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Side effects of statins.

(85 Posts)
TillyTrotter Thu 08-Jun-23 09:57:09

I have been taking statins since 24 years and have recently been changed over to Rosuvastatin.
I don’t have side effects so I feel lucky as they manage the familial cholesterol (and possible risk of stroke).

harrigran Thu 08-Jun-23 09:38:28

Talk to your GP about your concerns annsixty, I was told by the practice pharmacist that Simvastatin should not be taken by over 65s and had my statins changed to Atorvastatin. I have never had any side effects from them or maybe I have and put it down to old age, who knows.

NanaDana Wed 07-Jun-23 16:35:12

I've been taking statins for around 12 years now, and to date, have had no side effects. They also appear to be keeping my cholesterol nicely controlled. I know that there is some controversy about statins in general, but I'll stick with them.

Sago Wed 07-Jun-23 15:34:12

I’ve had muscular pain, chronic constipation, migraine and the most hideous crushing pain in my shoulder.
I now take plant sterols, I will never touch another statin.

Juliet27 Wed 07-Jun-23 15:14:11

I’ve tried taking statins twice and both times I’ve ended up with optical migraines within a short time of starting on them along with brain fog.

Grantanow Wed 07-Jun-23 15:04:10

I've been taking statins for many years with no ill effects whatsoever.

Kate1949 Wed 07-Jun-23 15:03:17

I have mentioned on similar threads that I was put on 10mg of Atorvastatin and was getting regular heavy nosebleeds. It was horrendous. I couldn't figure it out and just happened to look at the leaflet and nosebleeds were listed as a possible side effect. This after visiting my GP regarding the nosebleeds where she said she couldn't see what was causing them.
I stopped taking them and was fine. However, my husband and sister are on 40mg of Atorvastatin with no problems. I think I was just unlucky.

Primrose53 Wed 07-Jun-23 14:41:42

It’s good that your GP is thinking for herself and not just doing what a lot of GPs do and just keep prescribing them.

A well regarded British GP who has been against statins for many years is Dr Malcolm Kendrick and he has written books about The Great Cholesterol Con.

They caused dreadful forgetfulness, anxiety, muscle and joint pains within weeks of my Dad going on them. I worked with older people for nearly 20 years and met hundreds of people who they did not suit.

I was advised to go on them about 20 years ago but having done my own research decided not to. I have had no problems whatsoever with heart attacks, strokes etc and I feel fine.

Theexwife Wed 07-Jun-23 12:23:08

I do have muscle pain which could be a side effect of statins, however, as the statins can prevent heart attack or stroke I think for me it is worth continuing.

annsixty Wed 07-Jun-23 11:42:29

I had a phone consultation yesterday with. GP at my practice.
It was for a meds review and to hear the results of blood and urine tests taken recently.

I told the GP when she told me everything was fine that I had hoped they would find I was lacking in some vitamin/ mineral to explain my real fatigue and lack of energy.
She looked at my meds and said I had been on statins for years and they could be the cause.

I knew that many people complained of leg/ muscle pain but never heard of weakness and constant tiredness.
I googled side effects of statins and it seems to be very common.
Also to my surprise, digestive problems also cropped up.
I have been prone to these for years.

It was suggested I leave statins off for two months to see if I have any improvement.

Has anyone else had side effects not expected from statins?
It is Simvastatin I have been taking.