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Statin choice for preventing cancer recurrence
Which statin would be safest and most effective? Blood cholesterol is 256. I take Verapamil which can interact with some statins. However I am just completing treatment for ER+ PR+ HER- stage 2 Grade 3 Breast Cancer. I have discovered that there are studies that indicate a possible benefit to using some statins to prevent recurrance. Of course the statins shown to be most effective for breast cancer survivors are also those most likely to have adverse reactions with Verapamil use. What doctors are best versed in this scenario?
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Welcome @freebird40r.
You're asking great questions. @beestrong @bethlee @elizm @oilermama @trixie1313 @kathyomaha55 may be able to share more about their experience with statins and breast cancer.
Mayo Clinic offers a program to address heart problems associated with cancer treatment called cardio-oncology. The Cardio-Oncology Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/cardio-oncology-clinic/overview/ovc-20442193) evaluates people prior to cancer treatment and patients who have experienced side effects due their treatment, and can help evaluate treatment when you have both cancer and heart conditions.
Do you have access to a similar cardio-oncology program?
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2 ReactionsNo heart problems. Echocardiogram was normal. Verapamil was started over 25 years ago to address atypical migraine. Prevents vessel spasms which causes severe chest pain.
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1 Reaction@freebird40r
I stopped using statins several years ago -- had too many problems with them, i.e. fuzzy memory and muscle weakness - but then I'm not very good at drugs....I rarely even use Tylenol as it puts me to sleep!
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2 ReactionsI was started on a statin many years before being diagnosed with BC. I'd been taking atorvastatin (generic Lipitor) for at least 10 years & am now taking Exemestane - I've had no side effects from the statin that have bothered me. Good luck.
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2 ReactionsI think your question would best be answered by a clinical pharmacist. In most health facilities, there are pharmacists that work closely with doctors. Good luck
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1 ReactionI have taken generic lip stir for almost 7 years and have had no problems since being diagnosed with BC
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1 ReactionI have taken Lipitor and then 40 mg of rosuvatin (generic Crestor) for a total of 30 years. Had mastectomy 4/21. The statins cause absolutely no problems.
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1 ReactionConsult a lipidologist!!!
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1 ReactionI had triple negative BC and there is a lot that has been written about a possible positive effect of certain statins on reoccurrence for my type of BC. MD Anderson has some information on it. I take Lovastatin, but as to the interaction of the particular drug you are concerned about, it seems to me that you would have to get expert advice.
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2 ReactionsI just finished treatment for my reoccurrence of TNBC, is there anything written from MD Anderson about statins. I take the generic Crestor and Zetia. Thank you.