Statin Intolerance: What did you do?

Having ruled out four of the six statins available because my reaction to them is muscle pain that is debilitating, I have to ask what am I to do? If I never saw another statin I would be happy but there are all those studies that say they are necessary. I am 74 and had a heart attack in January of 2016. At that time my cholesterol was within normal range but each time I have taken statins, upon cessation of the drug (after taking them for 4-8 months) I see a definite increase in numbers above what they were when I started. My question would be does taking the statin which reduces my cholesterol, alter the normal function of my body artificially increasing numbers. The idea that anyone should live in pain to take this medication should be unacceptable to any patient and their doctor but I am fearful that not taking them will somehow kill me. Can the alternatives be taken effectively without a statin? The class such as Repatha et.al are very expensive... Any suggestions?

Hi @cindyt63,

There is no denying that many of the statin trials are funded by pharmaceutical companies, but it does raise the question if we are seeing the whole picture.
I thought it might help to post a few key notes from the most recent guidelines, (ACC/AHA), which emphasize that having high cholesterol “at any age” significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. http://www.onlinejacc.org/content/73/24/e285?_ga=2.18947835.275792085.1564661742-2093008911.1564661742

– There is now a class I indication for reducing LDL cholesterol levels by 50% or more with a high-intensity statin (atorvastatin 40-80 mg and rosuvastatin 20-40 mg), or a maximally tolerated statin dose, in all patients with clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

– For ASCVD patients at very high risk, such as those with a history of multiple events or one major ASCVD event and multiple high-risk conditions—and with LDL cholesterol ≥ 70 mg/dL—the guidelines recommend adding ezetimibe to maximally tolerated statin therapy in order to lower LDL levels.
If LDL still remains ≥ 70 mg/dL, adding a PCSK9 inhibitor such as alirocumab (Praluent; Regeneron/Sanofi) or evolocumab (Repatha; Amgen) is reasonable although the long-term safely of PCSK9 inhibitors is unknown.

– In the patient 40 to 75 years with diabetes, the guidelines recommend starting treatment with a moderate-intensity statin without assessing the 10-year risk of ASCVD (class I). If the diabetic patient has multiple high-risk features, or is 50 to 75 years old, consider using a high-intensity statin.

– For the first time, the new guideline also includes a Value Statement that underscores the need for clinicians and patients to factor in the cost of drugs in determining the most appropriate treatment rates.

With regard to Repatha (thanks for the suggestion), it is more often used to treat patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, or with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), who need additional lowering of their LDL cholesterol. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/evolocumab-subcutaneous-route/side-effects/drg-20152627?p=1
Unfortunately, the cost of this drug (and others in the same class) is prohibitive – which is why the new guideline about statins includes a Value Statement.

I certainly don’t mean to inundate you with more reading:) but I’m hoping this article might shed some more light on the statin debate:
"AHA’s Statement on the Safety Profile of Statins: Big Benefit with Low Risk” https://professional.heart.org/professional/ScienceNews/UCM_503181_AHAs-Statement-on-the-Safety-Profile-of-Statins-Big-Benefit-with-Low-Risk.jsp

The treatment for high cholesterol is not one size fits all, and I wish we could get a conclusive answer. But it’s absolutely okay to question and disagree –as long as we do it in a way that is based in science. I hope to hear more from you and fellow Connect members - continue to further the conversation.

Answers to questions:
Unfortunately I have an unknown family history of heart disease because I was adopted.
My blood pressure is currently controlled with Lisinopril and Metoprolol ER 118/61 and I don't have Diabetes.
I haven't smoked in 36 years and I am not overweight.
I was prescribed a statin after my HA and as I said they did reduce the numbers but caused side effects.
I am very limited to food choices because of food allergies so I eat a pretty good diet.
I walk daily 5-7 thousand steps measured by my fitbit for the last three years.
As I said I have taken 4 of the 6 available statins with allergic results.
I do plan on speaking to my cardiologist my next appointment about alternatives but hoped someone on the board would have some useful experience with some of the alternatives.
Thank you for your input.
Carol

lioness, Thank you for the encouragement I am now taking 5mg of Crestor with CoQ10 200mg each day. I have taken it before without too much pain at 5mg but a problem arises when they raise the dosage. I will not be taking over 5mg. I stressed that to my doctor!

Forget to mention that red yeast rice can also remove calcium from arteries and can add calcium to bones. At least, this is what I’ve picked up on the web.

@cindy63 Hi Cindy Ive been reading your post and glad you did you homework about statins. Id like to tell you my story . Back in 1996 I had a triple by pass my arteries where clogged by plaque 90,85,80% After the surgery the Dr. told my to get of off red meat I haven't had any but occasionally since then . One time I did eat some stroganoff and could smell the fat in it so my dog got the meat. I have been on statins since to reduce my cholesterol from high of 285 the only one that has brought it down is Crestor but you need to take CoQ10 with it . Our bodies make both but when the cholesterol is to high like that then you don't want to risk the chance of having a heart attack which might be final for you. Cindy talk to your Dr. more about this. I belive in holistic health but I will take Crestor. I'm 76 and only on 3 meds. Its imperative to get daily exercise which I do other then my back problems I'm in great shape.