Statins
 

If you start taking statins, is there a requirement to tell your AME?

Yes,

1178/2011 MED.A.020: Edit: My understanding is use of statins is generally not a problem for your medical, although might depend on why you have been started on them.

Thanks for that Edington.
If that’s the case, would you get your medical temporarily revoked until you can show you have no side effects? (Like other medication, for BP for example)

I would imagine a small period of time would be needed to check for reactions (which are not uncommon) but the situation is more likely to generate an investigation as to why you need the statins in the first place. Chances are you will be asked to complete a Cardiac revue with both static and exercise ECG's.

See here:

CAA Cardiovascular Requirements

Regardless of the above. Do your own research as to whether you wish to commence taking statins. There is a lot of controversy surrounding their effectiveness and the side effects they generate. I personally chose to keep well clear of them, especially when my vet told me to avoid them like the plague.

As a medical holder, also on statins I can categorically say that the above is incorrect. Most medical professionals including an Oxford educated surgeon of my acquaintance believe that statins are of benefit. There are side effects in some cases then take medical advice. Finally, do not take medical advice from anonymous posters on prune (including me) but talk to your GP and subsequently tell your AME at your medical. There will not necessarily be the need for a cardiac assessment but that would be dependent on other factors. As for your vet’s opinion I assume that you are joking.

I practice what I preach so I am on statins. The evidence is overwealming and indeed we are now advancing from statins to the Polypill - see polypill.com

As someone who started statins prophylactically - ie to prevent problems - I was deemed unfit for 14 days as with ANY new medicine. A cardiovascular assessment is triggered by your disease not your medication so is not a risk.

I noticed that too. I figured a veterinarian is cheaper than an MD and you can also get dewormed while you're there. They also spay and neuter so tread carefully.

Is there a link between statins and Alzheimer's/dementia?

I’ve suffered side effects from different statins - mainly muscular weakness and joint aches, a general feeling of being below par and increasingly dry skin. I have tried two different types, obviously under medical supervision. Just under a year ago I decided to stop taking them altogether and my symptoms largely disappeared. However, a recent blood test showed a significant increase in cholesterol levels. So I’m back on them again, trying a third type. However, the same old symptoms have soon reappeared so I’m about to have them reviewed yet again.

Having researched the subject, there is an increasing amount of controversy regarding their use, or even the importance of reducing cholesterol.

i had the same problem , on Nustendi now and seems OK for the moment

Just to add Nustendi isnt a statin

I can't even pretend to understand why there are so many statin drugs...or what they do vs one another. But my wife and I been on atorvastatin for years with no side effects...none.

I got on it after I had to bow and scrape to the Gods of the Imperial Federal Kakistocracy so I can't speak to satisfying them where this is concerned.