Liver Test Results after Statins

crazyH

After 2 days of statins, my feet started swelling and I felt rotten. So I stopped taking it. I’m still here 10 years later. I still eat all the things that are not good for you butter , meat etc but in moderation.

I tried statins 20 years ago and had such an extreme reaction to all 4 brands that I was prescribed (I couldn't walk) that I haven't had them since.. and am still here fairly fit and well despite having had a heart attack 25 years ago,,

CariadAgain

Primrose53

It is usual procedure for people to have liver function test after starting on statins because they can damage the liver.

I have known several people this has happened to and they were told they are not allowed to take statins.

It’s a bit scary how quickly damage takes place but try not to worry. Over 20 years ago I was supposed to start on statins but I refused after reading up on them. I am still here, never had a problem and am perfectly well.

That's something new I've learnt today - ie 1. risk to liver and 2. more medical procedure stuff (ie liver function tests) if one is taking them.

Whew! When I had an overall health check recently (private - because the NHS doesn't do it!!!) back came one expected factor - heart stuff. There's so much heart stuff in both sides of my family that that did not surprise me. Admits I was gobsmacked at the casual way the doctor just went "Statins!" and I must have given her an old-fashioned look that summed up my (already decided) views on that - as she then just muttered "Oh well - there might be some minor aches and pains".......I just thought "I'm not going down that conversational route - it's a No" but I was rather horrified that's all she said about possible side-effects and she certainly didn't mention risk to liver (amongst quite a few things she didn't mention.........).

There was not a shred of awareness I could spot of me being single/childless/no pets = no responsibilities whatsoever and so "Why would I stay here on Earth and put up with side-effects? What for?" genuine question that instantly went through my mind.

You had an overall health check and when they offered you some treatment for something they found you didn't take it?

What a co-incidence regarding statins and liver function. My DH is currently in hospital. He wasn't well and our GP told me to take him straight to hospital as his oxygen levels were so low. He has COPD and is on several medications for it. It looks like one of the inhalers that was changed by the pharmacist at our surgery could be the cause and to go back on his original one.
However, while he's been in his liver function was high and they cut his statins down to half. He has got to have an abdominal scan this weekend to see what's going on. I wonder sometimes when medicines are prescribed willy nilly without follow up checks.

After 2 days of statins, my feet started swelling and I felt rotten. So I stopped taking it. I’m still here 10 years later. I still eat all the things that are not good for you butter , meat etc but in moderation.

Primrose53

It is usual procedure for people to have liver function test after starting on statins because they can damage the liver.

I have known several people this has happened to and they were told they are not allowed to take statins.

It’s a bit scary how quickly damage takes place but try not to worry. Over 20 years ago I was supposed to start on statins but I refused after reading up on them. I am still here, never had a problem and am perfectly well.

That's something new I've learnt today - ie 1. risk to liver and 2. more medical procedure stuff (ie liver function tests) if one is taking them.

Whew! When I had an overall health check recently (private - because the NHS doesn't do it!!!) back came one expected factor - heart stuff. There's so much heart stuff in both sides of my family that that did not surprise me. Admits I was gobsmacked at the casual way the doctor just went "Statins!" and I must have given her an old-fashioned look that summed up my (already decided) views on that - as she then just muttered "Oh well - there might be some minor aches and pains".......I just thought "I'm not going down that conversational route - it's a No" but I was rather horrified that's all she said about possible side-effects and she certainly didn't mention risk to liver (amongst quite a few things she didn't mention.........).

There was not a shred of awareness I could spot of me being single/childless/no pets = no responsibilities whatsoever and so "Why would I stay here on Earth and put up with side-effects? What for?" genuine question that instantly went through my mind.

Statins are well known to cause liver problems - it is mentioned in the accompanying leaflet regarding side effects. It is one of the reasons why I am reluctant to take them, as I have ongoing liver issues resulting from complications from glandular fever many years ago.

Hi Usedtobeblonde, The blood tests that GPs request periodically will include a liver function.

seadragon Bisoprolol is a type of beta-blocker and not a statin.
Do you have to buy the coenzyme Q10 yourself?

I have taken statins for years, 40 mg of Simvastatin and have never had a liver function test for them or had one suggested.
However I do have bloods roughly every 18 months when I have my meds review.
Nothing has been remarked on, would these include liver function?

I have been on Bisoprolol statins since 2016. Had uncomfortable trickling sensations in my legs rectified by Coenzyme Q10. No other issues....

It is usual procedure for people to have liver function test after starting on statins because they can damage the liver.

I have known several people this has happened to and they were told they are not allowed to take statins.

It’s a bit scary how quickly damage takes place but try not to worry. Over 20 years ago I was supposed to start on statins but I refused after reading up on them. I am still here, never had a problem and am perfectly well.

I have CKD thanks to long term medication for arthritis which had to be stopped abruptly. Medication does have a habit of causing other problems there will be a way to resolve this.
I started statins a few months ago and I will be interested in results when I have my next liver function tests. My scan was a few years ago tests can fluctuate it could be fatty liver tissue which is common as we age. It might be the statins causing a reaction on the liver tests but the medication can be altered to alleviate it.

It is really good news that your GP has ordered tests to check your liver function after taking statins. Wait for the results of the scan - and try to breathe deeply in the meantime. Did you have liver function tests fairly recently? So results can compare?

It is quite possibly not linked to statins, but to other reasons (and you have pointed out to the possibility yourself). Once you have the results, you will have a good discussion with your GP and try and ascertain the cause, and if any lifestyle changes have to be made. And yes, anxiety does all sorts of strange things to our bodies- so do other factors and mixes.

Good luck, b r e a t h e

All drugs can have side effects. I take 2 which can cause an issue with the liver which is why I have regular tests. Occasionally I've had to have a second test because of a raised level, it happens. If it's the statin there are others that might suit you better. The liver is good at regenerating so try not to worry.

I have also been recently prescribed statins but I am not yet at the stage for having follow-up blood tests so I cannot add anything to your post.
However, and I am not being judgmental here, are you sure it is anxiety that triggered your IBS or could it be a reaction between the medication and alcohol? Have there been any other dietary changes?