Olumiant and raised Lipids

[juliea793]

I have been on the above medication for 3 years now and it works well. My Cholesterol levels are rising, now 6 and also raised Triglycerides. The GP has written to a senior Pathologist to seek advice. They have suggested Atorvastatin 20mg. My husband cannot take statins as upsets his stomach and my stomach is easily upset.

Apparently 6 is good for my age.

What advice has anybody else on the same type of drugs done with raised Cholesterol .And how if you have started statins has been your reaction. Thanks for your time.

[Madmusiclover]

Yes I have this problem. It’s borderline like yours on Baricitinib. GP more concerned than rheumy who just says it’s fine and to be expected. We have history of not tolerating statins but there are many different ones. Ultimately it’s YOUR choice. I’m resisting at this stage.

[juliea793 in reply to Madmusiclover]

I think I will resist at the moment. Thanks for your reply.

[Amnesiac3637]

Hi. Was on Baricitinib (Olumiant) for three years and prior to that had perfectly normal cholesterol levels which rose to 6.5 almost as soon as I started it.

Felt very resistant to taking statins - just another drug to have to take to counteract the effects of the first one. I have stable, low blood pressure, am luckily active and able to exercise every day and am a healthy weight and BMI so I have taken a chance and not taken statins so far. I’ve just started on another JAK -Filgotinib - Baricitinib stopped working after I got Covid - and this one also raises cholesterol levels. Rheumatologist (as in Madmusiclover’s case) not really concerned but GP mildly hysterical as their protocols have to be observed. As a retired practice sister I can appreciate that but it is our bodies who have to take these drugs and we have to weigh up the risks and benefits. Depending on your age (I’m 70) and general fitness it’s always going to be your decision unless your doctors are adamant you need them. Best of luck!

[Madmusiclover in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Mildly hysterical! Perfectly put. I’m more concerned about my HDL/LDL ratio which GP had to reluctantly agree was fine!

[juliea793 in reply to Amnesiac3637]

As a nurse myself for over 30 years I am reluctant to start yet another medication but I am overweight( perhaps due to medication). I cannot exercise other than doing my volunteering work because I have so much aching at base of spine. I am 73. Thankyou for your reply.

[Stayloose]

My husband's cholesterol went up from low 3 to 5+ on Olumiant/Baricitinib. Statins prescribed and now down to 4. No side effects for him. Are they necessary? Who can say.

[juliea793 in reply to Stayloose]

That is very interesting. Thankyou for your reply.

[Recorder500L in reply to juliea793]

I have been taking Olumiant for about 6 years. My cholesterol got to 7.5. Went onto statins Rosurvastatin, now down to 4.5. No side effects so very pleased. Take care

[kangolk]

Hi Juliea,I am on the same drug and have been for the same amount of time. I am on Atorvastatin and I am doing really great on them. The Dr is always more worried than the consultant if it raises a little.

[Anniebl24]

my cholesterol increased. Rheumatology more interested in ratio and triglycerides etc. they say monitor it every six months. I am v drug sensitive and statins made me dizzy.