Statins and ibs

[Gingers]

I have ibs c for 40 years. Now I have been put on statins which are causing me problems. I have tried atorvastatin and more recently rosuvastatin. Can anyone recommend a statin that doesn't cause ibs problems please

[b1b1b1]

I have exactly the same question. I have recently been told to start rosuvastatin. I think I have had more IBS issues since starting it, but it is difficult to be certain. My gastroenterologist said the only way to tell is to stop it for a month and see if things change. I will ask the cardiologist about that. I am also concerned, however, that if I complain about rosuvastatin, she will recommend Repatha. That may be like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. I wonder if anyone else has stomach issues with statins.

[Luisa22]

I have heard that there are two types of statins: The "lipophilic" type and the "hydrophilic" type.

More info on the two types:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

It might be worth asking your doctor if you could try the opposite type to the one you are taking. One is absorbed via fats and the other by water. It might be worth trying that.

I don't take statins so have no personal experience, but know a family member who does, and he has reported some negative side effects )though he doesn't have IBS) and is in the process of asking his doctor to change to the hydrophilic type, to see if that helps.

Otherwise it's very possible high cholesterol can be greatly improved by diet and lifestyle changes.

[711debbie]

My gastroenterologist told me once that he didn't like giving statins to people with IBS. I can't even remember if he gave me an explanation but I remember his saying that.

[janetmtt]

what about plant sterols which help reduce cholesterol - check out on internet - loads of good ones about

[Aqb2c3]

I had exactly same problems statins really upset my ibs I stopped taking them as tried a couple of different types both the same outcome upset badly my ibs

[userotc]

As Luisa said, it's very possible high cholesterol can be greatly improved by diet and lifestyle changes. My dad came off his years ago (on for 1y) after adopting a Nutritional Therapy protocol and his cholesterol ratios (his concern back then) are as good, if not better now.

[OldTimer74]

After trying a number of statins I settled on Atorvastatins that seemed better for me.

[Sarah090174]

Hiya, I am currently advised to take a statin as been diagnosed with cardiac disease and heart failure. I have just started Atorvastatin for the second time. I started it at 40mg in March but my inflammatory bowel disease flared up badly, had a raised calprotectin level and profuse diahorrea, so stopped it immediately. I let things settle down and took steroids for 3 months to calm my bowel. I waited 4-6 weeks after I finished the steroids and have just started the statins again to see how I go. My tummy is a little unsettled at times but can’t be sure if it is food causing it or the statins. I am still trying to slowly introduce different foods after being very limited for a very long time. I have chatted with my GP who said there are other statins but I am going to try and persevere with the one if have. It is a good idea to speak to the doctors or see if you can adjust your diet to lower cholesterol. I understand it is difficult with IBS as I slightly have this and the inflammatory bowel disease too. I find it difficult to juggle lots of meds with my tummy. Hope this helps

[Boofers]

I've tried Atorvastatin and another statin - the type normally prescribed, can't remember it's name - and both set my ibs off so, after not taking statins for years because no-one could suggest anything that might work, I'm taking Ezetimibe which, so far, has been fine. I haven't had any blood tests yet to show if it's working or not, but at least my doctor is happy because I'm taking medication for my cholesterol again. One of the known side-effects of Ezetimibe is diarrhoea, so I was a bit nervous but luckily I haven't experienced any difference to my normal ibs related symptoms, so I'm hopeful. Good luck