Medications Can Cause Pain

Is medication causing your chronic pain?

Medicine is one of those things you do not think would cause pain. If you develop pain after starting a medication, it might be a coincidence, but double-check to see if the medicine is on this list. If so, discuss it with your healthcare provider ASAP.

• Statins: This is a group of cholesterol-lowering medications that are known for causing muscle pain. If you believe that your muscle pain is due to this, try not to discontinue it without talking to your doctor unless you are experiencing a good deal of pain. Other non-statin cholesterol drugs can be used. Some people feel that the supplement CoQ10 helps to relieve muscle pain.

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• Isotretinoin: (common: Accutane). This is a very effective medication used to treat acne. However, sometimes it causes joint and muscle pain, particularly low back pain. If you are experiencing this, speak to your healthcare provider. There are alternatives.

• Pregabalin (Lyrica): This is an anti-seizure drug also used for anxiety as well as fibromyalgia. This drug can also cause muscle and joint pain. Try not to discontinue it until you discuss it with your healthcare provider about alternatives. 

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• Bisphosphonates (common: Recast, Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva). These medications, used for osteoporosis, can cause a release of cytokines which, in turn, cause inflammation and pain in the joints, muscles, to bones. If you believe that this is causing pain, there are other options. Discuss them with your healthcare provider.

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• ACE inhibitors: (common: Lisinopril, Enalapril). These can cause leg cramps, joint and muscle pain. Try to stay on this if you can until you speak to your healthcare provider. There are many possible substitutes.  

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• Fluoroquinolone antibiotics: (common levofloxacin/Levaquin, ciprofloxacin/Cipro). These medications can cause tendonitis, tendon rupture, swelling and inflammation of joints, and muscle aches. It can occur within days of starting the medication to weeks after completing it. If you notice this while taking the medication, stop taking it and let a healthcare provider know ASAP. A substitute antibiotic can be given if you need to stop taking it. A substitute antibiotic can be given if needed.

  
  

• Fibrates: (common: gemfibrozil/Lopid, fenofibrate/Tricor). Used to lower bad cholesterol, especially triglycerides, and helps raise good cholesterol (HDL). If this causes pain, inform your healthcare provider. There are alternatives – many times you need to stay on some kind of cholesterol-lowering medication, otherwise, high cholesterol is a huge cardiovascular risk.

  
  

• Aromatase inhibitors: Such as anastrozole (Arimidex) - often used for breast cancer.

Approaches to Treatment

Aside from treating pain symptoms with usual pain medications (common: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (common: Advil, Motrin), it is important to address the root of this problem. The list of medications that can cause muscle and/or joint pain is extensive. If you suspect that you are on a medication that may be causing pain, you should speak to a healthcare provider, especially if the pain comes on suddenly. If they think it is your medication, they will often take you off that medication and offer an alternative.

Feeling Pain