cholesterol update

[Tinker2015]

since you post regarding my cholesterol my Doctors rang need to discuss my blood test. 12months back I asked to try prevastatin attempted twice got no pain just bad anxiety research statesmost statins cause it apart from simvastatin as initially they can but like antidepressants bad for two weeks then you start to improve.I am really not sure which to try. Been looking on internet which I see, that ages up to 74they give for prevention if of course you have prior heart history or diabetes when you turn 75 it would benefit from them.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I really do not like it when my Doctor gives me a choice of tablets as how do I know which to choose I always wished she would just say take that one as I go on Google and what suites one person does not suite someone else and leaves me even more confused which to take

No one can tell you which to try they can tell you how they felt on a certain one but if I was you I would try one knowing that if it did not suite you then you could always try the other one

Let us know how you get on x

[mozart27]

I am the same age as you but male and I was prescribed Simvastatin in my 50s. It didn't control my triglycerides so my statin was changed to Atorvastatin which did but only at maximum dose. I have no side effects but often wonder how much benefit is to be gained from continuing to take Atorvastatin. All the published research has concentrated on younger participants. There are, however, a couple of large scale studies in process in Australia and USA concerning the over 75s. The results of the Australian one (Staree) should be published next year or in 2026. I'll see what it reports.

[Pepperthedog]

Many years ago my GP prescribed statins for high cholesterol; within a short time I was literally crippled by pain in my legs and couldn't get out of bed or walk unaided. Not having read up on statins, I wasn't aware that muscle pain could be a side effect. A consultant then prescribed Ezetimibe 10mg, which has since worked well, with no side effects. This is a more expensive drug so it may be that only a consultant is allowed to prescribe it as a first-line solution.

Since then I've always researched new meds thoroughly due to complex interrelated conditions that increase the likelihood of side effects. In googling them, I always look for several published scientific research conclusions (ignoring the chemistry bits), preferably studies of large numbers of people; if they're contradictory, I go with the majority view. I now sometimes ask for particular drugs when a current one needs changing, and go to a GP appointment prepared to explain why a certain medication is best or another isn't. Overworked GPs may not have the time to keep up to date with all new drug developments.

[Tinker2015 in reply to Pepperthedog]

I tried a few statins same problems I even tried Esitimbe after five weeks got very painful gout. A lot of these alternatives can cause this. I to have researched on drugs I go see Clinician next Friday going to suggest trying Rosuvastatin 5mg one a week if I can apparently this one is stronger but you can use it this way equivalent to taking a 10mg every day if I can I will cut it in half but not sure I am with this one. If am ok after a month will try two a week. Not prepared to trying anymore