Myasthenia Gravis Support Group
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Although myasthenia gravis may affect any voluntary muscle, muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and...
The research link says statins may be related to MG in a small number of people (4.2% of older men). It suggests a weak link between statins and MG.
"MG was an adverse effect identified in 3,967 of the cases, out of which 169 (4.2% of all MG cases) were suspected to have been induced by statin use. Half of these cases were found on the American continent, followed by 43% in Europe. Less frequent cases occurred in Asia (5%) and Oceania (2%). Statin use was also linked to ocular MG (when the muscles that control the movement of eyes and eyelids are affected) and associated with a worsening effect on pre-existing MG.
Among the 169 MG cases, men were more frequently affected (65%), and adults from 45–64 years old (57% of the cases) and 65–74 years old (26% of the cases).
The two statins most frequently associated with myasthenia gravis were simvastatin and atorvastatin.
The majority of the patients recovered completely (63 cases) or are undergoing recovery (27 cases), or recovered with MG disease worsening (five cases). Nineteen of the cases didn’t recover.
Overall, the WHO’s VigiBase revealed “a possible drug safety signal linking MG and statins. This potential signal is weak, and is offset by the cardiovascular benefits offered by statins,” the researchers wrote.
“Although this association between statins and MG is weak, statin withdrawal must be considered in statin-exposed patients presenting with an induction or exacerbation of MG,” they said. “Clinicians should be aware of this potential [adverse drug reaction], since it may require consideration of statin withdrawal or treatment of MG.”
i have for the last 2 1/2 yrs to inform ,all mgs what where the draw back of certain druggs, i could have done as you allways do, but i do not have the patience, no the will to transfer all sites https.
iam more of a direct person that will use a language to be understood by all, one thing different that i always use is:
commun sense, logic, and lots of evaluation
my neuro and endo where the ones aware of the dangers of all meds,
was advise never to use statins, and a all sort of meds that will endenger our lifes
that is why they are sites that will give all the info necessary to reach our own conclution to use or not certain druggs,
but allways been done in consultation with our neuro & endo
statin and others will cuase serious damage to mg.s patients, some will be reversed, and some may not be able.
we need to start to use the net to a full extent,it is needed for the safety of our life
just one thing that i want people to understand
if is was another drugg better that mestidone and prednisone, i would be the first one to switch
but since they are not as safe as them why would endenger my life for what, to endure all the ups and down of mistake after mistake. and reach a point ending in the hospital, no thanks
life is to precious to screw it up even at our age, logic, and commun sence will take long way saffely.
best of luck
Andre
As we get older the chances of having multiple life-threatening conditions can only increase - that's a fact. Equally the individual treatments may conflict, so, what to do about that? I agree that we should inform ourselves and ask the questions of our Doctor's. Where I would draw the line, however, is by thinking that we are somehow better equipped to question our care, simply because we know our own bodies better than anyone else, or from what we read on the internet? I really don't think we are nor ever will be so positioned as to argue with our Neurologists from a position of strength (better knowledge). I sincerely believe that we need to have a good working relationship with the medical profession and be able to question them, but ultimately we need to trust in their care.
I like to read the medical research reports and attempt to both understand them and attempt to evaluate whether or not they have a bearing on my own situation. In this instance, I don't have need of Statins, but it's filed away, at least until Dementia catches up. However the research on Blood Markers was one where I do think it a good idea to share with my Neuro, and I have done so.
Take it easy.
Peter