If you have trouble tolerating statins, does it make it more likely that you will have trouble with fibrates as well?

Asked by Aliwally

16 Jan 2012

I only ask this question because I am experiencing troublesome side effects very similar to simvastatin, mostly painful muscle cramps and very disturbing dreams, since I have been taking fibrates.
Husband also says I underwent personality changes but this could have been stress over Christmas and lack of sleep.
I think the main problem with me is not the drug so much as the dosage. I don't think I can tolerate standard doses. Another question, does body weight matter? Do you prescribe the same dose to a 20 stone body builder and a frail old lady?
Sorry, I have stopped them, but will try and introduce back starting at one a day.

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5 answers

johnhenry

16 Jan 2012

Hi Aliwally, for what it is worth a lack of Magnesium will cause Muscle Cramps.
If by any chance you are taking Calcium along with your other medication, that will help to deplete Magnesium.
You can get your Doctor to do a blood test, to check your Magnesium level.Add plenty of dark green vegetables to your diet this will help to increase your Magnesium level.
It is also well known now by increasing the number of Adult Stem Cells circulating in your blood stream will strengthen the heart and heart muscle cells.

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DakCB-UK

16 Jan 2012

Maybe Aliwally is actually reacting to another ingredient such as a binder in the tablets, or maybe some ingredient is Calcium-rich and it is causing the Magnesium problem described above. I understand that Calcium Phosphate is sometimes used as binders and fillers in tablets and that's the main source of calcium in cow's milk, so...

On the original question, Aliwally was at the same "Medicine and Me" event that I was, but I can't remember: did they say that fibrates use a different mechanism to statins?

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Traci

16 Jan 2012

Aliwally, I take statins and fibrates and sometimes it hard to know what causes what! Are you taking both? I ask as there is a much higher risk of side effects if you take both.
Have you had your liver function tests done recently? CK levels are the indicator for problems?
Whicj one are you on and at what dosage? I have fenofibrate 160mg daily.

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Aliwally

16 Jan 2012

Thank you all for your replies..really helpful.

I was prescribed benzafibrate 200mg 3 times daily, which I think is a standard dose (GP looked it up in his MIM's). I have a lipid appointment in April and they always check CK and liver function. Yes, fibrates do work in a different way, basically I think they affect the gene responsible for lipid metabolism.

The word "binder" is very appropriate, chronic constipation being another gut wrenching side effect (sorry for too much information, fellow bloggers).

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Osborne

5 Feb 2012

it was ages before i realised statins were thr cause of lots of muscle pain etc, poor memory. was given fibrates but had bad chest pain and huband had to dress me due to muscle restriction, so after week didnt take anymore. minus statins and fibrates now.

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If you have trouble tolerating statins, does it make it more likely that you will have trouble with fibrates as well?

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