Symptoms: Extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, shortness of breath
After being prescribed Atorvastatin for high cholesterol and taking it as prescribed for about 15 months, I noticed worsening fatigue and muscle weakness so bad that I wasn't able to walk up a few steps and needed naps throughout the day.
After 2 trips to outpatients at our rural hospital, to no avail, I was finally able to see my doctor. He listened to my story and called a colleague who by chance knew a neurologist in the city. After more blood tests, a CT scan, and an MRI, I was able to see the neurologist. He performed electromyography and concluded that I had a rare autoimmune myopathy caused by statin use.
After 14 months of treatment with high-dose steroids and IVIG, I was then prescribed an immunosuppressant. I'm feeling good now but am back to once-a-month IVIG and still on an oral immunosuppressant.
This is a rare disorder but worth the research if your doctor prescribes statin use. Look up SINAM and you will find information.