My goal is to get off statins (Atorvastin) and try Repatha. Advice?

Posted by downhill bob @downhillbob, Aug 20, 2017

I cycle M,W,F, about 28 - 38 mi. each day. It used to be over 50. The statin has kept my muscles sore for 10 yrs but, my cardiologist said,"the numbers are perfect". When I checked on the Repatha site it was mostly about adding Repatha to an existing statin. Just trying to come back to comfortable exercise. Any experience or suggestions would be helpful. By the way on 4 July I quit the statin when there was trouble getting up to stand. After vacation of about 3 weeks I am riding much better. Other riders are commenting about how well I am even doing uphill. Obviously, I have to get back on something beside Cholestramine.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart & Blood Health Support Group.

downhill bob | @downhillbob | Aug 20, 2017

Just heard from my cardiologist who says the side effects are the same for both drugs. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Aug 21, 2017

Hello @downhillbob,

Welcome to Connect. Cycling that many miles requires some dedication, and I'm truly impressed with your motivation!

Here is some great information from Mayo Clinic about the options for cholesterol medications, and their side effects: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol-medications/art-20050958

You might also wish to view these discussions on Connect:
– Supplements vs statins - which is more effective? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hello-my-name-is-eliott-over-the-last-5-years-ive-been/
– Any evidence to support statins and aspirin are better taken at night? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/is-there-evidence-or-studies-that-support-this-article-from-the-uk/

I’m tagging @sjpphil @thankful @lynnkay1956 @joem @rabbit10 @vthatch, who have been discussing statins and may be able to weigh in with their insights.

@downhillbob, Mayo Clinic recommends that you talk to your doctor about your total risk of cardiovascular disease and discuss how your lifestyle and diet play a role in your decision about taking statins for high cholesterol; have you discussed this with your cardiologist?

downhill bob | @downhillbob | Aug 21, 2017

In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hello @downhillbob, Welcome to Connect. Cycling that many miles requires some dedication, and I'm truly impressed..." + (show)

Stents in '02, bypass in '14. Been on Atorvastin since '05 with muscle weakness and soreness since than. Yes, we have talked and diet was improved since '98 (initial statin) when scan showed CV Disease. Exercise MWF cycling now for ~30 mi/day, was 50+/day even after bypass to ~1/15. Do I know the importance of statins - OF COURSE, but, I also know the importance of exercise and right now I have proven that the statins are interfering with my exercise! The dose is only 10 mg + Cholestramine. See my response to "Thankful".

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