Some Patients Suffer Serious Side Effects From Cholesterol Drugs: LA Times

by: Joe Graedon, Teresa Graedon

QUESTION: I do hope the reader who wrote about muscle pain and weakness with cholesterol pills seeks help. I almost died from this kind of medicine. I lost my strength and could hardly walk or raise my arms. My husband needed to help me up.

The last time I saw the doctor, I went in a wheelchair. When I asked him why I couldn't even lift my arm, he shrugged and said he didn't know. He suggested I see a chiropractor, but my husband took me to the emergency room.

The ER doctor said that if I hadn't come in when I did, I would have died. I had renal failure and was in intensive care for four days. I have found a new doctor, and I am fine now. But it sure was scary.

ANSWER: Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Baycol, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol and Zocor are very effective at doing their job. But some people are susceptible to serious consequences. Symptoms such as pain and weakness could signal muscle breakdown, which can lead to kidney failure.

Such a severe reaction is rare, but we have heard from hundreds of readers who experience intolerable side effects such as depression, memory problems, insomnia or muscle pain.

Another reader related:

"On Lipitor I went from being an active 65-year-old to someone who could hardly get out of bed and walk without pain. I suspected the Lipitor and discussed it with my doctor, who said it was OK to try going off it. Now that I have stopped taking it, I am back to playing tennis and swimming 30 Olympic laps a day."

Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Send questions to People's Pharmacy, King Features Syndicate, 235 E. 45th St., New York, NY 10017, or e-mail them to pharmacy@mindspring.com