Anybody Take Statins to Lower Cholesterol?

[HarryVegas]

I've been on them for over 10 years, following a stroke. No side effects, though seeing as my cholesterol levels have always been fine I'm not sure I should bother keeping taking them.

 

[starplayer]

Within a year of starting them my late father in law went from a fit and active man to a shell in a nursing home due to multiple system atrophy. A parkinsons like illness. Obviously, if the statins were the cause it does not affect the majority of people that take them but his rapid decline will mean I will never take them. The only thing he changed at that time was the addition of a statin on his script. I would much rather go suddenly than take the risk of not being able to communicate, walk and lose all independence and dignity. As with all medical decisions though the individual makes their choice based on their beliefs and experiences. For the vast majority they seem safe.

 

[NZBoro1]

yes, have done for some time now, I'm on 40mg.

Have tried reducing my bad cholestrol through diet and although it helped it just wasn't enough.

Had a few at the beginning, cramps etc but seems to be fine now.

I get checked every year (around this time of year which is a pain for liver function test) and have instigated a tougher regime diet which will hopefully mean I can reduce my intake.

 

[Littlejimmy]

On a high dose but that's after a heart attack and triple bypass. Not sure if I have side effects because I take a few other drugs.

 

[pierrequiroule]

I chose porridge over statins, but then I love porridge.

 

[S7DiscoDown]

I've been on them for 6 months. No side effects. That's none I've noticed.

I was diagnosed as pre diabetic and high cholesterol. That's despite being fit and active and not over weight. I visited a nurse after my blood test and she said 'I expected you to be bigger' . I'm not sure you can say that lol.

I've now had a recent test and blood sugar down around 50% and cholesterol similar. So between change of diet and Statins a massive improvement. So much so no longer 'pre diabetic'. Yet I will remain in the system and checked yearly.

That said they recommended I stay on the Statins. So I have. I get 2 months worth at a time. I'm sure I'm the only person who actually pays for a prescription when I'm in the chemist 😕

 

[FatCat]

Try plant sterols , can be as effective and natural!

 

[Rishworthian]

There are about half a dozen different types of Statin which have slightly different effects. I used to take simvastatin until it got to the point where I had screaming cramps virtually every night.

I've been landed with a big dose Atorvastatin this time. I get cramps if I drink whisky but otherwise largely ok

They are prone to adding weight - this is normally glossed over

They are on the list for a serious discussion at my next review Cardiologists are largely obsessed with them. they are not a cure and should not be treated as such

 

[RedAsABeetroot]

there are statins that don't react with grapefruit. Ask the Gp. I forget which one off hand but there are certainly options.

Thanks, I'd never heard this.
Originally I was told to take the statin on a night and I regularly forgot as I take my other tablets on a morning. I was told by my GP this didn't apply with some including Atorvastatin so I now take them all on a morning. I'd rather maintain this convenience and miss grapefruit.

 

[RedAsABeetroot]

I chose porridge over statins, but then I love porridge.

I'd have statins over porridge every day. I'm a fussy eater 🤣🤣

 

[Linthorpe_Exile]

I chose porridge over statins, but then I love porridge.

I'm addicted to porridge

 

[Malaguena]

Simvastatin 20mg once a day for more years than I care to mention - zero side effects. Get 6 monthly check ups because of diabetes and it seems to control the cholesterol (though the diabetes nurse is always telling me to do more exercise)

 

[Glover_elbow]

simvastatin is cheapest of the cheap that's why it's the default one gps prescribe there are other statins with less side effects and far more effective

 

[1finny]

Best mate has been on them for over 8 years. Following a number of visits to the doc recently for joint pains and inflammation they have advised he comes off them and told him to focus on diet.

I‘ve got a friend who is a GP and another who is a heart surgeon. Both were very excited about statins years ago but are less so now. Both would be circumspect unless there is no other alternative.

 

[Dham]

If so wonder what your experiences are? Side effects?

I’ve been on them for over 15 years because there is a history of heart disease in my family. No side effects. Im sure some people have problems with statins but I’ve been ok.

 

[muniz]

I got offered them just over a year ago and at same time put me down as type 2 diabeties but give up alot of bad fatty stuff and still eat bad and its gone right down to a better level where its almost not an issue now, never took them up on the statins and one thing i did use is cod liver oil capsules along with these yoghurt drinks from asda that are meant to lower it, I have one of them a day too.

I think best thing to do unless its really bad is to just see what good you can do yourself with changes as if you can avoid being on them tablets for the rest of your life I'm certain thats good thing, im 42 so think also your age plays a big factor as add another 10-20 or so years and the risks to your heart increase significantly, but if you 100% needed them I don't think they would put it so much on you to make the choice, although that could just be their get out clause if they want an out incase you have side effects they can always say they gave you the information and you made your choice.

 

[Boro_Interlinked]

That said they recommended I stay on the Statins. So I have. I get 2 months worth at a time. I'm sure I'm the only person who actually pays for a prescription when I'm in the chemist 😕

Nope .. I'm paying too

Been Type 2 D, and high cholesterol since Dec 2017 so been taking Atorvastatin ( although I call it my Aitor pill ) 20mg and Metformin SR , the smallest dose

Cholesterol has improved from the off. Think I was mid 6's and going up maybe 6.9 highest , but now 4.0 ish and stable . Not noticed any effects but prob mild muscle cramps very occasionally. I have no proof its that pill though

 

[NYboro]

Atorvastatin 40 (and Eztimibe 10) for about 10 years now. No side effects I'm aware of and my cholesterol levels are fine.

 

[muniz]

Try plant sterols , can be as effective and natural!

whats them any links

 

[muniz]

Nope .. I'm paying too

Been Type 2 D, and high cholesterol since Dec 2017 so been taking Atorvastatin ( although I call it my Aitor pill ) 20mg and Metformin SR , the smallest dose

Cholesterol has improved from the off. Think I was mid 6's and going up maybe 6.9 highest , but now 4.0 ish and stable . Not noticed any effects but prob mild muscle cramps very occasionally. I have no proof its that pill though

why you paying if your diabetic, you qualify now for free prescriptions for life, ask your doctors for a medical exemption cert/card and they will issue you on, they should of told you about that soon as you was diagnosed. they did for me anyways