Simvastatin and tummy troubles

[Winimops]

Hi all!

Since my 2nd week on Simvastatin 10mg my IBS has flared up (now on week 5). I have tummy cramps, wind and flatulence 😷💨💨💨. According to the meds info sheet gastric disturbances are a side effect.

Has anyone had these side effects and if so did they improve with time?

Thank you for your help.

[Mitchum]

I had the same problem with Atorvastatin but not with Simvastatin. Go to your GP and ask them to try a different one as people react differently to the various types.

[Winimops in reply to Mitchum]

Thanks I am seeing my GP on 23rd. I plan to tell him about the side effects if they are still there then.

[oakplanter24]

Hello Winimops. Sounds like you have similar issues to me. I had mild h.attack 4 yrs ago lebelled MINOCA (no need for stents.etc)From the first week the meds have given me trouble I believe. Tried all statins and combinations with Ezetimibe. Things settle down for a while then flare up. Very uncomfortable and it gets me down. I am at the point of stopping my meds for a month to clear the system but the doctors don't recommend this of course.

I have had every type of blood,celeriac and other investigations which all came back negative. I tried avoiding gluten. Nothing has been conclusive.

My point is it could be à long road, maybe not, you might be one of the ones who's body adjusts to these meds. I hope so but if not you have to keep going.

I am hoping my side effects clear up with the break from the meds. I want to keep my cholesterol down naturally if possible. We shall see.

Good luck to you.

[Winimops in reply to oakplanter24]

Yep! It is a wait and see scenario I guess. I just hope that my symptoms improve. Without the statins I don’t know how i can keep my LDL less than 1.8

[oakplanter24 in reply to Winimops]

Does LDL have to be 1.8I have a results sheet from GP showing Non HDL range is 0.00 to 3.90mml/l

assuming NON HDL is same as LDL

[Winimops in reply to oakplanter24]

According to the BHF & my cardiac nurse it needs to be less than 1.8. Without a statin my LDL went from 1.4 to 3.7 so had to restart them ☹️

[Harveyone]

Hi try getting Rosuvastin its a lot easier on the stomach.Take with bit of food and bio yogurt.Goodluck

[Winimops in reply to Harveyone]

I couldn’t tolerate Rosuvastatin due to the severe muscle pains ☹️but my stomach was fine on them.

[oakplanter24 in reply to Harveyone]

thanks for that but on Rosuverstatin now. mind you I take it at night with few sips of tea or water.If I need to stay on it will try with food

[Sarah090174]

Hiya, I have inflammatory bowel disease and have found that atorvastatin sent me into a flare w much resulted in horrendous diahorrea and I basically couldn’t eat or drink for 5 days. It was only a low dose but a little unsure of trying it again but need something for my colestral control. I am still on steroids after my last flare so am just waiting to try again. I honestly don’t think I will be able to take them. I was informed there is an injection you can have every 6 months but most GP’s won’t prescribe it as it is to expensive. I think if you have a bowel disease diagnosed then surely statins can’t be good for your bowel and GP’s should reconsider. Hope this helps