Ibs and statins

[Gingers]

Hi. I have had ibs for 40+years and now being told I need to take a statin. Can anyone tell me the best statin to take with ibs. I am wondering if ezetimibe would be better as I don't want to make my ibs worse.

[winfong]

I take simvastatin. Never had any issues.

[BytheSolent in reply to winfong]

I take Atorvastatin and it seems to be ok. Have usual flare up’s but I don’t think the statin has any effect on these

[b1b1b1]

I also took simvastatin for several years and had no issues. However, a few months ago it was changed to rosuvastatin (which is much stronger.) This seemed to cause some diarrhea, so was told to go back to simvastatin for one month to see if things improved. So far, I am not sure there is much change, but will continue the simvastatin to see if there is an improvement.

[CB21]

hi also best taken at night . I take atorvastin have done for over 20 yrs . I have IBS on & off for 40 yrs . Also noted it’s passed down in family’s . I think personally statins good .

[Gizmo6]

I took atorastatin years ago but gave me a rash. I'm ibs c ,they then tried me with simvastatin that made my constipation worse and pains in my knees. I took them for a few months until I refused to take them any longer. Luckily my gp understood as his mum had the same symptoms as me. I've not taken any since although my gp keeps trying to push them on me. I had blood tests earlier in the year first time since covid lockdown. I have an appointment end of this month for a lipid assessment. Fingers crossed he doesn't try pushing statins on me . I know we're all different my friend takes them with no issues but my ex employer had same symptoms as me. So just see how you go and go back if you feel they don't suit you.

[NHSmagnet]

Hi I take Atorvastatin in the evening and I don’t think it causes issues with my IBS,still have flare ups,par for the course I think.

[Bradstock]

I take Atorvastatin before bed. No problems.

[Sarah090174]

Hiya, I take atorvastatin and have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease last year and have slight IBS too. I only take 40 mg on an evening. When I first started them I went into a flare so had to stop the statins. I was placed on steroids for 3 months and when they finished I waited to see how my body settled down again. I just recently restarted them and appear to be fine so far. I just really keep an open mind on it. Hope this helps

[MatthewU]

I've had lots of problems with statins over the years, mainly stomach related but also muscle aches and pain. The one that I've found best is Pravastatin, although if I have an IBS flare I knock it off for a few days so it's less for my gut to deal with.

[Gingers in reply to MatthewU]

Hi. Does pravastatin cause constipation. Already have that so don't want anything that makes it worse.

[Psyllium1]

Trial and error I’m afraid, everyone is different.

Lots of people are on this medication with IBS and get on well with it! Statins work extremely well if tolerated.

Good luck.

[gsw5700]

I take 80mg atorvastatin every evening, no complications

[Boofers]

HI Gingers I can't tolerate any of the usual statins as they set off my IBS, and after trying quite a few, I stopped taking any at all, because no-one could give me an alternative. One doctor told me to ask the pharmacy if they could suggest something! Recently, because of my blood test results, my GP told me I had no choice, and put me on ezetimibe, which works for me. I haven't had any problems with it, and I'm on month 4 now. Good luck

[Gingers in reply to Boofers]

Thanks Boofers. I think I will be going down the ezetimibe root next. Are you still doing OK on it

[Boofers in reply to Gingers]

So far, yes. I'm due my blood tests so I'll let you know what the results are

[Gingers in reply to Boofers]

Thankyou. That would be really good if you can let me know. By the way I have Ibs C. Is that the same as you?

[Boofers in reply to Gingers]

I have a mixture, at the same time, which is fun. Haven't had blood tests yet, but will let you know

[Purplewoman in reply to Boofers]

Can I ask please how high cholesterol was for the dr to insist

[Gingers in reply to Purplewoman]

My cholestrol was 7.4 but I don't have high blood pressure. I am thinking of taking ezetimibe but worried about effects on my ibs

[Boofers in reply to Purplewoman]

I can't find the last results, but if I do find out I'll let you know

[Purplewoman]

I’ve low bp but cholesterol is around 6 and I said no to statins

[Gingers in reply to Purplewoman]

Yes if mine was 6 I'd say no too. Does anyone know the effects of bempedoic acid(a new cholesterol lowering med) on ibs

[FrostGyre]

Gingers, no one needs statins. They offer zero benefit. Another lie from the medical community.

Here is your IBS fix: Eat fatty meat (beef!) and real salt. Drink water.

Fat is soothing to the digestive system; fibre isn't.

What is the fattiest organ in the body? The brain. We need cholesterol. Cholesterol protects the brain. The liver makes it if we don't consume enough fat. People with high cholesterol levels don't develop brain diseases (dementia/Alzheimers).

Tell your doctor to stick the statins where the sun doesn't shine! 🙂