General Chat

Check with your doctor!

I received this article this morning, from Life Choices, a website for "seniors"

At least one in 10 Australians aged over 65 takes cholesterol-lowering medication. The most commonly prescribed are statins such as atorvastatin, simvastatin and rosuvastatin. According to an article in the June edition of Australian Prescriber, however, the risk of the side effects of these drugs in older people may outweigh the benefits of remaining on statins.

The authors of the article, Associate Professor Sarah Hilmer and Dr Danijela Gnjidic of the University of Sydney, explained that research has shown statins to lower the chance of a heart attack in older people who have suffered one previously. The benefit of statins in those aged over 70 who do not already have heart disease is less clear.

“Statins can cause side effects, and these are more likely in people aged over 70, especially those taking several other medicines … Muscle pain or muscle damage are the most common side effects that cause people to stop treatment. Statins can also cause liver problems … Statins have also been found to contribute to memory loss or confusion in some people.” These quotes from the article outline just how serious the side effects of statins can be.

It is important that you don’t stop or change the way you are taking medication before consulting your doctor - stopping suddenly can be damaging to your health, depending on what drug you are taking. If, however, you are concerned or have questions about the medication you are taking, consulting your doctor is the best way to get answers. They will be able to help you weigh up the benefits and harms of a particular drug.



This comment from a person who has had THREE heart attacks, but NOT high cholesterol :
.
I learned that in my case the medication was not to treat cholesterol in my blood, but to consolidate that which was already lining my arteries, making it less likely to flake off. It is the bits flaking off that were giving me my attacks, fortunately for me, reasonably mild attacks. That was 5 years ago, after 3 attacks in 26 months.

:-0

I'll be making an appointment to see the doc, I've been on medication for ten years, I don't have high cholesterol, but I have a stent. My doc has similar health issues, so he's always helpful.

Interesting article LadyScozz - I take simvastatin along with several other heart and blood pressure medicines and I have not experienced any side effects, my doctor monitors things and arranges for me to have a blood test every three months.

I'm not worried, just a wee bit concerned.

As I said, I've been on medication for about ten years (since I had a heart attack), but have never (and still don't) have a high cholesterol level.

I had my 63rd birthday last month, so I'm wondering what effect these medications will have long term... what should I expect ten years from now? If I'm still on the planet.

I've been on statins for more years than I can remember with no ill effects

So have I Ann,and I think Im a year older than you!

so you're 29 then :-D

29 :-D :-D :-D :-S

same age as I am ~ 29 + GST (VAT if you're in the UK)

:-D

Been on statins (Simvasatin) for about 10 years with no obvious side effects. Have an annual blood test to check all is well. Just have to be aware I suppose.

It is an intersting point, but as a health professional, my first comment is that it is very important that the message about not stopping any medication you are already on without consulting your doctor is paramount.

I have read the full article, and while a small proprtion of older adults do suffer side effects, and all medication has potential side effects, the evidence is that the at risk older folks do benefit from being on statins.

The full article can be found at
http://www.australianprescriber.com/magazine/36/3/issue/196.pdf

Thanks CF ~ I'll have a look.

Funny thing is (not funny haha) my doctor thought he didn't need all those medications ...... and got a big shock when he tried to stop.

It's sort of nice to know that docs are just as stubborn as the rest of us <3

I'll keep taking my meds..... some annoying side-effects are better than the alternative!

:-D

Ann in C.....actually Ann I'm a recycled teenager!! :-S :-)

lol Brenda :-D

My head thinks I'm 28, but that old woman in the mirror scares me :-(

Lady Scozz....If I'm a teenager you are still in nappies!!!....lol. :-) :-S

There was a similar report in the UK last weekend, but this one was about taking certain drugs prescribed for reducing stomach acid (eg Omeprazole) with medication for high blood pressure. I take both of these and this has me worried. Also, after reading a thread on here about keeping drugs at the right temperature during this hot weather, I checked my medication and found that one said it shouldn't be taken when taking aspirin - which I also take. I think a visit to the doctor is due!