Ask An Expert: Neuropathy and Long-Term Use of Statins

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Ask An Expert: Neuropathy and Long-Term Use of Statins

Question:

I have been on statins for over 12 years and have neuropathy in my feet. I saw a neurologist who ruled out other causes of neuropathy and said it is from long-term use of statins. Is this a side effect of using statins for a long period of time?

Answer:

Case reports in the medical literature suggest that statins can potentially cause peripheral neuropathy. However, the risk appears to be extremely small. One study suggests that one extra case of neuropathy will occur for every 14,000 person-years of treatment with a statin.

The more common causes of peripheral neuropathy include diabetes, nutritional deficiency, overuse of alcohol, certain medications and exposure to certain types of toxins or metals. This is only a partial list. There are many less common causes.

If your medical history and laboratory evaluation do not show any other possible cause for neuropathy, it is reasonable to consider the statin as the culprit.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is chief editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications. He is recognized as an outstanding clinician and teacher and is a recipient of the Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year award at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. LeWine continues to practice Internal Medicine; most recently he became a hospitalist after practicing primary care for over 20 years.

Last updated:	March 19, 2007
Reviewed By:	Faculty of Harvard Medical School