What Statin Do you Take ??

[Prada47]

I thought a Statin was just a Statin now my GP wants to try a different Brand to see if I can tolerate it better than my previous attempts. I am now interested in what do different brands have to offer, anyone else switched brands because of side effects ?? and did it improve tolerance ??

Regards

Frank W

[stevejb1810]

Hi Frank

There are a few different stations out there but the two most common are Atorvastatin (aka Lipitor)(that’s the one I take by the way) and simvastatin (aka Zocor ). Other leading brands would be things like Crestor and Pravachol. They are different chemical entities and work in subtly different ways but ultimately do the same job. As with many meds it can often be a case of trying them out to find which works for you. I was fortunate in that Atorvastatin has never caused me any real issues, whereas my wife moved from Atorvastatin to simvastatin.

[jimmyq in reply to stevejb1810]

I am on Atorvastatin and its the first of many statins that I have tried from which I have not had any noticeable side effects.

[Karenpr]

My husband was on Atrovastatin and ended up with severe muscle problems. He stopped taking them and because of the “damage” has recently been put on Ezetimibe.

[iandeare]

I'm on Arvostatin, and early on I requested the dosage be halved. Although it now appears to have been another side effect, from another medication that was to blame.

[Transformerman]

The different statins differ amongst other things in their effectivity and the duration of their effectivity. Then they can be used in differing amounts. But it isn't as easy as using the most effective, as these medicines come with differing potentials for side effects. So what is right for me is not necessarily right for you. So bottom line is that I would go with your Doctor on this one, but ask the questions that enable you to understand his rationale and discuss with him as appropriate. It is quite a complex area with lots to consider.

[Lizziepea]

Hi,

I have had side effects previously with statins and was recommended Rosuvastatin (Crestor) and have no side effects what so ever. I have also recommended this to a 2 friends and they cannot believe the difference. I think it may be more expensive than the others and if I am right is one of the newest on the market. I had to ask the GP for this statin.

Hope you get it sorted.

Kind regards

Lizziepea