Hello
Started tocilizumab a few weeks ago and my cholesterol went from 6 to 8.6. I know that 6 is already high but 8.6 is scary. Have you noticed your cholesterol was getting higher with tocilizumab or is it just me?Now doc wants me on statins which I don't want to.
Thanks
Hi the same happened to me but I take different medications. I have a problem with my thyroid and my doctor said thyroid problems are usually associated with high cholesterol. Since I have taken medication for thyroid my cholesterol has gone down.
Trish
Yes your Doctor is right. Thyroid is associated with Cholesterol, one goes up as the other goes down, they have an inverted effect on each other.
Treat the Low Thyroid optimally, (till you are feeling as well as can be) and your Low thyroid FT4/3 should return up to good normal levels and your cholesterol should go down to normal too.
I wonder how many people diagnosed with High Cholesterol now,really have Low Thyroid (Hypothyroidism) instead ?
High Cholesterol years ago before thyroid bloods came about, pointed to patients having a Low Thyroid problem and Doctors knew to treat with Thyroid Hormone medication till cholesterol came back to normal level.
My cholesterol levels are always high when my inflammation is out of control.
It is known that tocilizumab can cause a rise in cholesterol but you could try as I did & attempt to manage it by diet for a few months if you're dead set against taking statins. Unfortunately a re-test after 3 months showed not only that it didn't lower but my LDL level rose (& I tried, I really did!). As both my mum & dad had heart conditions I decided I had no option, plus we know RD can have a part to play. Your GP did give you the higher risk category levels didn't he? It might also be a good idea to discuss this with your Rheumy, see if any other meds could be involved, NSAIDs (e.g. COX-2's). I take 10 mg atorvastatin, it's only a low dose & it keeps it in check.
Do Google 'The Great Cholesterol Con' by Scottish Doctor, Dr Malcolm Kendrick, it might shock you, but we all need to know the truth about these dangerous statins.
My Mum had kidney failure and ended up on dialysis 3 X a week, Kidney Failure is a listed side effect of statin use. Oh! and statins can actually cause heart attacks too.
A friend's Mum had Altzheimers for a few years, came off the statins and no longer has Altzheimers can you believe ?
My Mum in Law was all sleepy and confused we thought she had dementia, took her off the statins, within a day or so she returned back to normal.
We all need cholesterol, our bodies make cholesterol, our brains contain and need cholesterol. Also heart Doctors are now reporting that people with high cholesterol are less likely to die from heart failure than people with Low or normal cholesterol.
It is Low cholesterol that is now known to be causing prostate and breast cancers.
Doctors years ago, before relying on unreliable thyroid bloods as they do now, knew that High Cholesterol pointed towards a thyroid problem (Low Thyroid/Hypothyroidism) so would treat you with NDT 'Natural Dessicated (pigs) Thyroid' till you felt better, your cholesterol would returned to normal levels and your low thyroid returned to normal too.
My husband was told his cholesterol level was a high 8.
Another listed side effect for statins is muscle weakness, yet Hubby's Doctor knew my Husband already has weakened muscles, I couldn't believe it when his Doctor said if your muscles get worse come back to see him ??? Husband refused to collect his statin prescription.
Ps. Statins make megga bucks for it's makers and pushers, please do some research first virginied.
I was told by rummy that it is a side effect of toc. Its also listed as a common side effect. I have also put on a lot of weight, which I think other people have on it. But I am now in clinical remiss, so for me it's worth the side effects, as for the weight I am now trying to swim to get fitter, still get pain but that is because of the damage already done by ra.
Hi virginied - Not to be all "alternative medicine" (although that IS my wheelhouse - ha ha), but there are herbal alternatives that I would personally try first, including Dr. Christopher's "Blood Stream Formula". His herbal formula's are great.
Hello
Thanks for all your replies. I do have also under active thyroid but have tablets for it. Knowing me I will have all the bad side effects if I take statins.
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