Starting statins with concerns

Have you contacted your cardiologist about what you read about contradiction? If not please do.

Some time ago I was put on a medication that my pharmacist said contradicted with another medication. I contacted my PCP who prescribed it and said I should have warned you about the contradiction but in your case it is not a problem and you can take it. So check with your cardiologist.

Regarding statins for cholesterol. After cadiolosgist found some heart arteries with some plaque they put me on Astovastatin (spell). I was told it could cause some muscle soreness. I was advised to take Co-Q-10 with it which I did and had not issues with it.

I have read some don't tolerate statins very well so I guess we are all different.

I hope my experience will help you contact your medical provider like I did so they can advise if the medication is and has specific contradiction for you and okay to take or not take.

You can also look into ezetimibe, which is often given in conjunction with a statin. It lowers cholesterol in a different way.

Consult your cardiologist about your concerns. Many interactions are
minor and theoretical. They likely have experience with all of these meds used
safely in tandem over the years. There are beneficial effects of statins beyond
lipid lowering. The same is true for CoQ10 and its general antioxidant benefits. I regret being hesitant about going on statins sooner rather than
age 70.

My Cardiologist took me off all cholesterol medication and instead I take 2 1000mg of Fish Oil daily. This isn’t for everyone and please don’t do as I do without consulting with your Cardiologist first.

I have been taking fish oil (Ultimate Omegas) for years 🙂

I have been on Autorovastin for several years. About 3 years diagnosed with Atrial Fib and put on Amiodurone. I have had no side effects or other issues between the Atorovastatin and the Amio.

Excellent idea to speak with cardiologist re taking any new meds. I had a couple of events that were causing issues due to interaction (prescribed by other docs than my cardiologist.)We got the problem fixed but from now on I always check with his office first.

it was the cardiologist that was prescribing a statin that is listed as contraindicated with two of my meds. I messaged him and brought this to his attention and he prescribed the one I requested,

@mtnmarge
Should be checking with your cardiologist and all your doctors when taking any new meds or supplements.

Each time I go to Mayo they go over all my medications and we add, delete, etc. Then we go over all supplements and do same. This gives my medical providers a real time updated list of all medications and supplements.

I am a patient at Mayo Jacksonville. One Sunday when Mayo community care was closed I was not feeling well and went to a walk in clinic. At test for Flu and COVID came back a positive for COVID. Was prescribed a medication for the COVID, got the prescription and started taking it.

The next day (Monday) PCP called me from Mayo and said stop taking the COVID medication. He explained it contradicts other medications you are on. He as my primary doctor got a medical report from the walk in clinic.

I was then concerned that the walk in clinic did not take a full medication and supplement history which would have found this contradiction (or at least I hoped it would).

It is why I mentioned your doctors need to know and be advised of any new, changes, dropping, and or adding supplements.

Recently on MCC posters were suggesting taking potassium for helping with PVCs. Many were saying really helped. I sure could use the help with mine but took the time to contact my Mayo EP about taking the supplement. My EP sent me a portal message saying they did not recommend I take a potassium supplement as my last blood tests revealed I was at the high end of potassium in my blood already.

We need to be careful with any medications and supplements. Almost all medications will have side affects and or can affect other medications and this goes for supplements as well.

I wish I had a GP at the Mayo. I do really like mine here in Boulder but I do my own research and more than once, have found serious contraindications.