Statins for over 40

NicoleC1971 said:

I stand corrected. This is 2007 and I think things have now improved.
Here are examples of some types of drugs that grapefruit juice can cause problems with (interact): Some statin drugs to lower cholesterol, such as Zocor (simvastatin) and Lipitor (atorvastatin). Some drugs that treat high blood pressure, such as Procardia and Adalat CC (both nifedipine).1

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Got to be so careful with drugs interacting but I never knew about the grapefruit thing for a long time. Always best to read the advice in the packages given and pharmacists should be a good point of call. I’ve had those question in the past drugs I’ve been prescribed, which is good. GPs don’t know everything understandably, many follow nhs guidance (blanket statin good example thereof) so need to ensure we don’t blindly accept drugs but do need to ensure we don’t rule stuff out for fear too. Statins May be needed for some people, But as I said, blanket prescription I don’t feel comfortable with

Interestingly it seems it’s not just grapefruit but potentially other citrus fruits can also interact

Wikipedia, so pinch of salt: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grapefruit–drug_interactions

Here’s some more info: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3589309/

I've recently been prescribed statins. What's the issue with them? Are there negative side effects?

Johosephat said:

I've recently been prescribed statins. What's the issue with them? Are there negative side effects?

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Yes there can be.. they can also raise blood glucose levels.

Did anyone tell you why you were prescribed then?

Johosephat said:

I've recently been prescribed statins. What's the issue with them? Are there negative side effects?

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Google the web about statins. For many like me there are no problems I know of for me but I only take the minimum dose to stay within a good range. For others including my wife there can be serious problems including muscle wastage. My wife suffered serious liver pain within 2-3 days and had to stop taking them. Statins are serious drugs and not like sweets. You should only have been prescribed statins if your blood test lipids results (not the Total figure) show the need or you have know arterial clogging etc. Being diabetic is not by itself a good reason.

When taking Atorvastatin and Metformin I had dreadful aches and pains in joints and muscles, and my memory began to fail. I have spent years relearning things - I lost about 3/4 of my hair around that time - I have vague recollections of the brush being clogged with hair - but I thought that I was going to have to be put in a home for the perpetually bewildered so wasn't really able to pay proper attention.

Johosephat said:

I've recently been prescribed statins. What's the issue with them? Are there negative side effects?

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In my case I was prescribed statins when first diagnosed with T2 because “all diabetics should take them” which I did because I hadn’t done my research. My hba1c was 48 which, within 6 months had risen to 54 - when I came off them due to other side effects inc sudden dizziness and sleep disturbance my hba1c reduced and has been at non diabetic levels ever since.

bulkbiker said:

Yes there can be.. they can also raise blood glucose levels.

Did anyone tell you why you were prescribed then?

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No. Sounds stupid that I didn't ask now. I do have high cholesterol and blood pressure.

Johosephat said:

No. Sounds stupid that I didn't ask now. I do have high cholesterol and blood pressure.

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Not at all.. doctors can appear to know lots about things when in fact they don't... if you can get hold of your lipid panel results it would be very useful information to have to hand.