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Statins and MTX Options
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danaozuk
#1 Posted : Monday, July 11, 2011 6:30:46 PM Quote
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Have been on MTX for 7months just had phone call from the Doctors surgery to say chlolestrol level is high and they want me to see doctor to go on statins yet another drug that affects the liver. Had the all clear from the cardiology department so is it really neccessary
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sheila_G
#2 Posted : Monday, July 11, 2011 10:39:57 PM Quote
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Hi

You don't say how high cholesterol is. If it is only slightly high they might suggest exercise (if you can do them) and diet. Just a thought!

Sheila x
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danaozuk
#3 Posted : Monday, July 11, 2011 10:46:57 PM Quote
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I haven't been told yet as I'm awaiting my doctors appointment. It was the nurse who gave me the results from my bloods that informed me of the high levels and that Statins would probably be prescribed. I was looking for any info anyone might have about the combination of Statins and MTX. Both can cause liver damage and the idea of combining them concerns me. I'm changing my diet to try and get the high levels down without yet more meds to take! Just looking for any advice before the doctors appointment.

Dana
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suzanne_p
#4 Posted : Tuesday, July 12, 2011 11:28:38 AM Quote
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hi Dana,

i have been on statins for quite a few years now, i was very overweight at one time which i think helped cause the high cholesterol. my cholesterol readings i have done yearly are now fine, i am of a normal weight now having lost the weight 3 years ago.

i have been on Methotrexate since June 2010,

my GP feels the best option for me is to stay on statins now. as the saying goes " if it ain't broke, don't fix it "

my monthly bloods are always fine apart from ESR and CRP as i am not yet under control with RA.

hope this info helps.

Suzanne x
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Sue10
#5 Posted : Tuesday, July 12, 2011 1:33:54 PM Quote
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Hi Dana

I too take Methotrexate 20mg wkly and Simvastatin 40mg daily as my cholesterol was 9.4.
I have been on both for a couple of years and my blood results are always fine. I know what you mean about another tablet to take but it is a question of weighing up the pros and cons. I have been told that diet can only lower cholesterol by 10% so it may depend on how high yours is. They also take into account other risk factors eg. blood pressure.

Hope you get good advice
Best Wishes

Sue
Smile
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JulieM
#6 Posted : Tuesday, July 12, 2011 2:32:17 PM Quote
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I was put on statins automatically because I'm a Type 1 diabetic. I don't like taking them (I take mtx too). I would like to get my cholesterol a little lower on the statins it's about 6 now and then I will ask if I can come off them and try and maintain that on my own.
YES I'VE CHANGED, PAIN DOES THAT TO PEOPLE.
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Sara-R
#7 Posted : Tuesday, July 12, 2011 4:05:48 PM Quote
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Hi Dana,

My cholesterol is over 6 but my GP doesn't reckon statins are very effective for most people, I didn't want to take anything else either so we agreed not to bother and just keep an eye on things. But yes, always about weighing up the risks and benefits, good luck whatever you decide.

Sara
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Kathleen_C
#8 Posted : Tuesday, July 12, 2011 4:12:31 PM Quote
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I was prescribed statins last December, when my cholesterol level was 6.7, which was higher - very slightly - than the previous year. My GP explained that with that, plus the fact that I was now sixty, plus the fact that RA brings an increased risk of heart disease, he felt statins would be beneficial to me, and an additional "weapon" against heart problems.

I didn`t want to take yet another tablet, so had a long and frank discussion with my GP, whom I trust implicitly, and decided to go ahead. There hasn`t been any change so far in my liver readings.

Kathleen x
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helixhelix
#9 Posted : Friday, July 15, 2011 11:14:13 AM Quote
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I take MTX and statins too - my cholesterol had gone up from 6.2 to 8. I felt that the increased risk of heart problems with RA made this a sensible precaution even tho' like you my heart checks out fine in other tests. According to my thinking the increased risk of a stroke is too serious to mess with, and because I'm on regular blood tests if there are problems brewing with my liver that should show up early enough to do something about it. However, my plan is to use this time when I'm on statins to try to get my weight, diet and exercise in better order. Then, if in say 9months time my cholesterol has dropped I'll try coming off statins and see if I can keep levels down without more chemicals. Well that's the plan! Polly
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