Scalp itch with statins

[debrado]

I had a ‘subtle stroke’ in May. Prescribed statins for first time even though my cholesterol was over 7. I was diagnosed with PBC about 17 years ago. Always suffered with fatigue not itching. Take statin at night 40 mgs being kept awake by really itchy scalp. Is this due to statin? Is it likely to respond to brand or dose change? Thank you. Debra Liverpool x

[butterflyEi]

Hi debrado

I was diagnosed back in 2006 my main symptom has been the itch for which I was medicated. Back in 2019 I was diagnosed with Lichen Planopilarus and see a dermatologist who recently recommended a calming urea shampoo which I have found to be very good.

Perhaps you could ask the pharmacist whether the statin is causing your itch, my statin is only 10mg and have been taking it for probably 20-25 years.

Here is the link to the shampoo: eucerin.co.uk/products/derm...

[debrado in reply to butterflyEi]

Thank you so much for your reply and the information regarding the shampoo. I spoke to the liver team yesterday. They suggested cI speak to the stroke specialist about changing to a different statin as apparently I’m on the cheapest/strongest brand and there is one that’s kinder to the liver and/or a dose reduction. I’ll see what he says but in the meantime I’ll also have a word with the pharmacist about the shampoo. Thank you x

[CeeCee101]

I had to go through 5 statins until I found one I could tolerate and one that didn’t raise my LFTs. Been on that one for years.

[debrado in reply to CeeCee101]

Thanks for this. I am going to follow up on a more liver friendly one and your response is reassuring that I may get there in the end.