Has anyone else taken a statin and experienced side effects?

[Brigid]

I took one for a couple of months, but I've had stomach problems and diarrhea that have gradually gotten worse in recent weeks. I read that thse are common side effects with statins. I took my last dose two nights ago, and I feel better already. I haven't talked to my doctor yet, but I won't be taking that drug anymore.

[bemildred]

1. Yes, lots.

I have never taken them, but there are lots of stories about statin side effects etc.

[Warpy]

2. Mevacor was the first one and it was reportedly the worst

for GI upset. Maybe switching to one of the others will cure your tummy problems or maybe switching dosage or timing will help. Your doc is your best ally in this.

I have no idea how high your cholesterol is, but if you're one of those people with genetically high cholesterol (I have a friend who runs in the high 300s, her first stroke was at 39), the drugs are lifesavers and you need to weigh the side effects versus the alternatives: disability or death.

Constant diarrhea is no joke. I hope you can find a solution.

[Chemisse]

3. The only trouble I had was

High liver enzymes.

Unfortunately it was enough to make my doctor suggest I stop them. I'm not sure what is going to replace the statin.

[grasswire]

4. all I know is that my cardiologist says...

...that only certain people need a statin, not the blanket application we've seen in recent years. Many people can (apparently) remediate the problem of high blood pressure/cholesterol through lifestyle changes.

With the latest news about statins, it's a good thing to make sure there's a particular reason for you to be taking it.

[gkhouston]

5. Tell your doctor. It's possible that a different statin will be easier to tolerate.

Sometimes, it's the fillers and other shit in meds that cause the trouble. For example, I used to take an anti-seizure med to prevent migraines. After the drug went generic, I tried several different generic versions of "the same drug" because I had annoying side effects on the name brand. The absolute cheapest generic was the only one with no noticeable side effects... and it was the third or fourth generic I tried. I'd left it for last because so many people on the 'net bitterly complained about that generic, but for me, it was ideal.