Simvastatin - long term use

Simvastatin, side effects from long term use, any experiences and have these changed with an alteration to another type of statin.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Long before GCA, I had to try 3 different types of statins until I found one that suited me (and brother similarly) -simvaststin & avorstatin caused upper leg pain -Rosuvastatin did not.

However since having GCA/Pred? Or age? can’t tolerate - So not on any.

[Kendrew]

Hi smithy2, I was on Simvastatin for in excess of 7yrs and didn't experience any significant side effects. Three years ago I was diagnosed with PMR and having been off the statins for a few years I was immediately prescribed statins again when a cholesterol test showed I now had hypercholesterolemia! This time I was put on Atorvastatin and once again, I don't seem to be experiencing any significant side effects. Just my experience though and each individual will react in their own way as DL's post clearly shows.

[Bcol]

Similar to DL, couldn't cope with those two, more pain than my OA. Been on Rosuvastatin for donkeys years and not noticed any problems with or without Pred.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Simvastatin has the worst record - but that may just be a reflection of it being the first/cheapest/most used - and at one time PMR was listed as an adverse effect! One cardiology department in the USA has it banned from their options.

[autumnlass]

I was put on Simvistatin .. then Avorstatin then Pravastatin… all made me feel terrible! My GP said ‘Well statins are not for you then!!’ 🤣🤣

[nallufl24]

I started with Simvastatin which caused terrible leg pain. Also had pain with Pravastatin and Crestor. I didn’t take anything for a year but now my cholesterol is very high so doctor prescribed Rapatha which is not a statin. It’s very expensive but I have no choice. However, I know many people who take statins and have no problem.

[Muffin2019]

15 years with no issues, 10 MG every day., friend takes 80 MG and no issues.

[Mary63]

I reacted adversely to Simvastatin, but am fine on Atorvastatin.

[Orla1968]

I have been on simvastatin 10mg for over 15years without any problems.

[Angel_doll]

I had problems with simvastatin, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin. I was eventually referred to a specialist, who tried me on fluvastatin. To get the required reduction of my cholesterol levels I needed a high dose, which also came with the side effects. Next he tried me on 10mg ezetimibe, which had no side effects but my levels were still a bit high. He added back 20mg fluvastatin, and that combination had the desired effect. I am now due to have my annual check, and am hoping that my numbers are still good.

[Elor]

I’ve been taking statins for years and have been prescribed a range of them as they caused me pain. Most recently I was taking rosuvastatin twice a week supplemented with ezetimibe. At the last lipid clinic I was prescribed a new tablet nustendi to replace the ezetimibe. After a few days my PMR pains came back with a vengeance, it’s maybe just a coincidence and I’m having a flare but my GP advised me to stop them. Both my parents had heart attacks in their 50’s so they are keen to keep my cholesterol as low as possible. It’s so annoying!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Elor]

My line is that I have no desire to live for years feeling as I have on both the statins I have tried. The first time I was nearly in a wheelchair within 10 days, I could barely walk on the flat, never mind up a gentle slope! The last one looked not bad for the first 2 weeks and then a flare started. It didn't go in the few weeks after I stopped and then I had a super-flare which always starts with SI joint problems - couldn't get the back pain under control until I went to 20mg (never needed that before) and this morning after 4 nights I woke able to move without pain. Only form of pain relief that worked.

[Elor in reply to PMRpro]

Sorry, I replied to Smithy by mistake!

[oscarandchloe]

Simvastatin for about 16 years -no side effects at 20mg per day

[SMH4CRNA]

Been on a statin for 25 years. Been through them all. Currently on Rovuastatin at 20mg with no issue. Went off for 3 months when I started having PMR symptoms a couple years ago thinking it may be the statin, but it was not

[winfong]

Simvastatin for ages and with no problems. GP tried to switch me to Atorvastatin, but I had bad side effects. Back to good, ol' Simvastatin. Statins seem surprisingly individualized.

[Raven1955]

I have been on Simvastatin (40 mg) for 12 years with no side effects. GP said I could be a poster child for the stuff as my markers have been almost perfect ever since starting and no side issues have popped up for me. As Winfong said, the types of statins seem very individualised. Some people swear by them and some swear at them!

[Betty_H]

Everyone is different. I had rhabdomyalysis on statins so can't take ANY. I take Zetia(ezitimibe?) now. Cholesterol is a tiny bit high but tolerable. Hope you get your meds worked out.