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Problems with statins

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Dalekkiller

Active Member
Messages
40
Location
Staines UK
Dislikes
Slow drivers, blood tests, having to go to hospital
Originally, I was on Pravastatin until about 18 months ago when I was put on Simvastatin 40mg. The consultant I saw said it was a stronger drug and would help lower my cholesterol levels which tend to be a bit stubborn. Last October, this was increased to 80mg which horrified my GP as he said it was a dangerous dose. I seemed to cope well on it and my cholesterol went down from 7 - 4.8. At my review, last month, the registrar that I saw decided to add in Ezetrol (ezetimibe) 10mg as my ratios were still poor.

Since then, I've not been myself, my legs often feel like lead, I'm exhausted all the time, my mood is low, and I seem to have a permanently upset stomach. A friend persuaded me to see my GP who told me to stop the Ezetrol and do a whole bunch of blood tests (I've been anaemic in the past so it could be that).

I've only been off it 3 days and I still feel bad. Does anyone know how long this stuff stays in your system and is this a common reaction? It's really getting to me as I'd started doing regular exercise and at the moment I don't have the energy to do anything.
 
The thing is if you don't take statins then your cholestrol goes up if you take it you get after effects whats worse?
Ive been on anti cholestrol drugs for 30 years and have had various types I'v lowered my readings from 15.5 to 4.8 and trigs 13 to 3 .if I hadn't taken anything I would'nt be writing this
 
Hi DalekKiller,

Unfortunately your GP is being economical with the truth. There are several generations of statins and simvastatin was one of the first to be introduced in 1979. It has since been superceded by several generations of newer and more effective statins. Pravastatin is one of the newest, first licenced in 2006 and, being very new, is also expensive. Simvastatin is a generic medication (i.e. the licence for the original manufacturer's exclusive rights to produce Simvastatin expired long ago) and it is now produced very cheaply all over the world. The big advantage that Pravastatin has over simvastatin is that it lasts far longer and doesn't cause myopathy (muscle pain and cramps). Pravastatin, and other more modern treatments, are regarded as far more effective than simvastatin.

Sorry to put this bluntly but there is only one reason why your doctor will have switched you from Pravastatin to simvastatin - he more interested in cost savings than he is in your health!
 
Thanks for your replies, you've made more sense than the medics! My full list of meds is: pulmicort, serevent, ventolin, acamprosate, glucophage, buprenorphine, simvastatin, mirtazapine and ramipril so I wouldn't be surprised if there was a clash. As it is, I tend to rattle when I walk ;)
 
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