I’ve just had a text from my GP that due to changes regarding LDL levels and lipid targets my cholesterol results are above target recommending medication presumably statins.
Before I respond could I ask if there are any issues taking statins with PMR and prednisolone?
I am reluctant to take yet more meds but understand it may be necessary.
thanks.
No issues per se -but some statins do cause muscular aches so hurt be aware , Now you’ve asked there are plenty of related posts to view.. with different views on the subject..
Thank you I’ll do a search…..reassurance is helpful as GP text was brief!
Just for info I was on them before and during my GCA years so high doses of Pred… no problems.
Came off them a couple of years after finishing Pred as BP was very low following a couple of operations and ho decide to stop all medication for a while … when I tried them again, they disagreed with me - so now on my records as being intolerant. I’ve been on plant sterols for a few months, and have my annual review this afternoon so will see if they are helping cholesterol levels [slightly high but not desperately so].
I have just started taking plant sterols supplements so will be interested to see if they have helped your cholesterol level.
Sterols have reduced readings a bit.. still just above ref level - so had the usual conversation with surgery. They have responded that I won't be 'invited' to try statins after next year's test - but I shan't hold my breath!😏.. Shall continue with plant sterols though..
Thanks for letting me know about your experience with plant sterols. I have just started taking capsules from British Supplements but won’t be re-tested for six months. I am also modifying my diet and trying to do more exercise but it’s not always easy with PMR. My HDL is high at 3 which it has been for a number of years so pushes up my total score to 8.5. The month before I started steroids in May 2023 my total score was 5.5. I did initially buy some yogurts and drinks but think I will just stick with the capsules and Benecol margarine.
Not necessarily any more than taking statins anyway - they can cause similar symptoms to PMR and a few actually list PMR as an adverse effect. But everyone is different and you will meet the full range of opinions on the forum.
I'm on Actemra and is increased cholesterol even more than pred. I have tried 2 statins, neither agreed with me and made PMR symptoms worse so I am on ezetimibe and bempedoic acid which are also approved by the NHS I think. Some people need to try a few statins before finding the one that works for them - others are fine with the first they take.
I read an article recently that they want to get everyone over 50 onto statins in the UK. My father reacted really badly to them, so I am a bit wary. They are one of the top selling drugs in the world. Lipitor from Pfizer at one point counted for 25% of their total yearly revenue. I have heard recently that doctors should not start a statin in patients aged ≥ 75 years who do not have known vascular disease or type 2 diabetes;
I had always been anti the idea of statins but then had a call from GP to say that my cholesterol level was now above borderline and creeping up. I was really disappointed as I have always had a healthy diet and lifestyle and also have a high level of Good Cholesterol. I had a really good discussion with the practice pharmacist about this being steroid related and as LVV risks aneurysm, stroke, heart attack as does increasing cholesterol I reluctantly concluded that it was probably in my best interest to try a low dose of statin. She prescribed 10mg Atorvastatin instead of her usual starting dose of 20mg. I’ve had it for over 3 months with no problems and my cholesterol level had fallen below the borderline quite quickly. Just one of the many choices we have to make in managing this funny old illness
I am also reluctant if only no to add more tablets to the tablet mountain. Thanks for your reply will take on board the possibility of discussing it with the pharmacist as the GP text was a binary yes/no .
I would encourage anyone considering statins to do on line independent research on the topic to facilitate an informed choice.
There is very convincing scientific research that statins are of no benefit whatsoever and there are numerous side effects.
I am in a similar situation to you. I’ve had the ‘statin conversation’ twice now with my doctor. I’m very reluctant to start statins due to the effect on muscles. My dad had terrible problems and could barely walk as a result of them. I was offered an alternative which could cause different side effects, diarrhoea or headaches. Not much of a choice is it?
If I continue reducing pred at the normal rate without any problems, hopefully I should be off them by August. I said I would look at it again then. I’m nervous though. Who knows if I’ve made the right decision?
I am on ezetimibe - no effects at all. The PILs list all side effects experienced - doesn't mean you will get them. Even the statin ones, Sometimes you have to try a few to find the one for you, sometimes you don't.
The rate you are tapering now is NEVER a predictor of how you will do in the future - 1/2mg can be the difference between fine and not fine.
Thanks for your reply. My dilemma is, if I start statins (or an alternative) and experience side effects, especially aching muscles, I won’t know if it’s due to the new drug, or tapering pred. Another factor affecting my reluctance to start a new drug is I’m also going through a very stressful time caring for my mum who has recently been put on palliative care. I’m amazed I haven’t had a flare as she was given days to live 3 weeks ago. It’s a real rollercoaster - I never know what to expect from day to day.
You start it at a point when you aren't tapering - and if your mum is on palliative care you shouldn't be tapering anyway! But also you shouldn't have doctors trying to get you to do that sort of thing until it is all a lot more stable. Been there, done that with my husband - and it was OK until the immediate aftermath and bureucracy of death had calmed down and 4 months later it all hit like a ton of bricks.
I'm sorry to hear that - and it is a fact that often people do very very well on palliative care because the doctors have now stopped poking at them. Make the most of this time and lots of virtual hugs from me.
Thank you.
I think the doctor (who is not my regular one) did understand my dilemma but would have been much happier if I’d agreed.
Hope you are enjoying your holiday in the UK. The weather is being kind to you at least!
"The weather is being kind to you at least!"
Not really - yesterday it rained all day - today was supposed to be better - 42km/h wind making 8C feel like 3C ...
You’re obviously staying in the wrong area! On the whole pretty good weather in Staffordshire, except yesterday when it was a bit cold.
The first three I tried didn't agree with me but been on 5mg of Rosuvastatin for many years now with no problems.
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