Raised cholesterol levels and Baricitinib

[Liberty43]

Can anyone taking baricitinib 2mg has raised cholesterol l would like to hear which statin was prescribed. A district nurse came to do my bloods on Friday and my GP is looking into prescribing a statin.

Sure l have been eating more of the things than l would normally do eg. baking cakes etc. and much less active over last 16 months self isolating as clinically extremely vulnerable. Checked my weight and have put on about half a stone.

Taken statins in the past but did not get on well with them especially atorvastatin and simvastatin, making my muscles more achy than usual. If anyone is taking both baricitinib and a statin l would like to know which statin they were prescribed and how they are getting on.

Thanks for taking time to read this. Regards.

[Hidden]

I don’t take Baricitinib but I was on both of those statins pre RA and did suffer with achy muscles. On diagnosis was told the achy muscles may have been caused by RA and to continue atorvastatin and yes the achy muscles went when I started my RA medication . This was me but others may be effected differently. I know my cholesterol goes up when my disease is uncontrolled .

[Mmrr]

Hi, my cholesterol did rise with Baricitinib from 5.5 to 6.4 but I decided not to take statins as I have very sore achy muscles and tendons anyway.

Change of drugs to tocilizumab and my cholesterol rose again to 7.4, I've now stopped tocilizumab, bloods will be checked again next week before I decide what to do. Personally I'm not keen to take statins if I can avoid them, but I do have extensive tenosynovitis and muscle problems and don't want to add to them. I've just started leflunomide.

[Liberty43 in reply to Mmrr]

Hi. Yes for me l really do not want to take statins for same reasons and when the GP rings tomorrow l will listen to what she has to say. If my levels are really high then l will probably contact my RA consultant for further advice. I am doing really well on the baricitinib and my many nodules disappeared from my arms after a couple of months. My right hand had already drifted to the right at start of baricitinib and unfortunately still seems to be moving,

Overall very happy with less pain and wellbeing. Thank you for replying and hope leflunomide helps.

[Mmrr in reply to Liberty43]

🤞

[wishbone]

I've been on 10mg of Simvastatin since a minor heart attack approx 15 years ago. My cholesterol was just inside the upper limit of what my GP likes at the time. I've had my chohlesterol tested twice since starting 2mg of baricitinib 2 years ago, lordy that's gone quick, and it's been fine. Should have had another test but for the pandemic. I had to request cholesterol tests off my GP who agreed when I suggested every 6 months. He advised including FBCs as well. I'm a little surprised that rheumy never mentioned cholesterol tests when I was first prescribed baricitinib unless they thought I was already having them.

[Liberty43 in reply to wishbone]

Hello. I have had my bloods tested by consultant at least 3 times since starting baricitinib and nothing came from that. Feel sure that it’s my unhealthy eating during shielding. Think l will have to stop baking. Baricitinib has really helped me and would not like to give it up. Hope you have had similar results.

[oldtimer]

Perhaps negotiate if you could try a low cholesterol diet first? Get those extra pounds off and restrict your intake of fat? You can find lots of advice on lowering your cholesterol with diet.

[Liberty43]

Yes, agree. That’s what l hope to do. Thank you.

[Biofreak]

I take 10 mg Pravastatin per day. Both Simvastatin and Atorvastatin caused constipation. My cholesterol wasn't particularly high but was prescribed by the diabetes clinic as a precautionary measure. I would try and reduce the fat intake in your diet and then perhaps you may not need to take any statins in the longer term hopefully. I try and keep my fat intake under control but being diabetic I don't eat cakes, biscuits and chocolate very much anyway. But I do like cheese so have to watch that. Lol.

[Liberty43 in reply to Biofreak]

Thank you. Not heard from doctor yet, could be anytime today. I will definitely aim to reduce intake of cake, which l have been baking for first time in years. Keep safe and well.

[vonniesims]

I'm on methotrexate and Benepali. Atarvoststin made me achy and tired. Now I'm on Rosuvastztin and am fine

[Liberty43 in reply to vonniesims]

I will see what is on offer for now then hopefully eat more healthily after all this. Been shielding for 17 weeks now and hope to pluck up courage to go for short walks soon.