High Cholesterol

[JubileePenny]

My doctor thinks I should take meds for high cholesterol. My levels have

been just into abnormal for several years. When I read the side effects

of statins, I am concerned. My PBC is stable, but I have hypertension

in the doctors office, rarely at home.

I am currently taking Urso, Synthroid, Gabapentin, and weekly Alendronate.

Taking another prescription med, perhaps 2 (BP meds) more, upsets me.

Any advice?

[JubileePenny]

Since posting the above, I have found the section on cholesterol meds. Cheers

[mel16 in reply to JubileePenny]

Could you share the info you found on cholesterol meds pls

[JubileePenny in reply to mel16]

These are older posts. Hope you can open this.

Cheers,

healthunlocked.com/pbc-foun...

[butterflyEi]

I take statins as I have a family history of heart disease. I am in my 70s and now take Rosuvostatin which I learned is kinder to the system for the older generation. I used to take simvostatin. I also take Alendronate and Gabapentine plus other medications for different problems. I have never had any reaction to taking either of the statins but I have heard of people who do have side effects.

Glad you found more information on the cholesterol meds.

[JubileePenny in reply to butterflyEi]

Thanks for your reply. This gives me something to take to my GP next visit. XX

[gwillistexas]

I take Ocaliva, levothyroxine and generic Crestor. I have been on a statin since 2013 with no adverse effects on my liver. I was diagnosed with PBC in 2017. My cholesterol is familial so a statin is the only way to keep it within a normal range. My hepatologist has no problem with it. The one I would never take is Lipitor.

[JubileePenny in reply to gwillistexas]

Thank you for the information. I will use it when I talk to my GP. Cheers XX

[gwillistexas in reply to JubileePenny]

You’re welcome

[DonnaBoll Administrator]

What are your HDL and LDL numbers? Have you tried just dietary changes as well? I know it's hard to keep adding to your medications when some of us take quite a few every day. If you have Dr. Jones' book on PBC, he addresses this subject on pages 156-157. Higher cholesterol is part of the disease process for PBC. The elevation is almost always of the 'good' HDL. This actually reduces the risk of vascular disease. He states that statins are safe to take in PBC if they are needed.

[JubileePenny in reply to DonnaBoll]

Thank you for your response. My numbers (Canada) are:

5.37 (nml 2.00-5.19)

LDL 3.67 (nml 1.50 - 3.40) (down from 3.85 after quitting red meat 6 mo earlier)

HDL 1.20 (Nml >1.19)

Chol / HDL Risk Ratio 4.48 (Nml < 4.4))

This has been going on for several years. My triglycerides are low normal.

I am working on diet and will ask for new numbers before taking on new meds.

I will look for the book you mentioned.

Cheers

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to JubileePenny]

I don't see that your numbers are bad at all. I think it is a good idea to try dietary changes. The book is PBC The Definitive Guide for Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis. It is amazing! Sometimes meds are offered when maybe other methods might be effective.

[JubileePenny in reply to DonnaBoll]

I will look for the book. I think my doctor's concern was BP combined with Cholesterol. I am working on losing weight and more exercise. I already eat well as shown in triglycerides. Thank you. XX

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to JubileePenny]

I agree - give it some time doing what you are doing. Check your numbers again.

[JubileePenny in reply to DonnaBoll]

I am in Vancouver, Canada and I was able to order the paper back version of the David Jones book through Chapters (Indigo) bookstore. I look forward to reading it. Thanx again.

[danaLL]

I take 10 mg of lipitor and started on fenofibrate 145 mg. The lipitor lowered my cholesterol to perfect numbers. My edochenologist informed me that with PBC, our bodies make a special type of cholestorol. He had said previously that lipitor would not help but then said new studies had come out, so i think i have been on the lipitor for 5 plus years now. I then started fenofibrate which lowers the production of triglycerides. I started taking it a year ago. After the first month Alk phos, AST and ALT all dropped significantly. 1 year later, my levels are at 1/3 of what they were when I started the med. Prior to taking it, my AST and ALT were normal, but my alk phos was still elevated. I have had PBC for 14 years and was diagnosed with AIH 6 years ago. This is the first time in 14 years that my alk phos has been normal. It has changed my life. I know you found your own research, but I hope you find this helpful.

[JubileePenny in reply to danaLL]

Thank you for your experience. It will help me decide. Cheers XX

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to danaLL]

Good for you!! I know many people with PBC who have had great success taking fenofibrates. You are right that PBC can elevate our 'good' cholesterol.