Are statins safe to take?

[mollymalloy]

My husband aged 73 has just been prescribed the statin Simvastatin - 40mg, one at night. Is this a high dosage? Are they safe to take? He is in very good health and still working as a motor mechanic. Any advice would be gratefully received.

[chrissa1]

I've been taking Simvastatin for years with no ill effects. Is his cholesterol high?

[Buenchico]

Some doctors would like to see almost everyone over 40 taking statins regularly!

Click through the links ('Considerations', Side effects', etc) here for the full picture:
http://www.nhs.uk/Con...ges/Introduction.aspx

Chris

[askyourgran]

Statins are supposedly good to take to prevent strokes and thrombosis. I took atorvastatin and later simvastatin for years until I couldn't stand the pain in my muscles and joints. I am now taking 10mg Ezetrol which is easier on my muscles etc. It depends on his cholesterol level, and his blood tests. If your husband finds that he is stiff and achey once the dosage is in his system tell him to go back to the GP there are different ones he could take. Good on him for continuing to work.

[RATTER15]

I have been taking Simvastatin for a while now, no ill affects whatsoever, I know some people have problems, just try them and monitor and record any problems and get back to GP if there appears to be a problem.

[vulcan]

I have been taking Atorvastatin ( 40mg) since 1998 with no side effects. These are the equivalent of Simvastatin (80mg) so the simvastatin (40mg) are quite mild in comparison, they are safe to take.

[mollymalloy]

Thankyou Chrissa1, Buenchico, askyourgran and RATTER15 - very reassuring.

[puternut]

Message to vulcan42: I was on Atorvastatin for a number of years until late 2010 when my GP changed to Simvastatin following some research into a side-effect with muscle-cramps (and if I recall higher incidence of heart problems) and so changed them.

Just thought you (and mollymalloy) might be interested

[vulcan]

Thanks puternut (apologies to mollymalloy). I've never had muscle cramps although one of my friends, who is also on Atorvastatin, does suffer from them. I will mention this to her and to my GP at my next MOT. Thanks again.

[paddywak]

I've been taking Simvastatin (40mg) for nearly 12years and never had any problem

[carlton23]

My GP took me off Atorvastatins a month ago, and I had been taking them for about eight years for Cholestral and never had a problem.

[scotman]

simvastatin is the first choice, probably on cost. As has been stated there are many others which do not cause as many problems with muscle cramp etc. As far as I know 20mg is the minimum dose.

[Sqad]

Are statins safe to take?.......Yes.......they have been licenced to be prescribed in the UK suggesting adequate trials have been undertaken.

Yes, they may have side effects which may cause untoward problems if not reported to the doctor.

40 mgms is a normal dose.

Any advice?.......YES...........ask your GP why, a healthy man of 73 years of age still fit and working is taking statins.

[pusskin]

I am on Simvastatins (20) one a night, never had any problems with them .
Chlorestral fine as far as I know!