Is Ezetimibe competely safe, and is there any link to cancer?

[larkio]

[Aliwally]

There is a similar thread going about statins and cancer. All I have read on the subject is that statins do not increase the risk of cancer, but the time that they have been in use may just not be long enough to know.

Ezetimbe is a much newer drug isn't it, so I guess the answer is nobody knows. Some of the trials with the combination of simvastatin and ezetimbe against simvastatin alone (ENHANCE) have shown that the combination is no better and may actually increase arterial thickness. I think there is an IMPROVE-IT trial going on at the moment.

Don't usually look at Wiki..but this is quite comprehensive.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezeti...

[larkio in reply to Aliwally]

Hi Aliwally, thanks for the reply, at present I am on Atorvastatin 40mg but my gp has suggested that I may have to change to simvastatin and ezetimbe hence my concern of the possible cancer link from ezetimbe. I suppose it will all depend on my cholesterol level on my next blood test.

[PmlSThms in reply to larkio]

I too am on Atorvastatin and was prescribed ezemitibe some years ago. then thye stopped it, because if the risks with it. Now in the last month they have re prescribed it because my cholesterol levels are so high. I had breast cancer 3 years ago. Eeke how worried should I be!

[larkio]

Hi, I was taken off Ezetimibe/ Simvastatin to be put on Rosuvastatin as this was considered to be more effective. Unfortunately after a week I began suffering severe muscle cramp in both my legs. My GP then prescribed Atorastatin last May and I have had no problems at all, but after a blood test my cholesterol has risen, and so I may have to go back on Simvastatin/ Ezetimibe.

[spats]

Nothing is 'safe' If side effects are well tolerated GOOD. If not keep searching diet and alternative channels My personal help is from diet - take Oatly drink at night and following as much normal low fat high fruit and fibre advice as I can - and supplement with Plant Sterols and Omega 3 in raised doses from 'normal' This treatment takes about 6 months to show effect and is cleared in DAYS, as I found out having to stop for an operation - There are some surgical teams who do not like them to be used. If you are having painful side effects be diligent to watch for any pain that might be needing treatment. I had a scare having missed finding a breast lump. Keep searching There should be some thing available for your body tolerances!!! PS this treatment is not cheap or on prescription.

[larkio]

Hi Spats, thanks for the comments, my gp has now decided that I will continue on Atorvastatin for the time being as my last cholestoral level check was 5.1.This morning I was told I have Stage 2 diabetes. To try and avoid taking another drug he suggested that I should try a stricter diet regime,with more exercise and then he would offer me another fasting diabetes blood test in 3 months and then he will check what developements , if any,there has been..