What statin (if any) have you taken long term?

Posted by cantbelievethis @cantbelievethis, Jul 10, 2023

First off, I realize all stains have side effects so I am "not" asking for one with *no side effects*. I am wanting to know in general what people take.

What has been your history in taking them? Did you start with one then move on to another, etc.

My experience with them has been Lipitor a few years back. I felt aches and pains from it so it was discontinued. So then doctor tried Crestor. I am not the best person to be talking about statins because after taking the crestor, I eventually stopped taking it as taking a med every day was "getting to me". (notice no thought for my health, just the inconvenience of taking a med daily.)

I don't recall anything bad from the crestor but I didn't take it that long.

Which brings me to the present day. Cardiologist who I just started to see ....new to him and hadn't been under the care of one prior...primary care was ordering the statins, well the new cardiologist wants me on a statin and ordered Lipitor. I wish I had spoken up and told him I had been prescribed it in the past and it didn't work out too well but was nervous etc. during the appointment and thought "give it another try, maybe this time it will work". I just got the RX and haven't picked it up from the pharmacy yet.

So, what if any statin has worked best for you. What dose do you take?

Doctor said he is starting me off with 20 mgs a day.

Cholesterol level: 220.

Thank you!!

Cheers. 🙂

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shelby29 | @shelby29 | May 19 7:14am

80 MG atorvastatin and 10 Zetia per day.

swilkins1974 | @swilkins1974 | May 19 9:33am

In reply to @alaskat "I am taking Rosuvastatin. Started with 10mg. as soon as my PCP saw my CAC (almost..." + (show)

Can I ask why you chose not to go for a stent. I am booked for one and the same artery as they used to call the LAD Artery the widow maker.

agb | @agb | May 19 10:14am

In reply to @shelby29 "80 MG atorvastatin and 10 Zetia per day." + (show)

same here. Zetia was added later

I've been on atorvastatin (originally Lipitor) from the day it was FDA approved in 1996 (I was part of the stage 3 clinical trials for this drug, saw the results, and was on it as soon as it was released).

eclary84 | @eclary84 | May 19 10:41am

This is a reoccurring question. Atorvastatin seems to be the safest. I started taking it with heart disease and pregnant with pre-eclampsia. I have tried others since, and they make me feel sick. Since I'm oversensitive to ANY medication, this is the one I've stayed with for the last six years. 20mg before bed.

susala | @susala | May 19 1:34pm

Crestor 40 mg. have myocardial bridging causing plaque/fat buildup in descending artery. so far ok. 8 yrs on it.

bobbyknik | @bobbyknik | May 20 8:46am

In reply to @shelby29 "80 MG atorvastatin and 10 Zetia per day." + (show)

20 mg Crestor for 5 years. No ill effects. Has kept my bad cholesterol very low.

gerrycf | @gerrycf | May 20 3:24pm

I have what's considered familial high cholesterol (genetic). I started with Lipitor and had same side effects as you. Next, tried Crestor, Zocor, Zetia, Nexletol, and at least 2 others that just hurt! Those were all tried but stopping for years in between, like you, until my cardiologist said I had to be on one otherwise he would be seeing me with a stroke or heart attack. I said I think I would remember you saying that! I moved on to a new cardiologist who prescribed Repatha Sure click injections 2x a month. Bingo! In just a little more than 30 days, my level went from 298 to 153. Of course when I switched over to Medicare, Repatha was no longer $5 and was not covered at all. I switched to Praluent injection which did the job and my levels ranged in the low 160s.... still happy but paying $164/month. Now my plan just stated it is no longer covering Praluent, but Repatha is and now paying 186/month! My pharmacist said that Praluent and Repatha are both good but Repatha does a bit more which I can attest to. Hope this helps. If you're still on commercial insurance, inquire with Repatha for the coupon/discount.

gerrycf | @gerrycf | May 20 3:32pm

In reply to @swilkins1974 "Can I ask why you chose not to go for a stent. I am booked for..." + (show)

I'm not a physician but I was told that it has to be 70% or more to put a stent - at least that's what my cardiologist told me; and I then had 2 and then another 2, 2 months later, all 4 in LAD. Good Luck to you.

lhesse | @lhesse | May 20 5:48pm

In reply to @gerrycf "I have what's considered familial high cholesterol (genetic). I started with Lipitor and had same side..." + (show)

Been on 10 mg atorvastatin calcium for 20 years , with no side effects. Recently added 10 mg zetia because of high lipoprotein a, which decreased ldl from 70 to 40, again no side effects.

swilkins1974 | @swilkins1974 | May 20 7:31pm

In reply to @gerrycf "I have what's considered familial high cholesterol (genetic). I started with Lipitor and had same side..." + (show)

So you had no side effects from the Repatha? I hear it can give you diarrhea.

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