Statins and grapefruit do not underestimate the effect!

I have been taking Statins for over 5 years without problems. My GP warned me not to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice and I have followed his advice to the letter.

I haven't read any "internet scare stories" about statins as it happens.

Statins have kept me alive though I only take a low dose, against what my Doc suggests. I haven't had grapefruit since about 1990, not worth the risk.

About five years ago, (I was then in mid-70's) when ordering a repeat prescription I noticed that Statins were on that list. Never had got them never taken them,never been told anything about having them prescribed. I telephoned my GP who told me that they had been added due to my age, but if I do not want them don't take them!!! I did not!!!!

MerylStreep

Fleurpepper

My friend refused, point blank. Slim, no smoker, vegetarian diet, no alcohol- he died a year later.

My cholesterol hasn’t been under 9.4 since 2010.
It’s the worst scam ever perpetrated on the public by drug companies.

But what does the 9.4 mean MerylStreep? Is it total cholesterol ? HDL? LDL? On its own, total cholesterol doesn't mean much. This was my point upthread about proper interpretation of blood results and risk factors. Some GPs are very good at this, others not so much.
And Fleurpepper surely you are assuming cause and effect in your friends case?

Fleurpepper

My friend refused, point blank. Slim, no smoker, vegetarian diet, no alcohol- he died a year later.

Genetics must play a part too. My friend's DH ate (eats) a very unhealthy diet, probably too much meat, dairy, fats, loathes any vegetables except frozen peas but his cholesterol level is around 2.5.

My Mum never took the statins she was prescribed and she had very high cholesterol levels. Sure enough, she developed heart problems and eventually died from a heart attack. I always wondered if she would have lived longer if she had taken them. She just couldn’t be bothered taking regular medication, it wasn’t a moral issue with her.

Callistemon21

Fleurpepper

My friend refused, point blank. Slim, no smoker, vegetarian diet, no alcohol- he died a year later.

Genetics must play a part too. My friend's DH ate (eats) a very unhealthy diet, probably too much meat, dairy, fats, loathes any vegetables except frozen peas but his cholesterol level is around 2.5.

Totally, family history is so very important. All I am saying is that people should get proper advice and take all factors in together, before making a decision, with their GP or Consultant. And not all the conspiracy theories on the Internet.

nanna8- did she get the prescription from the chemists or not? It is very common for Health Visitors, or whomever has to clear house after the demise of the person- that they find cupboards full of prescribed drugs, which have been stacked up for many years.

Grantanow

I have been taking Statins for over 5 years without problems. My GP warned me not to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice and I have followed his advice to the letter.

Exactly, the effect of grapefruit when taking statins are very well known.