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 2012 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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