Wondering about meds for high cholesterol

[SaraJukebox]

Hi fellow warriors,

I have been on Letrozole and Ibrance for the last 2 years. I was diagnosed stage 4 de novo in late 2014. Mets were in liver only. I did Taxol, Herceptin and Perjeta for about 4 months, then Herceptin , Perjeta and Faslodex until 2019. I then was able to do just the Faslodex until 2021 when a new spot showed up on my liver. Dr. started me on Ibrance, letrozole and Herceptin. The meds have been successful so far. I feel very blessed to be 8 years out from my diagnosis!!

I had my annual cholesterol check-up yesterday and my numbers have elevated quite a bit since last year. Dr would like to put me on either fenofibrate or Zetia. I have read lots of not-so-good side effects from the fenofibrate. Anyone have experiences with either of these medications good or bad? I am hesitant about starting more meds and having to deal with even more side effects than I already have on Ibrance and letrozole. Thanks in advance for your comments. I love this website, even though I don't post often, I read this site every day. Everyone is so helpful and the knowledge you share is so valuable to me. : )

[Kerryd22]

I haven’t had those meds but I do have a kidney problem according to my blood tests. I was referred to a kidney clinic and the NP suggested that lowering my cholesterol would help although my cholesterol wasn’t high. My GP wasn’t worried but he prescribed the same drug he takes -Rosuvastatin 5mg twice a day. I didn’t have any side effects at all. I’ve swapped to ten mg once a day and still no problem. My cholesterol dropped by about thirty percent from memory. If you’re uncertain about one drug there’s always others but even so, reported side effects don’t affect everyone so maybe you should try a low dose first.

Whatever you decide, I hope it goes well for you.

Kerry

[Nocillo]

I’ve taken Simvastatin for the entire time of my treatment, 8 years. My cholesterol is great and I don’t watch what I eat. I’ve never heard of the drugs your doctor is suggesting. I hope you find relief.

[fancydog]

I'm assuming you have already tried dietary and exercise programs to try to reduce cholesterol before GP is jumping to new drugs. I have a genetic predisposition for high numbers but have total Cholesterol at 206. Its my LDLs that are hard to get down, GP says just keep up the walking for at least 30 min x3 at least 3 times/week( I do not walk fast). A1c is 5.3 so let it ride. Hubby takes Fenofibrate with no side effects.

[FloridaNYgirl]

My PC started me on Atorvastatin (Lipitor) for high cholesterol. I was reluctant to take any kind of statin. I agreed to take the medication, but only every other day. She initially called in a script for me for 40mg, I called and said I wanted to start on a lower dose, so she said to just (break) take 20mg. First cholesterol check showed remarkable improvement. I now take the medication on Monday, Wed and Fri only. My point is that I took control of how I was going to take additional medication and discussed with my PC. We all have to be our own advocates.

[SaraJukebox in reply to FloridaNYgirl]

FloridaNYgirl,

Thank you for the response, I like the advice to take some control of how I take the medication. I will definitely discuss this with my primary Dr. after I talk with my onc this week. You've given me some stress relief with your reply, thank you so much!!!

[Hidden]

Hi I have been on letrozole n ibrance for 2 years

Bc in lower back

I find Tylone extra strength helps

If feel bit sore more then usual

I take a half tylone 3 prescription

Not very often

Sitting bothers me so l do not sit long....when l stand up l wait a minute then move

As your other meds you mentioned l do not about them

I find working 8 hours a day

Gym and walking really helps the mood

HUGS 😊

YOU CAN DO THIS

[Gingerann1]

Hi SaraJukebox! I haven’t taken either of those but have been on 10 mg of Atorvastatin sine 2018, 2 yrs before my MBC diagnosis and have done very well. My first line treatment has been Ibrance and Fulvestrant. Cholesterol has stayed below 200 and no side effects so I’ll just stay the course unless something changes.

[TammyCross]

I see my primary doc once a year and she orders blood tests unrelated to cancer. I have never had a cholesterol problem, but this year it just shot up. She asked if I wanted a statin. I said I wanted to avoid that and would look into alternative ways to get cholesterol down. (My sister-in-law has genetically high cholesterol, and when a doc tried to put my mother on a statin at 97, she said don't; not good.)

I talked to the brilliant oncology nutritionist. First of all, she said high cholesterol is a common side effect of anastrozole. No one told me that! She also said it is not that responsive to food , as did nurse Kokopelli. She generally recommended increasing fiber and she always recommends more protein. I already exercise enough. Finally, she said it wasn't that high,just another side effect. Funny, I was on anastrozole for so long before side effects showed up. I don't know what to make of my primary doc wanting to go straight to statins.

My LDL is 153, HDL is 66, and total is 243. A nurse on here (Kokopelli) said to divide total by HDL. If it is 3, good, 4 okay, over 4, not good. Mine is almost 4. It sounds like an option is to raise HDL by exercising. I used to exercise a lot a lot but have cut back because of fatigue side effects. Carole also said - cancer first; cholesterol is down the list of worries.

[SaraJukebox in reply to TammyCross]

TammyCross,

Thanks for the great information! I appreciate your response!! My LDL is 142, HDL 42, and total is 249. My triglycerides are 327, that's where the MD's' concern lies. I'm sure that my cholesterol level has increased because of the Letrozole, my primary Dr. agrees that this medication contributes to that. I talked with her about doing some things like dietary changes and being more active but she didn't think that would really help since I will continue to take the letrozole. It's such a balancing act!! I agree with Carole, cancer first, other worries 2nd. I see my oncologist this week and plan to ask him what his thoughts are. In the meantime we keep on keeping on!! Best wishes to you in your journey!!