I am sure that statins caused my PN since it started shortly after my doctor put me on Lipitor. I previously had increased serum creatinine (reduced kidney function) due to reaction to dye prior to a ct-scan. That means that any medication I ingest willl stay in my system longer. Anyway, as I said the PN started shortly after starting Lipitor. Also my serum creatinine rose considerably. Upon stopping the Lipitor (my idea, not doctor's), my creatinine returned to normal for me (still elevated), but PN remained. I have gotten some improvement taking some of the supplements suggested on this website.

I found the article at **to be interesting (or should I say sad for the person involved). Besdes the patient's story though, it also mentioned the following:

"Recent work has indicated that simvastatin inhibits central nervous system remyelination by blocking progenitor cell differentiation. By extension, it probably inhibits progenitor cells in the peripheral nervous system."

So, by continuing to take a statin drug, you may be counteracting the benefit of some supplements.

I would also like to mention something about statin alternatives like Zetia
and Niaspan (perscription Niacin). While these alternativs may improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels, there is no evidence that that reduce heart attacks or prevent heart disease. Even Zetia's web site says this. Latest studies indicate Niaspan may actual increase the likelihood of a stroke.

We all have to make our own health decisions. But for now, I will try to manage my cholesterol and triglycerides by impoved diet and some vitamins and supplements.

I'm pretty sure that my PN is the result of a two year flirtation with Aldactone. My body hated it but my MD kept pushing it. So frustrating.

Aldactone for what, exactly?

This drug is also implicated in causing cancer. You might request a paraneoplastic panel to see if that is the cause of your PN
symptoms.

I was taking it for PCOS (which has now been found to be a false diagnosis). What is a paraneoplastic panel?
Thanks again!!

When certain cancers begin, they secrete certain substances that can irritate nerves, and cause a PN.

There are blood tests to see if this is the case. It is not a common cause PNs that we see here, but it can happen.

And given that Aldactone has that black box warning, it is
something to perhaps get out of the way.

I don't bring this up typically because it is alarming and not
that common.

More common are foods , or nutrient deficiencies. This is so common, you wouldn't believe! 70% of Americans can be low in magnesium and Vit D. And up to 40% in B12, and this figure is now on the rise.

I think linezolid (Zyvox) might have contributed to my PN as well. I'm not sure because I was on it along with Cipro. I feel more certain that fluoroquinolones are a factor for me because of a dramatic reaction I had to Levaquin months after the time when I was on Cipro and Zyvox.

You might be correct. Zyvox has been implicated in causing PN, as well as the fluoroquinolones.

This study talks about antibiotics causing oxidative stress on mitochondria and suggest the use of NAC (n-acetyl-cysteine) to combat it.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0703160623.htm

That is a very helpful article. NAC is n-acetyl cysteine and has many medical uses today, including acetaminophen poisoning of the liver.

NAC is over the counter, in oral form.

I am seeing the only mention of which antibiotic was studied is in the photos.... Cipro...a fluoroquinolone. A photo of the type of damage it causes!

I am going to add this link to the fluoroquinolone post on this thread for reference!

Thanks for catching the error Mrs. D. Not fully awake and nursing a headache.