Question regarding "Pravastatin" and Small Fiber Neuropathy
 

August 28, 2010

Hi Everyone!

I have been on and off statins for many years.

After being off statins for a period of time, I began taking "Pravastatin" 40 mg per day, upon which I noticed a flair-up in my small fiber neuropathy symptoms eleven days later.

I do not know if there is a connection, but given the recent threads on statins and neuropathy, I was curious if someone in the forum with expert knowledge on statins could let me know how "Pravastatin" specifically ranks in terms of potentially causing nerve damage?

Mrs. D?

Many thanks!

David

Am not an "expert" on statins, but might be a victim of simvastatin (Zocor) , if in fact it can cause SFN, after being on mostly it (brief stint with Lipitor/Zetia) for 12 years. My rheumatologist told me to get off and stay off in February after the onset of
NL-DSFSN.

I wouldn't go near any statin again with a 10 foot pole. I'm now on Niaspan and really trying to stay away sugars and certain carbs. Have not eaten meats, animals fat, bad oils, etc. for years.

Is "Mrs. D" available to answer this question?

Thanks!

David

I think she's still on vacation and prolly will be back after Labor Day.
She does check in when she goes into town, but there's no puter link (or electricity) on her island.

I have seen my husband lose his leg hair, muscle mass and complain of muscle weakness, and his blood is fine, no rhabomyolysis....I think it could be neuropathy. They have wanted me to take statins and I have refused, since, I already have PN.

We certainly don't need statins in our drinking water!

It is highly unlikely that they will EVER say that these drugs cause PN, since the lawsuits would be enormous! Don't look for any studies in the near future, but, I guess, you have make your own decisions....Hubby is on a diet. (He does not lose weight easily and it is a huge struggle for him, but he is not heavy enough for bypass, nor would I advise that, but he needs to set a goal.)

Unfortunately, he did my sports activities with me, and when I got sick, he stopped.

Hello,
It only took 6 weeks taking Zocor before I began feeling a change in my feet and legs. I don't see the ads on TV for its use anymore and most doctors in the VA system are hesitant on prescribing statins. They really give the patient a through run down about taking this crap. I no longer use it, but the damage is already done ( 5 years since its use ) Be safe just say NO

Pravastatin is advertised by drug reps as "more gentle" than others.

But I don't believe that. The PROSPER study using it found higher rates of breast cancer in females using it.

Besides 40mg is a high dose anyway and any gains from "gentle" recommendations would be out the window for it at that dose.

http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/176/5/649
Of course this result interpretation varies as to "who" does the interpretation.

All of the statins damage mitochondria... I think that is the bottom line.

I returned today from my long vacation... so I will try to do a catch up on the PN forum this week! ;)