, offers more insight on why drug side effects may be overlooked. It also provides guidance on how to discuss potential problems with a prescriber even before you accept a prescription, as well as after you may have experienced difficulties.
