Abnormal liver function & statins

[45sue]

I am 9 weeks post HA & have had 2 consecutive blood tests showing significantly abnormal liver function, assumed to be caused by statins. I took a week off them & my GP reduced dose of atorvastatin from 80 mg to 20 mg but still abnormal & told by cardiac rehab to stop altogether pending further blood test- they then discharged me back to GP anyway who am waiting to see. Has anyone had this experience & if so, how long did it take for liver to get back to normal?

[marypw]

Yes, atorvastatin (at 20 mg) put my LFTs up, they went back to normal within a few weeks of stopping. I did have a liver ultrasound to check for any problems as well - our GPs are very thorough!

I've now been on simvastatin for years with no problems.

[Walter61]

Hi . I am currently post MI (15 weeks) & like yourself have now had 4 successive blood tests each time showing increased abnormal liver function with another blood test arranged again this week . I am also on atovastatin which has been decreased from 80mg to 40mg by my cardiology Nurse after I reported lower back pain to them. My GP recommended for me to have a ultrasound on the abdomen which was carried out last week so am still waiting on these results. As I mention above my concern also is the lower back pain I am experiencing on my right hand side which increases while out walking whilst doing part of my rehab. My GP’s initial thought was the statin what was causing the problem even thou he said he isn’t sure , I myself suggested to try another statin manufacturer but this hasn’t currently been offered to me & now he has told me to refer this back myself to my cardiology specialist when I see her in 2 weeks. Are you having similar problems with back pain also?

[45sue in reply to Walter61]

Hi Walter - Thanks for your feedback. I had already asked cardio nurse a general question re effect of statins on liver who said I would know if liver being affected but in my case have had no symptoms whatsoever - only found out via routine blood test . Not sure why you are being kept on them -cardio nurse stressed not to take them again prior to improved blood results & said I might not be able to tolerate statins at all.