How long did you take a statin before feeling side effects?

Posted by swilkins1974 @swilkins1974, May 24, 2023

How long did you take a statin before you started feeling side-effects?

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

I've been on Atorvastatin 40 mg with a baby aspirin for about 2 years, and other than some constipation, which I alleviated with dietary changes (black beans work great!) I haven't had any side effects.

REPLY

Maybe a year. They had me on statin drugs for 8 years, my legs got so weak I could hardly go up a couple of flights of stairs. Finally, out of desperation I researched effects of statin drugs and was shocked at what I found. When I showed the cardiologist all the documentation he said, "I guess we can take you of them, you don't have high cholesterol anyway". I could not find one article that was positive on statins drugs. I have gained some of the strength back in my legs, but I still have a little weakness. Do your research, if it wasn't for the internet, I wouldn't be writing this.

REPLY

I have been on statins for years and they have always raised my CK level. My cardiologist has told me to go off of Pravachol for two months and then she will test my CK level again and we will go from there. Thank you for writing what you did about statins. Have you seen in your research that statins raise CL levels?

REPLY
@hollywoodal

Maybe a year. They had me on statin drugs for 8 years, my legs got so weak I could hardly go up a couple of flights of stairs. Finally, out of desperation I researched effects of statin drugs and was shocked at what I found. When I showed the cardiologist all the documentation he said, "I guess we can take you of them, you don't have high cholesterol anyway". I could not find one article that was positive on statins drugs. I have gained some of the strength back in my legs, but I still have a little weakness. Do your research, if it wasn't for the internet, I wouldn't be writing this.

Jump to this post

Why were you on statins?

REPLY
In reply to @mayoconnectuser1 "Why were you on statins?" + (show)
@mayoconnectuser1

Why were you on statins?

Jump to this post

I had my calcium score done and I scored in the very high risk for CVD. Even though my cholesterol was pretty good.

REPLY

I’ve been on generic Lipitor for 27 years with no side effects. I also take zetia.

REPLY
In reply to @mayoconnectuser1 "Why were you on statins?" + (show)
@mayoconnectuser1

Why were you on statins?

Jump to this post

Good question, the doctor tried to tell me Statins had other benefits like anti-inflamatory benefits. I've been off statins for almost 3 years. My cholesterol is 186, with my HDL jumping from 40 to 60, (Diet). I had an aortic aneurism operation. At 70 years old they let me out of the hospital two days early. They said nobody had done that before especially at 70 years old. I am on my fourth cardiologist, before I found one that made logical sense. I could write a book on the lack of logic the first three had.

REPLY
@hollywoodal

Good question, the doctor tried to tell me Statins had other benefits like anti-inflamatory benefits. I've been off statins for almost 3 years. My cholesterol is 186, with my HDL jumping from 40 to 60, (Diet). I had an aortic aneurism operation. At 70 years old they let me out of the hospital two days early. They said nobody had done that before especially at 70 years old. I am on my fourth cardiologist, before I found one that made logical sense. I could write a book on the lack of logic the first three had.

Jump to this post

Or you may have found a cardiologist who agrees with you?

REPLY

Ive been on Atorvastatin about a year and a half. I havent noticed any side effects. Friends of mine got off the statins because of leg weakness.

REPLY
@hollywoodal

Good question, the doctor tried to tell me Statins had other benefits like anti-inflamatory benefits. I've been off statins for almost 3 years. My cholesterol is 186, with my HDL jumping from 40 to 60, (Diet). I had an aortic aneurism operation. At 70 years old they let me out of the hospital two days early. They said nobody had done that before especially at 70 years old. I am on my fourth cardiologist, before I found one that made logical sense. I could write a book on the lack of logic the first three had.

Jump to this post

So, your HDL increased by 50% due to diet? This seems out of the norm for HDL movement ... for any reason.

I've seen reports where HDL increases a bit by increasing exercise, and better diet, but, 50% is a HUGE movement for HDL?

40 is considered "Good" in some medical articles, with 60 being consider "High."

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.