Statin Intolerance: What did you do?

I know that is frustrating . What is your LDL now?

Plant sterols have above average evidence behind them. My father’s neurologist recommended that because he also can’t tolerate statins. We tried Cholesto-pure by Pure Encapsulations. It’s pricey, but not a statin. The mechanism of action is similar to Zetia (what you’re doctor prescribed). Even natural solutions also have side effects though. It draws out cholesterol through the stool. My dad couldn’t tolerate it because of GI side effects, but he had other co-occurring GI conditions.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/17368-phytosterols-sterols--stanols
I understand and can totally relate to being displeased with the uncertainty and potential side effects, but not everyone experiences those side effects. That said, I’m still very cautious because I know my body and I’m sensitive to medications, even those that are “generally well tolerated,” so it comes down for me to how willing I am to take the risk.

For what it’s worth, most people I know who’ve been on Zetia have had no issues with it, even when they couldn’t tolerate other statins, so it may be worth trying. One strategy I use is to take half of the suggested dose (if it can be done safely). That way I can see how well I tolerate it and if I end up needing less, that’s even better.

His cardiologist also recommended psyllium fiber (Metamucil). That didn’t work for him either, so he used a generic form of the SunFiber supplement—it completely dissolves in anything and has no flavor. The brand we use is Healthy Origins I think—has a yellow cap on it.

You are doing everything right. Our bodies naturally make cholesterol.
Stick with your diet, try not to worry too much.

Unfortunately low density lipids are the fats that are sticky and. clumps in our arteries. And for some Of us, that’s true no matter how otherwise healthy we are. My dad died of a heart attack at 38. My brother has had double bypass surgery after years of exercising hard and taking meds (but not being very stringent with diet). My son is on statins and an extremely low fat diet. I take statin and have recently changed my diet to low fat and am acclimating to it.

I find gastric symptoms like constipation and gas are my chief complaints. I try to stay hydrated and take 2-4 benefiber gummies after dinner. That usually gets me going the next morning. If not, the next night I have a bowl of bran flakes with almond milk and chew fiber gummies again. I actually eat 3-4 benefiber gummies before bed every night. You can mix powder in liquid and drink it but I don’t like that.
It beats not addressing it.

Good luck.

I was statin intolerant. I tried different statins in different doses and still had completely debilitating side effects. I have taken Metamucil everyday for decades, I eat healthy, keep my weight down and exercise. After decades of pushing me to take statins and even switching doctors over this issue, I finally started Repatha three weeks ago. Ive been ok. One bad day, but better after that. I also tried coq10 which made me feel like I was taking statins. I will continue repatha as long as I can tolerate it as well as I have so far. I also read that repatha removes some plaque, doesn’t just reduce the numbers. Yesterday I read that the course of treatment is two years. I will read up more on that because I really like the idea that it’s not a forever drug.

Hello @jeridenn and welcome to Connect. High cholesterol numbers are concerning because we know how they can affect our cardiovascular system. I had been taking a statin for over 20 years and all of a sudden, my triglycerides, (which had been maintained under 170) hit a high of 300. It was uncertain as to why there was this sudden increase. There had been no change in my weight, lifestyle or stress.

My cardiologist prescribed a prescription-strength Omega 3 medication called Lovaza and in just 30 days the triglycerides were reduced to 120 and the other cholesterol numbers were also reduced. I had no side effects from this medication, and I've continued using it along with a statin prescription. Here is some information about Lovaza from the drugs.com website.
https://www.drugs.com/mtm/lovaza.html
As you well know, everyone reacts to medications differently, I recognize that you might not have the same response as I have had, but if you have not tried this medication, you might consider asking your doctor about it.

Teresa, my brother tells a story of being in the waiting room waiting to have. Lipid profile drawn and someone has brought donuts into the waiting room (of a cardiologist office!). My brother loves them so had two. What he learned (and me!) is that Triglycerides are extremely reflective of what Fats you’ve eaten recently. And they were off the chart. He retested a week later and it was fine.

It is important to have lipid testing done when you are fasting. Too bad, about the donuts!

@hopeful33250, Thank you for that suggestion and link. I will check it out and ask my cardiologist about it. He's more open to using supplements vs. my family doctor who does not like supplements and prefers to prescribe FDA-approved drugs. I understand. He's a medical doctor, as is my cardiologist. But I am very sensitive to side effects from all the statins he's prescribed and prefer natural, alternative solutions. I don't have any blockage in my carotids and my triglycerides are normal. It's just the LDL that is high (over 250). I learned that eating more fish and drinking green tea are both natural approaches to lowering cholesterol and I have been drinking matcha green tea for more than a month now. I still have coffee from time to time, but not every day. And I get an hour of aerobic exercise in daily between the stationary bike and walking. I've also dropped 60 pounds which has helped with other aspects of my health.

@pb50, I don't eat any sugary products like donuts so that wouldn't even tempt me! I agree, the lipid test should be done when fasting.

I cook with a little avocado oil from time to time and never eat fast food. Only cook from scratch. If I have any healthy grains like brown or wild rice, I may add a little homemade ghee or avocado oil, but mostly I'm eating an egg for breakfast, skinless chicken breast, skinless turkey, fish (salmon, cod, mahi mahi, shrimp), lots of greens, vegetables, berries, and green apples. I rarely eat beef or pork, except maybe once every 2 weeks. Periodically, I have a piece of homemade gluten-free toast. I have even stopped drinking alcohol except maybe a glass of bourbon once a week. No wine right now because of the carbs. So I'm at a loss as to why my cholesterol would be high, unless it's genetic. My dad had high cholesterolpb50 avocado oil from time to time and never eat fast food. Only cook from scratch. If I have any healthy grains like brown or wild rice, I may add a little homemade ghee or avocado oil, but mostly I'm eating an egg for breakfast, skinless chicken breast, skinless turkey, fish (salmon, cod, mahi mahi, shrimp), lots of greens, vegetables, berries, and green apples. I rarely eat beef or pork, except maybe once every 2 weeks. Periodically, I have a piece of homemade gluten-free toast. I have even stopped drinking alcohol except maybe a glass of bourbon once a week. No wine right now because of the carbs. So I'm at a loss as to why my cholesterol would be high, unless it's genetic. My dad had high cholesterol.