Oedema on statins

[angedogs]

I have recently been started on 40 mg Atorvastatin for high cholesterol. I also have heart failure and hypertension for which I am on various medications. Over the last few days I have noticed my ankles get swollen as the day progresses. Has anyone else on statins experienced this?

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi there, not heard of this from statins. What other meds are you on could be the interaction between them and the statins, I'd say go back and ask your GP

Take care Mark

[angedogs in reply to skid112]

Hi Mark

I am on quite a few meds - Candesartan, Carvedilol, Eplerenone, Bendroflumethiazide Hydralazine and Glyceryl Trinitrate, all of which I have been taking for 2-4 years and more recently Atorvastatin and Mirtazapine. Those were both started at the same time so I suppose it could be the Mirtazapine. I am due to see my GP in 10 days but I may have to bring the appointment forward.

[skid112 Heart Star in reply to angedogs]

I would try and bring it forward if you can

[angedogs in reply to skid112]

Thanks Mark. I will phone the surgery on Monday. It's a pity I have been discharged from the heart clinic as the nurses there were great with sorting out medication problems.

[woodbon in reply to angedogs]

I have had problems with statins but tummy probs, not swelling. That said, the only people who can really sort this out are the medics. You should not worry about contacting your GP on MOnday, as waiting and stressing may make things worse, but a simple chat may help you cope so much better. It did me!

[Alex_Berkshire in reply to angedogs]

Ask the surgery if you could have a telephone call from the gp. It’s a great way to have a few minutes chat to air your issue and get the professional opinion and if then necessary an earlier appointment can be sorted

I do this sometimes to save the journey and the reassurance

Take care and look after yourself

[angedogs in reply to Alex_Berkshire]

Thanks Alex. I did actually go back to see the GP and as I was getting other symptoms as well he reduced the statins to 20gm. My ankles are still swollen on occasion but I am waiting for a cardiology appointment.

I have had telephone appointments with my GPs in the past and you are right, it is a quick and easy way to get a professional opinion and be seen if necessary.

[angedogs]

Thanks, I will definitely contact my GP on Monday. Are you still on statins and if so how were the stomach problems resolved? I am also feeling very queasy which I think must be caused by the statins but I will find out for sure on Monday.

[stevejb1810]

I think it unlikely to be linked to statins and more likely linked to your existing heart failure and hypertension diagnoses. I think a trip to your GP is in order, the sooner the better.

Steve

[angedogs in reply to stevejb1810]

Hi Steve

I think you could be right and it may be a coincidence that it happened at the same time as taking the statins. I am already waiting to hear from my cardiologist but I will contact my GP as well. Thanks.

[Zimmies]

Hi, I was prescribed Simvastatin some years ago and within days my ankles became swollen. At the time it was my only medication so was sure it was responsible. My GP agreed and change the prescription to Atorvastatin. My swelling went down and I had no side effects. it is possible you need to try a different statin. Good luck

[angedogs in reply to Zimmies]

Thanks Zimmies. I have read the list of symptoms and although there is no mention of oedema there is mention of swelling. I will speak to my doctor about it as I am also getting breathlessness.

[Paddyboyo]

Hi, i was on atorvastatin almost 11 years ago and had problems with swollen ankles and muscle pain. After a change to simvastatin i have had no problems since.

[angedogs in reply to Paddyboyo]

Sorry for the delayed reply Paddyboyo (I haven't been on here in a while). I saw my GP a few days ago and he agreed that the Atorvastatin may be the cause of some of the symptoms I have been getting including the swollen ankles and worsening muscle pain. He has now reduced the Atorvastatin from 40mg down to 20mg. I am not sure if it will make a difference as it is early days yet but I will know in a week or two.

[Paddyboyo]

Good, angedogs at least you're on the right track, I'm sure you'll get relief soon.

[angedogs]

I hope so Paddyboyo. Thanks.