Statins and liver disease

[Marleydog116]

Hi looking for some advice , I recently saw my alpha 1 liver specialist recently I have liver cirrhosis and he has recommended a liver biopsy, pre diabetes check and possible statins to help with weight loss he also thinks I have metabolic syndrome any ideas why he’s suggesting statins ? Cheers

[kensimmons]

I am not a doctor but it is my understanding that statins are to prevent heart problems.

There are many medicines prescribed for weight loss, perhaps this is a just released one or something.

Or perhaps this is not for weight loss for you at all, but to prevent heart problems.

I am NOT a doctor, please consult with yours for any serious issues or questions you have. I am sure your doctor knows what he or she is doing and why. I would not panic, quite the opposite, your doctor seems very thorough, at least from what you write.

[oap74]

I was on statins 5years ago for my heart 60mg a day at that time one week they where praised as a wonder drug a week letter they weren’t, this went on for quiet awhile with side effects out saying the advantages. My side effects were aches and pains and terrible cramps so I told my doctor and he said I could come off them. Which I did and have been an awful lot better for it. Things may have improved see how you feel taking them then talk to your doctor. We are all different. All the best.

[sophiaS1980]

I think you misunderstood your doctor, statins isn't for weight loss, but I notice you did say you are prediabetic, I would think he is talking about putting you on metformin, this is a drug that help some people lose weight. If you already have cirrhosis, don't know why he would want to do an invasive procedure such as biopsy.

[Marleydog116 in reply to sophiaS1980]

No he said that he’s been involved with research regarding obesity and the statins have an beneficial affect on the liver and weight loss

[Readlots in reply to sophiaS1980]

Cirrhosis can be caused by lots of different things, sometimes a liver biopsy is recommended to determine where the damage is. I have Alpha 1 but I also have PBC and autoimmune hepatitis which affect different parts of the liver and were confirmed by biopsy. There is some debate about whether you need a biopsy to confirm these diagnoses. For me it was worth it because I was put on Azathioprine for the autoimmune hepatitis. I’m also on Urso for the PBC and my liver results improved.

[sophiaS1980 in reply to Readlots]

Good for you, I also have PBC without a biopsy, if you know what's causing your liver problem, then no need for biopsy, I do understand if you don't know the cause.

[Wordesley]

Low levels of HDL (good cholesterol) increases the risk of heart problems, while high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) increases the risk of fatty liver and fatty deposits on blood vessels. Statins are prescribed to try and even out the levels....also because they are a cheap drug, but they are not without a lot of side effects. Statins can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hepatitis, pancreatitis and vision problems or memory loss. I've been doing some reading on this because I've had blood tests which show low HDL and high LDL and I know the GP is going to try and put me on statins, and as I am pre-diabetic, have had a bad fibroscan result and have gallstones I'm not sure it's the right thing.

[Marleydog116]

Thanks everyone for the replies I am going to a therapist for a biofeedback assessment and see if I can try and get healthier I really don’t want to take statins my friend was on them and caused terrible side effects