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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
aching calf muscles
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aching calf muscles
by bob, Feb 13, 2001 12:00AM
Started Lipitor last March. Within two weeks, calves aching badly. Had test for liver and muscle function-negative. Continued med until June to determine if med worked. Worked great but calves aching. Stopped Lipitor in June and same ache until September. (Ate a lunch of liver and onions, by supper ache had disappeared???) All ok until first part of Jan 2001. Still off Lipitor. This time aspirin alleviates pain for a while. Back in March-Sept nothing, not even codeine alleviated pain. Have had all kinds of possibilities suggested on internet from lack of calcium, iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, etc. Any other possibilities. B.P. is perfect. No other problems.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC, Feb 13, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Bob,
If I understand correctly you have been off Lipitor since last June. If this is the case I can say with great certainty that the Lipitor is not the source of the cramps. Myositis (muscle inflammation) is a rare side effect of cholesterol lowering medications but is usually presents more as a overall muscle ache and not a localized pain that comes and goes. Electrolyte imbalances can cause calf cramps but I would be careful about taking supplements without having a diagnosis first. Several other rare muscle and inflammatory disorders are remote possibilities. A good rheumatologist may be able to help you sort out the source of your symptoms.
If I understand correctly you have been off Lipitor since last June. If this is the case I can say with great certainty that the Lipitor is not the source of the cramps. Myositis (muscle inflammation) is a rare side effect of cholesterol lowering medications but is usually presents more as a overall muscle ache and not a localized pain that comes and goes. Electrolyte imbalances can cause calf cramps but I would be careful about taking supplements without having a diagnosis first. Several other rare muscle and inflammatory disorders are remote possibilities. A good rheumatologist may be able to help you sort out the source of your symptoms.
Have you started any excercise routines that may have caused tendonitis? A low functioning thyroid can cause that as well.
My cardio has prescribed it for fatigue possibly from NCS (which has seemed to hold true several times and improve with change in meds or their dosage). I have IST and NCS (and mild valvular disease). I am taking atenolol 12.5 mg, verapamil 180 mg and 1g salt. I don't know what dose of zoloft, I haven't p/u yet. I am sure it will be low.
My questions to you:
1. Why was it prescribed to you? 2. What is your dosage 3. How long have you been on? 4.Do you feel it is effective? 5. Any side effects? 6. Are you on any other meds?
Thank you for your help. I am always nervous about trying new meds.