Statins are a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in our body's liver. The most commonly known statin is Lipitor, manufactured by Pfizer. Statins are one of the most widely prescribed medication in the United States and globally. In 2003-4, it was estimated that 24 million individuals in the United States alone took statins. A common adverse effect of statins is musculoskeletal symptoms, including muscle aches, pain, weakness and cramps.
In February of this year a study was published in American Journal of Medicine that looked at the relationship between statin drug use and musculoskeletal pain in adults with and without arthritis. Researchers assessed 8,228 subjects over 40 years of age, 5,170 of whom arthritis had not been diagnosed. They discovered that among those participants without arthritis, statin use was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, as follows:
- pain in any region was increased by 33%
- pain in the lower back was increased by 47%
- pain in the lower extremities was increased by 59%
According to the study, 1 out of every 17 people taking statin drugs developed musculoskeletal pain symptoms. Like thousands of studies before it, this study suggests that the best way to improve your health is not by turning to the pill bottle for answers, but by improving your lifestyle.
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