Simvastatin v Atorvastatin

[BenHall1]

Just had a conversation with my Surgery employed Pharmacist. she asked me if I would object to switching from Simvastatin to Atorvastatin as the Simvastatin was rather an old drug. I was put on it around 2007. I told her to go ahead ... no problems.

The following quote is what I found during an ultra quick search. Probably shedloads more around that I haven't time to explore.

"Atorvastatin works for much longer than Simvastatin; it has a longer 'half-life' Atorvastatin appears to be more effective than Simvastatin at lowering LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) Atorvastatin has a lower risk of side effects compared to Simvastatin; such as muscle pain and drug interactions".

[mav7]

Statins like Atorvastatin are a debatable subject especially on this forum.

I have been on Atorvastatin for 10 years with no side effects. Does a great job in lowering LDL cholesterol.

[BenHall1 in reply to mav7]

Hi mav7,

Yes I've read of these posts/discussions over time and have not bought into them. I'm quite happy with a statin and if my Pharmacist advises me to continue and with a more modern brand then thats fine. But then ( that said 😂 ) there is no way would I give up Warfarin ( an old drug) for one of the latest batch of NOAC's .......... ( my GP has invited me to switch but I declined) its only with use of the NOAC's in the wider community at large that problems seem to be emerging and receiving publicity.

[pusillanimous in reply to mav7]

Yes, me too, I just take 5mg a day with no problem.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

I take Avorastatin 10mg.

It absolutely works on the low dose.

It also is an anti inflamation med but acceptable 4 those taking an anti-co.agulant.

Just had an operation and hardly had any pain. Perhaps it was the statin which helped.

More can interfere with my thyroid daily dose. Synthroid.

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)

[BenHall1 in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi JOY,

Thanks for that info.

One feature of your post interests me you ... you talk of anti inflamation. Area you saying that this Atvorastatin has properties which are helpful with inflamation, as in bone joints, like shoulders and knees both with arthritis - or have I misunderstood.

John

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to BenHall1]

hi

yes.

but even a low dose like 10mg assists.

as i am on PRADAXA i cant have my usual painkiller ifuprophen.

Even the surgeon was surprised at my pain level. AT DAY 3 I had weaned off all. I was bullied into talking any pain killer.

My 83 year old friend who suffers MS is being told to take her 40mg but I was showing her that less was as good. She took my research printout with her.''

The Dr has reduced it in half dose to 20mg.

Yes there is a debate about statins. Another addition like anti-co-agulant to lower the risk to strokes etc.

cheri JOY

[Snowgirl65]

I've been taking it for years. The only side effect I have is they make me sleepy so I take the pill at 8 p.m. and have a very good night's sleep.