Statins

I know several people who are on stations with inside effects. Unfortunately, I had terrible pains in my calves with the first three I tried but am able to tolerate the 4th at a low dose which is strong enough to bring my cholesterol down to an acceptable level. I have to be on them as there were heart problems in both sides of my family and I manage the familial type of high cholesterol which diet etc has no effect on. If the first doesn't suit do persevere but if yours is not inherited you might be able to bring it down with more exercise and a healthy diet as my friend did. Good luck whatever you decided.x

I’m 54 and was put Atorvastatin when my cholesterol level went up with a hormone blocker I’m on following cancer. It’s done the job and I’ve no real side effects. Just bit occasional cramp which I’m prone to and that could be other meds. On BP tabs as well now as meds pushed it up

Rosina, several times, like your husband, I was tried on different statins and had side effects. About 25 years ago, enough was enough and I was given an alternative to statins - with the name Fenofibrate.
The only side effect is heartburn so I am on an antacid, along with medications (Thyroxine and Eliquis ) and have a steady low cholesterol count.

I believe that it was statins that weakened my dad's legs and in the end prevented him from walking.
My cholesterol is above 6 but I have been told my good cholesterol is high. I would not take statins at any price.

Been on statins for many years , no problems until recently, the past month or so have weakness in one leg occasionally and tingling and loss of sensation in my hands,I am wondering if this is the statin effect,I am waiting for my Doctor to contact me, once he has thought about it,watch this space!

Hi, took them years ago but had very bad leg pains, so came off them, have took cardio k (health food store) instead. Was put back on them in Feb, was very badly constipated (3 times in 6 weeks ) so took myself off them. Hope you are ok with yours

I was prescribed statins and within days of taking them I had pains and a feeling of “things moving” in my legs. I stopped taking them after just a few days but the pains went on for months. My GP suggested trying a different statin, but fully accepts that I’m not prepared to do that again! My cholesterol is not sufficiently high to warrant it.

I have been on them for years, mainly due to family history. when I suggested I should stop taking them, due to bad stories,, it was suggested that was my risk if I wanted to lose that bit of "protection" they can give.

I am 83 tomorrow! and good health for my age!

My husband has attempted several times to take statins, as the GP painted an alarming picture of life without them. He suffered such awful side effects from several brands that he would not try them again.
I then read 'The Great Cholesterol Conspiracy' by Malcolm Kendrick, a GP who has researched the subject widely. You will likely have a very different view after reading some of the startling facts about statins and cholesterol.

I used to take Simvastatin but the Pharmacist changed them to Atorvastatin because Simvastatin should not be used long term in the elderly, as she informed me. Must research that and find out why.
Neither tablet caused me any problems and has maintained my cholesterol at 3.8

There's evidence to suggest that high LDL is largely due to genetics.

agnurse are you saying that everyone who is prescribed statins has a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol?

In the U.K., the guidelines are that doctors should suggest to anyone who has a greater than 10% risk of a cardiovascular event over 10 years, that they should take them.
Do all the people with this level of risk have a genetic predisposition?

The term is actually statin-induced myopathy. Neuropathy is a problem with the nerves, myopathy is a muscle issue. Statins are known to cause muscle damage in some people. This is why muscle enzymes are monitored periodically in people taking statins. It's a simple blood test.

I've been taking statins for the past few years but for about six months now, I've had horrendous muscle pains and weakness, which I now believe is actually statin-induced neuropathy. I have had several falls because of this and days when I can barely get up out of a chair. I've got weakness in both hands and find it difficult to grip things - fastening zips and buttons is a nightmare. I've been off the statins for a month now, but I'm not sure if I see any improvement yet...

20 years ago I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I was told at the time to take statins which I refused and have done ever since. I do take Metformin for the diabetes but my GP accepts it's my choice not to take statins.

Statins can cause issues for some people but they don't do so for everyone. Then, too, sometimes people who have issues with one statin don't have issues with another one.

There is evidence now that high LDL levels are largely down to genetic risks. In fact, statins are actually an example of personalized medicine - they are designed to address a specific issue caused by a defective gene. The defective gene is what causes some people to make too much cholesterol.

I`ve been on Atorvastatin for cholestoral, been taking them for 18 months now, no side effects.

I also was prescribed statins and had bad side effects like Liz46...lots of leg pain. My GP didn't want me to come off them but I told her I would reduce my cholesterol with diet. She was skeptical but I managed it!!! GP was amazed at how much my cholesterol had reduced with my subsequent blood test. Not saying everyone should come off them if they agree with them but...it can be done without. See how you go is my advice.

I've been taking Rosuvastatin for years with no side effects at all.

I’ve also taken them for several yrs with no side affects.

I've had no ill effects and neither has DH who takes them too.

I have tried two different statins and had dreadful pains in my calves. I refuse to take any more. I do take a low dose bp pill every morning.

I've been taking Atorvastatin for 12+ years now 20mg with other meds for A/Fib and they're doing their job okay too.
They stop plaque from forming and blocking the arteries ( cholesterol-busting drugs ) My level has been a steady 3 to 4 for years now, instead of the 7 and rising------so in effect can be a life-saver. No side-effects.

I've had Simvastatin for over 20 years. Blood test results show that it has been effective. At one point, when the results came back, it was recommended that I should be prescribed 40mg instead of the 20mg I'd previously been on. After a couple of months, I asked my GP to go back to the original dosage as it had done the business and he agreed. I've had no side-effects at all.

I've been on a statin, HRT and a tablet for my blood pressure for many years. No side effects at all.