Can long-term statin use cause foot neuropathy?
Ask the doctor
Q. I have been on statins for over 12 years and have neuropathy in my feet. Is this a side effect of using statins for a long period of time?
A. Case reports in the medical literature suggest that statins can potentially cause peripheral neuropathy. However, the overwhelming evidence concludes that if there is ever a cause and effect, it is very rare. the risk appears to be extremely small.
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, you and your doctor should discuss the possibility of lowering the dose or temporarily stopping the statin based on your heart risk profile.
Image: © Sirisak Boakaew/Getty Images
About the Author
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
