CLL and Statins

[Richardmint]

Here is the question, has anyone experienced a quick or sudden change in their blood counts since taking Atorvastatin?

Hi All, I am reasonably new to this forum but was diagnosed with CLL in 2009. On W&W until 2017 when I had one cycle of FCR, after a bad reaction in intensive care with neutropenic sepsis I recovered and in remission for 18 months until now.

My blood counts during this remission have been reasonably stable, around the 130 HGB and below 9 WBC. That is until last week when I felt weak and out-of breath, my blood test displayed 87 HGB and 15 WBC with all the symptoms of haemolytic anaemia. I have started a series of meds to counteract the situation.

I started taking Atorvastatin 20 days ago and I’m wondering after 18 months of stable blood counts whether the chemicals within the statin triggered a sudden and dramatic dip in my Haemoglobin count.

[JigFettler Volunteer]

Hi Richardmint!

Your Hb has taken a significant drop after clearly a very torrid time.

It is a matter of urgency to always find a reason for such Hb drop. It would seem that has been addressed.

To respond to your post... I don't think you can attribute any role to the statin for this Hb drop.

Always contact your medical team for advice.

I defer to anyone who may have experienced a similar scenario!

I really hope you are feeling better soon.

Jig

[GMa27]

Statins have not effected my blood work.

You certainly have been thru a lot!

Check with your oncologist and remind him of your statin. 💕

[Myrddin]

Been on statins for many years and Atorvastatin for the last two with no effect on cll but like other statins might have raised my blood sugar

[HappyDave]

Richard

Statins have not impacted on my CLL which is stable following Rituximab in March 2019. I am told I should have 2-3 years before I need either a repeat treatment or another intervention. We shall see.

[cricons]

Dr. Google has a number of articles documenting that statins have been found to slow the progression of CLL, see ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl... as an example. I started them in January and had a nice first six months of stability, with some upward movement in ALC since then ... but not long enough for any trends to share (except possibly increased blood sugar ...). As others have said best check with your oncologist on this. Good luck.