PMG/Thyroid - Steroids

[Ricketts40]

Two years ago I decided to have the shingles injection as having my twin grandchildren I didn't want to worry if they ever got chicken pox, etc. It wasn't until I was diagnosed with PMG did I investigate whether the shingles jab could have caused my PMG which developed a few months after the injection. Apparently it did. I have been on Prednisolone since. After losing a much loved grandson earlier this year I had a TIA stroke, due to the stress, and was put on Clopidogren 75gm, Telmisartan 40gm and Artorvistatin 80gm (since changed to Simvastatin due to my hair loss). Since 1987 I have also taken 150gm (recently reduced to 125mg) of levothyroxine for an underactive thyroid. On researching several of these drugs on NHS website it states people with an underactive thyroid should not take statins. It also states that a side effect of Simvastatin is that is can cause polymyalgia. My other problem is that since I have been taking the pills for my stroke I have been covered with large bruises on my legs and arms which seem to fade and then reappear as bad as before. My Dr doesn't seem too worried about the unsightly bruising but then he doesn't have to live with them. He said he thinks the varied medication may be causing the bruises. I am mainly concerned about the statins and of course whether I should be taking them at such a high dosage. I have weaned myself off Pred to 7mg from 25mg and am pleased with my progress, but am worried that the statins may upset my progress of getting off Pred.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Since you are on clopidogrel for its anti-platelet effect, I'm surprised they switched you to simuvastatin as it and fluvastatin interfere with the clopidogrel. Other statins don't have this effect.

Maybe a discussion with a pharmacist might be helpful? Pred can cause easy bruising - and in combination with clopidogrel that may be worsened.

[Ricketts40 in reply to PMRpro]

I must say I never noticed the bruising when I was just on the Pred, but once I started taking the Clopidogrel, Telmisartan and Artovistatin they appeared. I did go to the pharmacist and showed him my bruising, his comment was ' my goodness what have you done to yourself' and advised me to go to my GP. My GP on seeing the bruising almost repeated the Pharmacist words and said he thought it was a reaction of two of the meds I am taking, and that was it. My whole left shin is one huge bruise and that is without any injury or knocks.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Ricketts40]

The word isn't "reaction" to a drug - it is "interaction" of concurrent drugs ...

[Ricketts40 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for correction.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Ricketts40]

Wasn't you I was correcting - but the GP!

[Ricketts40 in reply to PMRpro]

Well I went to see my pharmacist yesterday at 7.20am!!! to discuss my change of Statins from Simuvastatin ( possible side effects say on meds leaflet that SIM could trigger PMR) to a different one. My Pharms reply was that ' well it will only be muscle discomfort similar to the usual discomfort that comes with statins'. He did ask where I had heard/seen this comment. I have to say that this pharmacist is very new to our Health Centre in fact it is his first week. I will have to go back to see my GP about changing my statin. I am now in a quandary as to whether to have the flu jab now as hubby wants me to check with a Dr before I have it on Saturday.

[Hidden in reply to Ricketts40]

If you check posts on flu jB you will see discussion. I have be told by 2 pharmacists that those 65 and over, who are taking pred who are taking pred need the over 65 jab that as an adjuvant that tickles the immune system to accept the vaccines. I am under 65 but will ask for the over 65 jab as my jab to see it helps more. I have had one for 19 years so not worrying.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Ricketts40]

In studies and the manufacturer's data sheet???????? One hospital, at least, in the USA has simvastatin on its blacklist

If you don't know - say so, Don't diss the patient...

[Christophene]

Statins are notorious for causing musculoskeletal problems. I was told this by a very kind pain management doctor who took care of my father. He and his colleagues wondered why they were getting so many referrels after statins were in wide use.. They did a questionnaire for these pts. and every single one was on a statin.

I can't comment on the other drugs; I know nothing about them. But I do know my husband refused them; his end had nothing to do with CVD or cholesterol.

And I agree with PMRPro that prednisone makes the skin look quite terrible; and makes it thin and fragile; my arms are covered with unsightly marks, Will be glad when long sleeves will be needed for cooler weather. Bruises; all you have to do is lightly brush against something and bleeding will occur under your skin.