Statins

[christina1947]

Hi all just read an old posting someone said their consultant ask if they where on statins and told them to stop taking them anyone else been advised against taking statins with COPD or other lung condition xxx

[sassy59]

Pete has COPD, sarcoidosis and heart problems and is on statins. Never been told to come off them. Xxxx

[jabber]

I'm also taking statins and have never been told I shouldn't have them. I have COPD and asthma. My consultant, resp nurse and GP have all seen and approved my list of meds and never queried anything.

If you're concerned though, why not give your respiratory nurse a call on Monday and ask them about it. Or I'm sure the BLF Helpline (03000 030 555) would be able to advise.

[christina1947]

Yeah maybe this person had other health problems I know on some strong antibiotics you have to stop the statins take care xxx

[soulsaver]

You have to stop statins while on the antibiotic Clarithromycin. You can start again afterwards.

"clarithromycin ↔ atorvastatin Applies to:clarithromycin and atorvastatin Talk to your doctor before using atorvastatin together with clarithromycin. Combining these medications may significantly increase the blood levels of atorvastatin. This can increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage and a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. In some cases, rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney damage and even death. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications, or your doctor may prescribe alternative medications that do not interact. Let your doctor know immediately if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness during treatment with atorvastatin or similar medications, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by fever or dark colored urine. You should also seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor."

[LGC59]

Hi I have COPD and taking Seretide and my GP reduced the satins from 40mg to 20mg

[kiracleo]

I took them years ago and I became very ill. It was when it was thought I had asthma, but later diagnosed as COPD. The hospital couldn’t find out what was wrong. I continued to be ill over the next week. Went to see my doctor and she sent for the test results, and told me to stop taking statins immediately. So she had probably seen it before. Unfortunately the damage had been done. I developed cataracts as well which is another side effect and interstitial lung disease and so it goes on. They don’t like to tell you this because there is big money involved. But not everyone is the same. I hope this helps. I wish I’d known.

[kiracleo]

That old post may have been me. I say may have been