I'm a stage 5 CKD Patient. Yes, Kidney Failure without dialysis or transplant, yet. My cholesterol and Triglycerides are super high! My PCP will want to put me on a statin but I can't find any safe for Stage 5 Patients. Anyone out there have any recommendations? I can't get into see my Kidney Doc until April. Nice, huh?
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FelineFandom146
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it is not a safe thing for a non physician to recommend medication.
I recently was prescribed a statin from my endocrinologist. She called my nephrologist as well. If you have a primary doctor have them reach out to your kidney doctor. It is hard when doctors get booked and you have too wait, but l have found that Doctors respond to other doctors quicker.
I'm at gfr 3b (38) and have been taking pravastatin daily for a year or so with no obvious side effects. I was very concerned about starting a statin as I had trouble with them years ago (Lipitor). Still in the months since starting pravastatin, all my cholesterol numbers have improved a little with every lab work that I do. No big jumps. Just small positive improvements each time, so I'm happy with this medication. Please check with your doctors about what to do. Good luck
I am not a doctor. I have had kidney disease for 17 years. Been on dialysis and now have a transplant.
I have never heard of being stage 5 meaning you can’t be on statins. HOWEVER you will likely require a dose adjustment, i.e. take less than someone with normal kidneys.
Just because you can’t see your nephrologist , does that really mean he/she won’t answer a message, phone call, etc?
Especially at State 5, you need to run all medicines by the nephrologist. Period.
Thanks for the reply. It is greatly appreciated. However, there is much debate about the safety of Statins for anyone with CKD and especially for those in later stages. That being said, not all Nephrologists are knowledgeable about other meds. That being said, I take no meds without checking into them first. I've had CKD for over 27 years and have learned to be extra cautious after many errors by "specialists." Thanks again.....
Do you have a cardiologist? My husband (who now has a transplant) found his cardiologist to be very knowledgeable about blood pressure meds, statins, etc. - more so than his nephrologist. Their influence on blood vessels and organs are in their wheelhouse. Definitely let him know your history - especially your kidney situation. Cardiologists are quick to interface with other specialists. Perhaps this is an approach you can consider.
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