Atorvastatin

[Susie3012]

My cholesterol was always low until I went through the dreaded menopause which turned me upside down and inside out! My anxiety shot through the roof and my cholesterol with it! I’ve always been slim fit and healthy. Never smoked and drank minimal alcohol. My diet is very healthy. No red meat or processed foods, just plenty of fruit, veg, pulses, chicken and fish.

Cholesterol climbed to 8.6 last year so I was started on Atorvastatin 40mgs. Initially I took it at night as I’ve read that our bodies make cholesterol at night so taking statins at night makes them more effective. I’m pretty sure it gave me disturbing dreams so I’ve changed it to break time!

My cholesterol has dropped to 4 now which is great. I’ve not noticed any side effects, no muscle aches.

I would say to others not to worry about taking Atorvastatin it’s very safe. If you do experience unwanted side effects they aren’t common with Atorvastatin, you can ask to change to another.

I wouldn’t consider stopping it now unless it suddenly gave me problems as it’s been very effective at bringing my cholesterol back to normal levels and that’s very important to reduce the risk of heart attack and strokes.

[winfong]

It's so dependent on the individual. I hated atorvastatin, and had to go back to simvastatin. There are plenty of statins out there, so it's usually a matter of finding the one that works for you.

[Bcol]

Totally agree with Winfong's comments. Neither it nor Simvastatin worked for me but Rosuvastatin is no problem at all.

[Pixix]

I’ve taken Atorvastatin for over 20 years, after my cholesterol was 11…my Mum’s 12 & my Aunt’s was 10. Familial, & no efforts in diet etc were successful. My Mum & Aunt both had strokes, Mum died of a complication while in hospital & Aunt died due to a stroke last year. It reduces the risk of strokes, but, sadly, not altogether prevent them. I have had no problems, but my husband has just been recommended to start them & it’s causing great difficulties controlling his INR & his Warfarin taking.

[Tictok]

I've been taking Atoravastatin at night for a week or so with no side effects. My daily Prednisolone level for PMR is 3.5mg. My overall cholesterol level is 4.3. Good luck.. .

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think it is essential to point out that everyone is different and atorvastin almost had me in a wheelchair. It is one of the statins closely associated in a study with triggering PMR.

[9lives]

hi Sisie3012

It’s good to hear some positive vibes re avorstatin. Like you my cholesterol was up to6.5 and GP recommend I take avorstatin. I was reluctant but having researched and read posts on here I thought I would give it ago. This is week 2 and so far so good. I guess we have to weigh things up and do what is best for our bodies.

Good luck to you

Carole

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to 9lives]

It very much depends on the person - and even if atorvastatin doesn't work for you, another statin may be fine.

[9lives in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRpro

Ah Yes As I say it does seem to agree with me so far which is good. I think sometimes we just don’t like taking pills 💊 but i seem to be surprising myself with this one 😺

[1951grumpa]

I had a raised cholesterol and after a CT ultrasound found I had some blockages so I was put on 10mg arouvostatin. It lowered my bad cholesterol below 60 and that’s what my cardiologist wanted. No side effects although I’m still growing older.😂😂

[Blackcat1M]

unfortunately I am one of the people Atorvastatin does not suit.

I had horrendous cramps and raised CK so that was enough for my gp to stop it.

He is now waiting for the hospital to reply to his letter.

Also I was told to take it at night .