Ruxolitinib & raised cholesterol

[Cazbolac]

I have been on Ruxolitinib for nearly 9 years now managing my primary myelofibrosis. I have been advised today that I now have a very high cholesterol level of 9.4. We went through my family history and diet but it seems that Rux seems to be the main contributory factor. The sheet does say this is a very common side effect of Rux ( raised blood cholesterol).. The strange thing is that my haematology team has never monitored this and it was discovered by my GP. Does anyone else on Ruxolitinib relate to this?

[Ebot]

Hi. Yes, raised cholesterol appears to be a common side effect of Rux. It was one of the things raised by my haem (Guys Hospital) in a recent discussion about participating in a clinical trial where Rux is a possible drug option. I was told if my cholesterol started rising I’d be put on to statins.

[Cazbolac in reply to Ebot]

Thank you. My Haem team have never checked my cholesterol level despite being on Rux for so long. I suppose they are learning new things all the time. Good luck with your treatment.

[chelsea1]

Hi there! Yes - I am also struggling with raised chlorestorol due to run and I was offered statins by my GP. I refused them and I'm trying to control this with alterations to my diet. I'm going back to my GP at the end of November to have this checked again.

[MPNBlog]

Hi there Cazbolac. Raised Cholesterol is a well-known side effect of Rux. I'm wondering if your doctor is an MPN specialist? Have you checked the list often provided on this thread? Statins ought to sort it out. High cholesterol isn't helpful for people with MPNs.

Best wishes

[Cazbolac in reply to MPNBlog]

Thank you for the reply. Consultant is a haematologist/oncologist but never ever spoken to me about cholesterol. Not happy with the care received on this. Good job I have an excellent GP.

[MPNBlog]

Agreed. A good GP is in valuable!

[Yanico]

hi my chlorestoral is checked as part of normal blood tests quite frequently. I have only once had a fasting cholesterol test. I am on statins as I had a stroke. I’ve been on rux for 3 months. Chlorestoral has risen but is not dangerous- 4.