'Most statin problems caused by mysterious 'nocebo effect', study suggests'

[Nearly Sane]

Fascinating stuff


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-54951648

[Aruntraveller]

Very interesting.

I've been on statins for quite awhile now (8 years) and have suffered no side effects. I have however had many conversations with friends who swear that they have. Leg aches, feeling cold, fuzzy headed. They seemed very convinced it was real and due to the statins.

I had put it down to the fact that different people react differently to medication rather than what it appears to now be.

We are funny creatures.

[Roses]

I was on statins for a while having a high familial cholesterol level. It was discovered that they were damaging my liver so I was taken off them.

[Aruntraveller]

I was on statins for a while having a high familial cholesterol level. It was discovered that they were damaging my liver so I was taken off them.

Yes that's right, the liver is one area where there are known risks associated with the use of statins. This article was talking about the harder to pin down responses that people have reported such as aching limbs. It would appear there is quite a high level of auto suggestion going on with some people.

[Robbie]

I've known people who have been prescribed statins years ago, who didn't know they were called 'statins' or anything about them, and had horrible side effects. They were better off without. There was no auto suggestion there. As you say, people react differently to drugs. If I was prescribed them it's possible I would experience unpleasant effects because I know some do. I thought you didn't have to be on statins indefinitely though.

[Aruntraveller]

I thought you didn't have to be on statins indefinitely though.

Again it depends on the individual.

Some people can manage to control their cholesterol levels by diet. Unfortunately as you age that gets more difficult, and so a lot of people (including myself) are on them for life.

[Harrowby Hall]

I have been on low dose simvastatin to control my cholesterol for perhaps fifteen years, now. I have occasional leg cramps at night but they occur very infrequently and may have no connection with the medication.
At presentI think that I am suffering rather more from the effects of lockdown than long-time use of statins.

[Robbie]

That I can well believe HH.