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Statin drugs are still relatively new but their use is expanding at a very rapid rate. Some of the most popular statin drugs are zocor, mevacor, lipitor, crestor and several others. These drugs are used to lower or slow down LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) production. Statins are typically combined with fibrates which also help them lower triglycerides (the fat in your blood) as well.

Using statin drugs will increase your risk substantially of developing statin myalgia in the form of lower back pain, leg pain and other musculoskeletal complaints. Myalgia simply means muscle pain. Some studies show as much as a 50-60% increased risk of developing these musculoskeletal complaints when compared to people of the same age who do not use statins. In severe cases the breakdown of muscle tissue can even lead to irreversible kidney damage.

Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) is an enzyme found mainly in the skeletal muscle, heart and brain. By monitoring the levels of CPK in the blood you can tell if the statin drugs that you are taking are causing any damage to your muscles. The supplement CoQ10 has been shown to be effective in treating the myalgia associated with the use of statins.

Start CoQ10 which is readily available at most reputable drug or health food stores. If the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your routine daily activities and is lowering your overall quality of life you should talk with the prescribing doctor and discuss a possible reduction in your dosage or maybe even withdrawal in severe cases.