Polio is a viral disease that affects the nervous system, destroying nerve cells and often producing weakened or paralyzed muscles. Sometimes, people who had polio many years ago develop post-polio syndrome, which involves new changes in muscles. Statins are prescriptions drug that lower cholesterol, but have potential side effects involving muscles. Discuss use of these drugs with your doctor to determine if they are right for you.
Post-Polio Syndrome
Many years after being ill, patients who had polio may begin to experience increased weakness in affected muscles or new weakness in muscles that previously seemed normal. This situation is called post-polio syndrome. It may also produce generalized fatigue, new pain from weakened joints and visible atrophy of muscles. Although the exact cause is not known, it may involve loss of previously damaged nerves or exhaustion of nerves compensating for many years for loss of other nerve cells.
Statins
Statins are a class of prescription drugs that help lower levels of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL. LDL is called the "bad" cholesterol because, when its level is too high, it contributes to the formation of arterial deposits called plaque that can interfere with blood flow and raise your risk for heart disease. These drugs work by suppressing a liver enzyme that makes cholesterol, causing less production of LDL. Although generally very effective, statins may cause significant side effects, including muscle pain or weakness, in a small number of people, making their use a concern for people with post-polio syndrome.
Some Evidence
When statins cause muscle pain or weakness, this may involve a potentially serious condition called rhadbomyolysis, in which muscle tissue actually breaks down. According to Dr. Richard Bruno, an expert on post-polio syndrome, the likelihood of this side effect is extremely low in all people, less than 1/2 of 1 percent. In addition, Dr. Julie Silver, another polio expert, states that in studies of over 2400 people taking a statin or a placebo, those taking the placebo actually reported more muscle pain than those taking the drug. Both experts also conclude that post-polio patients are no more likely to experience this side effect than those without the condition.
Recommendations
Although statins rarely cause side effects involving muscles, these do occur occasionally. If you have post-polio syndrome, discuss use of statins in detail with your doctor to determine the best strategy for your situation. Some drugs may be less likely to cause these problems than others or your doctor may suggest other strategies to lower your cholesterol. These might include dietary changes or other, non-statin types of medications.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Post-Polio Syndrome Fact Sheet
- Dr. Richard Bruno: T'N'T: Tips and Techniques for Polio Survivors
- Post-Polio Health International: Post-Polio Myths and Half-Truths; J. Silver, M.D.; 2002
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Controlling Cholesterol with Statins
