Re: Side effects of Statins
Some 12 years' ago now I was put on Atorvastatin statins after a heart attack, they were prescribed by the hospital and continued problem-free for some years. The GP apparently, had to obtain the OK from the area health authority on the basis of cost, to prescribe every four packs of Atorvastatin.
After some years I received a letter from the GP saying the statins were to be changed from Atorvastatin to Simvastatin. "This may be for reasons of economics or that continuing on the same medication they can become less effective", or similar wording.
Me being me I checked the cost of both online and found for a box of 28 Atorvastatin it cost £20.00 and Simvastatin around £1.70 (approximate costs from memory). Obviously the reason for changing was based on economics.
Reluctantly, I started on Simvastatin and within a day or so felt really unwell, Not muscular problems but internal pain and feeling very sick with terrible diarrhoea. I immediately stopped the Simvastatin, phoned my GP for an appointment asap. The GP said sometimes this did happen and as I was now OK, after stopping the Simvastatin, it must have been those. He offered me another statin, there are many, promising if they were problematic he would put me back on the Atorvastatin.
I decided never to go on statins again. Instead looked to diet and more exercise. Different food but not that much different, just cutting out that which causes high cholesterol. A half-hour daily walk after lunch was the exercise. My next blood test showed no problem with cholesterol levels and it was also noted I had lost weight. Three years' or so ago I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic, I went on an NHS pre-diabetes course, learning so much about diet. Once again I modified my diet and maintained the exercise, beat that diagnosis and lost 10kg too. Correct diet and exercise works wonders. I have never again been diagnosed as pre-diabetic, having high cholesterol levels or being an unhealthy weight.