Statin Drugs Most Common Side Effects Discussed 

I was on four different statins in one year, each time I experienced severe leg cramps, aching, joint pains, numbness in my hands. Tiredness. I finally said enough!!! No more statins. I exercise, watch my diet and will see what the future labs will show. Tks Docs!!!

Have been on statins for many years and now in my late 60’s and am getting more muscle aches. I work out regularly. Great topic, love to channel. You guys rock!

Excellent and, for me, a very timely presentation for me. Yesterday my primary care physician stunned me with a recommendation, based on a recently completed 10 year study, to begin a regimen of cholesterol medication. My cholesterol stats have always been very healthy - high HDL, low LDL, total well below the target of 200 (with triglycerides). Also, my diet and lifestyle are healthy - lots and lots of physical exercise, high fiber/low fat diet. Well, because of my age (78) and gender (male) this new study concludes that these factors now place me in a high risk category for stroke or heart attack. I HATE the idea of going on a medication regimen, particularly when there are potential side effects. This video will help me make an informed decision.

I was taking Zocor for about 15 years and in 2015 began feeling hip pain. It became progressively worse over time and I figured it was arthritis. And recently it got so bad I couldn't walk. They thought it was a pinched nerve, but tests came back negative. I heard about statins muscle side effects and discontinued the Zocor and took CoQ10. Now (2023) I'm seeing significant improvement.

Again, you guys are the best! I have had a couple days where I felt down but after watching this and laughing, I’m feeling better! I was put on a statin a few years ago as a preventative after I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy- just in case. My glucose shot up. I did some research on my own and found out the problem was the statin. Got off of it and been fine ever since. You guys are awesome! Keep the videos coming! ~Kerry

It took me half a year to discover that statins was the cause for 10 different negative side-effects which I had developed over the months. From a clouding brain to an frozen shoulder. Eight side-effects stopped withing a week after stopping. It took me physical therapy and a year to get over my frozen shoulder. Six different statins all immediately showed the same horrors, also "red rice."

I just discovered you today - thanks, you’re informative without being dry. In 1992, I was prescribed Mevacor and Questran. My LDL dropped almost in half, still way too high but better (FH). In 95 I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I was miserable. Fast forward to 2005-ish, even though my bloodwork showed no muscle breakdown we began to wonder if it was statins. Under doc’s guidance I took a med vacation. The fibromyalgia was gone! I’ve tried 6 statins multiple times, because I really want them to work for me, each time I feel it within a week. They work for everyone else I know that’s taking them. In the early years they wouldn’t acknowledge the muscle pain, forgetfulness or the stutter I’d developed as statin related. Now the lipid specialist I see won’t even let me try again.

I truly believe long term use of statins contributed to the death of my sister in Canada almost a year ago. She was on a statin for years and never had blood work done. Doctor just kept refilling her prescription. She was having some confusion. We all saw it. She was 70 years old. Finally she and her husband had to get a new doctor. He did do blood work and never contacted her so everyone thought no news is good news. I wish she or her husband had called for her results. Long story but she ended up in ICU with sepsis. Doctors couldn’t get the infection under control. Liver and kidneys weren’t functioning. One doctor told my other sister and I they couldn’t figure out her liver and what was going on. He asked us if she had a liver disease or was a heavy drinker. We told him we didn’t know of a liver disease and she didn’t even drink alcohol except maybe a rare glass of wine. He said again they couldn’t understand her liver not functioning. It was a long traumatic two weeks. They eventually took one leg off to her groin and left a bleed that they didn’t address for 24 hours! All of her organs shut down and we lost her. Doctor said there was no need for an autopsy. So her husband and daughter went along with it. I think that they weren’t thinking. It had all been so traumatic. Her husband did talk to the doctor who had done the bloodwork. We are so angry. The results of bloodwork a month before she died showed her sugar was 15 (twice what it should be) and her liver function was off then and no one called her! I will believe until I die that the long term statin use contributed to her death besides the amputation. Now my doctor wants me to take a statin. Told his office I need to think about that and will try diet first. Sorry this was long but had to share.

After an executive physical at a major medical facility in LA in 2006, my doctor prescribed a statin to lower my cholesterol. Within a week I started to feel muscle pain in my legs. I thought the pain could be from my exercise routine so continued taking the statin for a month. I consciously maintained my exercise routine with no changes, and the pain got worse. I decided to stop taking the statin cold turkey. I also changed my diet to incorporate many of the foods you've recommended in another video. Within about 2 weeks, the pain was completely gone. My annual physicals show my cholesterol is normal and am happily statin free. Really enjoyed this video!

Thanks again Docs, always informative. Been on a statin for 12 years and I always try to keep up on the latest info, feeling fine so far. Love your humor!😀

Excellent information. I just went on a low dose statin in May. I never paid attention to what the side effects were. Thanks for the information.

Statins are the most profitable drug sold. I began thinking about the small number of people that would benefit from the drug if the normal cholesterol level was 260. If you were a drug company selling the drug the best way to increase sales would be to lie about the normal cholesterol level stating it was 150. That one lie would change the 1% that really needed the drug to 99% that needed the drug. That one lie would enlist all the doctors to push the drug which they do and which they did to me. A doctor friend of mine religiously took lipitor and I told him my cholesterol was high at 280. He gave me some to try and I had no knowledge of any side effects. I took it for a week and was getting pains in my legs. Not knowing what it was from I decided to stop the lipitor. The pains went away after a few days so about a week later I decided to try the lipitor again and the pains came back. My doctor friend died with Alzheimer's. What if the normal range of cholesterol is 280 and not 150? What if the severe side effects of liver damage and brain issues and diabetes create new opportunities for new drugs to be sold to you when you should never have taken the statins in the first place? I've had doctors push me and scare me into taking statins for 30 years. In the beginning the fear worked and I tried a number of them. And about 28 years ago I said I'm never taking another statin and I'll take my chances. It wasn't until about 3 years ago that I considered the likelihood that they simply lied about what is normal cholesterol. Every 3 years I have an ultrasound of my main arteries to make sure the blood is flowing. Of course there's always fear of a stroke there's fear of the big C and fears of COVID etc. Thank you docs for bringing up the subject because most fear the pharmaceutical industry and their immense power.

First of all, I want to say how much I love you two. I wish you did the nightly news, "Fair and Balanced!" - Now for my particular experience. I am a classic case for needing some sort of statin, family history of fatal heart attacks, super high cholesterol, aortic valve and ascending aorta the best replacements that money can buy - lol. Unfortunately regular statins have caused muscle aches, so was placed on Ezetimibe. After a couple of months I developed a serious brain fog, hard to concentrate, some confusion, and trouble learning new things. I typically never read the caution label on new prescribed drugs, as I want to head off any sort of "nocebo" effect. Long story short, I took a week to wean myself off Ezetimibe and my memory/confusion/concentration issues cleared up. I also had trouble with fatique, but at 71 that rascal seems to be my new normal. Thanks again for your great videos. If I lived close by, I would beat a path to your doors!

Thanks Doc's! I am trying NOT to go on statins. I just can't justify it yet. I am working on my nutrition, exercise, movement and gathering information- knowledge is key. Appreciate your vlogs.

not on any meds nor have I ever been but the way you two present things is just charming

Thank you for a very informative talk. I love your presentation style. Easy to follow/understand without being condescending. Sense of humour. Good information but just enough to keep the listener interst

Awaiting the article review! Sounds interesting. Thanks guys.

Thank you for sharing this information. I hope you will continue to educate us on any new Cholesterol medications or how to treat without medication. I suffered for 3 years with so many health issues. I had seen numerous doctors and had numerous testing. Every doctor I went to asked for a list of my medications. Not one connected the statin drugs to my issues. All I ever heard is your tests came back negative. I was like am I crazy? How is this possible? Then one day a dear friend asked me if I was taking any medication that i needed to take daily. Told her yes Lipitor and High Blood pressure medication. She asked if I have the medical print out about side effects of taking these drugs. I was shocked that every symptom that i had was listed. I stopped taking it and with 2 weeks I was like a new person. Just recently my doctor asked me to try Repatha injections well guess what the pain is back and I am finished with taking any more statins.

Thank you very much. A great presentation. Very informative.

Thank you guys for all you do for us. Was wondering if you could do a video on CHOLESTROL; good/bad numbers and suggestion on how to lower other than drugs.....BTW, I hope you both continue to post on your channel. I have two friends that started their own channel. They now have 850K subscribers! They quit their jobs two years ago, bought (cash) 900,000 house, living the good life!

Following a heart attack, I was prescribed a statin. I had side effects, but I took a high dose for a year. Then I asked for a different statin and reduced the dose. Still some side effects. I then switched to another and now i am good. I have some minor sife effects, but the benefits are worth it. My father lived 22 years after being diagnosed with a heart condition and he followed all of his heart doctor's advice faithfully. I will do the same.

I am a 70 female who has been on simvastatin for 20 years for high cholesterol and strong family history of HA and stroke on both sides. I live a healthy lifestyle including diet, exercise, sleep etc. within the past few years I’ve been diagnosed with OA in lower back and shoulder. Having had a few flares ups I was referred to a PT and given a daily strengthening routine for core and gluts. I started noticing an increase in muscle pain, fatigue and and generalized feeling of weakness, not every day but often enough to notice. It felt different than just exercise induced muscle pain. Consulted with my doctor who advised a two week vacation from statin and bingo, I felt less pain and more energy! I’m going to try a low dose of a different statin to see how that works. I recently read that muscle pain on statins does seem to be more prevalent in older women on the thinner side who exercise which fits the bill.

Love your show. Relaxed, informative, research based. Plenty of ideas to take away and act on. ✅

My doctor wanted to put me on a statin because my cholesterol was a little high. I told him, "I'll take care of it with Diet & Exercise". I posted this on FaceBook and somebody replied, "What's your objection to statins, I've been on the for 15 years with No Side Effects?" I replied, "That's the problem, I don't want to be on any medication for 15 years with No Chance of Curing the Problem. When I might be able to fix it with Food and Exercise".

This was a good discussion. I felt that my doc did not listen to my concerns about taking a statin. She actually got mad at me and told me because of my age it was necessary. I did have high LDL, HDL was great as were triglycerides. I was concerned about being in them forever. She said I would be. She gave me no instructions for when to take them. When I went got my THR, the nurses were surprised I didn't take it at bedtime i have learned that this does depend on the medication. I just found the whole experience to be less than satisfying.

I appreciate both of you, Doc's and am glad your doing this video and all your video's are informative for us, and I like both of your sense of humor 😊

Awesome advice. Really appreciate your channel.

Really like this programme. I am learning so many beneficial things. Great programme. Thanks.

Love you guys. I’ve been on a cholesterol stain for almost 50yrs. I’ve asked my primary physician if this is necessary and I’m always told you bloodwork comes back good, so the statins are doing there work

Something doctors do not tell you is...when your vitamin D increases your cholesterol decreases. That can be proven with blood work. Every cell in your body requires cholesterol. Your body produces about 80% of your cholesterol. I was on a statin and had horrible side effects! The muscle pain and weakness was the worst. I am sure this comment will not be shared so...oh well.

Some people cannot take any statins due to serious side effects (pain). Following an angioplasty, several years after being prescribed statins (Atorvastatin 10 mg) I myself developed something like worsening shoulder impingement syndrome. After consulting doctors ans physiotherapists for a long time without any results at all I decided to quit my statin medication. Some weeks later, the symtoms were gone. Two years later my bloodworks in reasonably good shape. I've changed my diet in a healthy way, leaving most of the sugar and all of the alcohol. I feel pretty healthy and quite comfortable with your statement "you are in charge of your own health". Now a new subscriber for your channel.

Thanks Dr's. Always well presented material. Merry Christmas

👍 I didn’t know about the risk with blood sugars. Thank you- very informative.

This is a very timely video thank you. I'm now on my second statin, simvastatin, having had to stop atorvastatin after 4 weeks earlier this year due to terrible heartburn and fatigue. Sadly, after 10 weeks on the new one I have developed dreadful muscle cramps, especially in my feet, legs and hands. Also the heartburn is back, and the tiredness. I'm 59, pretty healthy otherwise, I exercise (golf) at least 3 times a week, but I had a high cholesterol reading and there is a family history of CAD on my dad's side. He has angina but is still doing pretty well at 87! I would have been happy to take them but the cramp pains are constant, to the extent they interfere with my sleep. I am due for some blood tests this week so will mention to nurse but I suspect I might be one of those people that are just intolerant to this type of drug. I think I am going to try and lose a stone (as I'm a bit overweight) and change my diet first before trying a third version. Unfortunately here in UK it is difficult to get meaningful time with a GP at the moment (due to Covid and staff shortages) to have a really good discussion on differing options. I'm aware of the nocebo effect but also appreciated your other video on the relative v absolute risk reduction. Lots to consider.

Such a great and important video. Thanks for doing this Docs.

Thanks for another great video! Im at the threshold of high cholesterol and continue to exercise and stay fit. Thanks again from Akron, Ohio, USA!

My doc a long time ago put me on Niacin . He told me it would flush me . I though he meant it would flush my bowels. I ask him how fast it worked and did I needed to stay home close to the bathroom then he started laughing . Then he told me it was my skin that would be flushing . I was young and dumb we both had a good laugh. Thank y'all for what you do for us and the sacrifices both of you went through becoming doctors to help folks like us . You guys are awesome . Y'all have a wonderful weekend !!!!!!!!!!!!

For most of my life, I had no problems with blood pressure or cholesterol. An accident required my Right Knee and Hip replacements decades ago and I had no problems with those. However, I completely ruptured my left Quad Tendon, my blood pressure skyrocketed and for a while my cholesterol was borderline. Four failed Quad operations plus a really bad infection and three months of Infusions later - and my Doctor decided to put me on a Statin. within three days, the pain in my legs was so bad I could not even walk. The doctor "changed" the statin but that did not help - so I stopped taking the statin. While I do have two bum legs, at least I can walk with a cane - and still can take care of myself. I took BP meds for a while but my BP has also returned to normal and My last blood test showed no problem with cholesterol as well. Considering I am 85 (My mom is still alive too) I do alright.

Thank you For this information. Very informative. & I Appreciate your hard Work!!! 🤗 I applaud All the Healthcare workers 👏

I have to agree that you guys are the best and the advise really helps. I'm in a constant battle with my family doctor regarding statins. My total cholesterol is 7.4 and my over health is perfect plus I'm not taking any medications. Everything else is normal except for my Cholesterol is elevated. My diet is low carb and I don't eat any processed food. I exercise five days a week and my weight/BMI is in the normal range. I asked my doctor for a second opinion so she gave me a referral to see a Cardiologist so just waiting for a consultation with him. If he agrees with my family doctor I will start taking a statin. Thanks again for your informative videos.

I am on a statin and seem to be tolerating the high dose. Given the amount of controversy over them I find myself regularly wondering. At this point in time, it seems best to continue given that it’s the best science we have - although it sure seems suspect. My understanding is that the benefit is not necessarily the lowering of LDL but the reduction of inflation that is the benefit. Time will tell. Good description of the nocebo effect :-)

Good topic and conversation. Thanks for sharing. I currently take Atorvastatin 20mg. My doctor and I have cycled through different medications and dosages over the years to address my lipidemia. I am pleased with the job the statin does and do not believe I suffer from any ill side-effects-- my blood tests are within normal ranges and I do not have muscle pains or memory issues...... I enjoy watching your videos and really appreciate that you insert humor and good-hearted ribbing into your discussions. Yes, these are all serious topics, but you make them accessible and interesting.

Your videos have helped me be healthier and more aware! Thank you.

Thank you Dear Doctors 💙I just Love your programs!!

Because I have cervical osteoarthritis the Drs. Felt like it was just getting worse. I was in so much pain in my back and neck, constant spasms in neck. I was adjusting my neck all the time. The only relief I got was lying down. I had 7 injections, 10 different meds, many physical therapies, nothing worked! Finally after 2years my arthritis doctor told me to stop my statin. Within 2 weeks I was remarkably better. Still a little sore, but all spasms stopped! It was a miracle!!

I have been on Semivastaten for years! Thanks Docs, I think I will talk to my Doctor about this! Thank you and love your videos!

Very good info like always 🙏🙏 keep the good work.

Hi Docs..I get wicked bad muscle cramps from Lipitor ..I drink tonic water which does help..Dr.is going to lower the dosage..Another great video..Welcome back..Missed you both

Thank you! Another amazing video. I sure love your humor :) ♥

OK I finished it. My own personal experiences I opted instead of statins to take red rice yeast which my regular doctor put me on and I also do milk thistle extract which so powerful not only as a liver detox of fire but a protectant of your liver. I prefer the Tincher and I actually love the flavor myself. As far as blood sugar I take chromium. Berberine is another really good one just because in the past I have been prediabetic but now I’m not. I definitely try to watch my diet but as far as alcohol I do like wine sometimes Jin. But I am a real believer that if you do anything detrimental you really wanna make sure that you take care of your brain and other aspects of your body to make up for your flaws. So I love to follow Dr. Daniel amen. And your videos are very helpful to the public to help them to make informative decisions. Now how much do I owe you guys and get back to work.. Eat your veggies and kudos to your positive attitude.. 💃💃💃💃❤️💙❤️🥰💝🙏🏼

You two always entertain but teach at the same time!

I wondered if I was going crazy because I have muscle aches and problems with my memory at times before taking the statin medication. Since I started taking the statin, I've noticed that my muscle aches and memory problems having increased. I am 67, female and have hypothyroidism, diabetes, hypertension, gout, diabetic neuropathy, high cholesterol and arthritis. Listening to you guys has brought my increased discomfort to light. I thought it was just me getting older. Thanks for the insight.

Thanks, you always have good info. You helped me before and after my TKR last year!👍 I take Rosuvastatin, and at first got the muscle aches in both upper arms, whichh of course then makes you worry about heart disease! Our GP is not great at explaining stuff, but as it’s BC, not a hope in heck of finding another doctor here these days just because you’d prefer someone different. So many people cannot get a GP.😢 We all have to do our own research.

You mentioned to discuss with our doctor and cardiologist our decision to stop taking statins. I did and they absolutely disagreed because of my coronary bypass operation, but my cholesterol was better than normal and I stopped the statin medication to avoid the painful side effects I was experiencing. The side effects disappeared almost immediately and never came back. My cholesterol level remains low and if I had continued taking statins, both doctors would have credited this drug for my continued good condition.

😂 I love you both and your humor and videos make my day please never change I'd be heart broken . I'm on a station and not loving taking them due to the aches and pains I have all the time but I have been told I need to take them by my primary dr..Take care and much love from Maria in Upton Massachusetts

Thanks guys I always enjoy your videos 👍

I was on a statin drug a few years ago. After taking for a while I found myself often in a state of rage. Eventually I made the connection between my feelings of rage and the statin drug. I stopped taking it and the feelings of rage ended. I think statin drugs can have a profound effect on our brains and should only be used when absolutely necessary to preserve heart health.

Always great info from Talking With Docs. Isn't there a place in New York where people on this medication can go? I think it's called Statin Island 😂 Yes, I know the actual place is spelled with an 'e' instead of an 'i' I'm just trying to keep up with the humour of these fun doctors 👍

You guys are great !! Keep it up!!

Good afternoon Brad ❤️ and Paul,just wanted to say hi and thankyou for this very interesting video.lm very well and l hope that the two of you are keeping tip top 😊 As always much love from England UK 🤗

You two do make me laugh! 😁 Thank you for that information . I’m in the middle of ...do I take statins or not. Second blood test has been taken. I’m borderline and the info you have given has been reassuring. 👍

Great as always.

That was a hilarious and great video!😂 Lots of great info that I was looking for.

Another great video. Can you elaborate on the correlation to type-2 diabetes?

Awesome information! Your method of providing the info is helpful and humorous. As easy to absorb as the cholesterol in my blood that the statin I take needs to clear! You are my "statins" Docs. You provide clean and clear information for me. Minus any side effects. Will keep it all in mind when I go for my blood work!

I used to donate plasma and prior to the donation, a machine would check for fat in your blood. If it showed the fat (ice cream the day before-I was busted), you had to wait 48 hours before donating and were instructed to not consume anything high fat before your return. So, when recent lab work showed a triglyceride level in the high 600's (I had been consuming LOTS of coffee and creamer/cream) and my usually normal cholesterol was a bit high. I stopped the creamer and cream for a week and redid the chem screen. My triglycerides were in the low 200's and my cholesterol was back in the normal range. I discussed the lab results with my doctor and she told me these labs can be brought down fairly quickly with small changes in some people. Do you think it would be a good practice to have patients try the above, before placing them on statins?

This was VERY informative. Thank u 😊

Very informative! Also, very Smothers' Brothers esque...loved it

Yes, muscle cramping was my problem with taking statins. Especially at night while sleeping my leg muscle would cramp up causing my to hop out of bed in a great deal of discomfort. Sometimes it would literally almost bring me to tears. Hamstrings mostly and calves.

Good you shared. In my case, I'm intolerant to statins. Side effects far more serious and some prolonged for nearly a year. Interesting fact: only 2 statins sold in Canada don't have talc as a binding agent. Being allergic to talc reduced options. There are two injectables available with their own long term issues for Some individuals but I'm curious about the next one being released this winter that's not a statin and is a MNRA directed at the liver to reduce production. The pharma that created sold to the big one since they couldn't meet production and ran out of R&D. It will be marketed at $4K every 6 months and seniors 65 and older can get for free. Glad statins are working for you with little issues. Quality of life is paramount or what's the point. Thanks for sharing

Nice to see you guys get your happy on, love your vids keep it up

Thank you doc’s for very informative information , pls continue your amazing work helping people 😊

I love you guys!!🤗🤗 Shame you have to deal with mean comments...happens on many channels....

By the way. I am so uncomfortable taking meds. I have RA and have taken some on and off over the years. I am now 75 and I am more concerned about side effects than I ever was. So we’re discussing that and every single doctor wants you to take a drug! I would like the natural holistic way but I can’t find anybody to help me with that. So I try to stay off of meds as much as possible!

I literally lolled at the repeat of the last side effect because Dr. Brad didn’t see it coming! Nice job.

These docs are great!

I have been taking Lipitor for over 20 years. When my high cholesterol was first diagnosed, I was prescribed Zocor. I experienced an enormous heaviness in my legs, and I could barely climb the stairs to my apartment, so I was switched to Lipitor. I have been on Lipitor ever since with no side effects that I can detect. I am a female, and I have hypothyroidism. In my family, I have a sister who has cautioned me quite strongly about taking Lipitor or any statin. Thankfully, after 20 years, she has finally stopped commenting about it. We both live very healthy lives. We don't smoke or drink alcohol. We follow a low carb eating plan that has helped me lose 70 lbs. and keep those pounds off for over 4 years. I also jog and practice strength training regularly as does my sister. I have chosen to see my statin use as a part of a healthy life style. If my sister had elevated cholesterol, she would probably make a different choice. Each of us must do what we feel is in the best interests for our health. I would only add that if a friend or family member chooses to use a statin, try to be supportive if you can. If you do not support their choice, try not to be critical. If possible, agree to disagree and let it go.

You guys are great! You don’t talk down, but you put things in language that is understandable to non-medical folks. My doc recently increased my statin dosage from 10 mg to 80 mg, in an effort to dissolve some of the plaque that an ultrasound showed has developed in my blood vessels near my heart. He says recent studies have shown this increased statin dosage has had some positive effects in doing so. It’s too soon to know if it’s working. But of course he warned me about side effects, but I haven’t experienced any. At age almost 79, I already have the side effects of aging-but nothing new from the high statin dosage. Keep up your great videos. I’ve become a real fan.

This is an excellent video and I find the comments interesting. I believe that alternative statins are available if one does not agree with you such as severe muscle cramps, etc. My father was switched from one brand to another and had luck with this option. This was many years ago and I am wondering if it is still an option.

Love you guys. Great episode

Thank you for this. I am 70 years old and I have a degenerative neurological disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (type 1a, they think). As a result of the deterioration of my peripheral nerves, and the consequent atrophy of muscle in my hands, feet, and lower legs, I struggle with fatigue. I have an AFO for my right leg and I use a cane for balance, but nevertheless, I exercise regularly and walk a lot (thanks, Roxy dog!). My heart doctor put me on statins (rosuvastatin) last winter. After about a month we chatted by phone and at that time I was not too boithered by side effects. But after about six weeks, I began to struggle with muscle pain and weakness, and debilitating fatigue. I could no longer do my workouts, and I was lying down for naps 2 or 3 times a day, and still felt just awful. I was creeping around the house like a 90 year old, and, frankly, life simply became not worth living. So I stopped the statins. Now, I am back to normal, working out, working in the yard, long walks with the dog, one nap a day. I haven't told my heart doctor (he is in a city 1 1/2 hours away), but my GP made what I thought was a sensible comment, "Sometimes, with these prophylactic medications, you have to weigh quality of life against benefits/side effects." I have always eaten healthy food, but I've made some changes to my diet, and we'll see what effect that has. I watched your post on foods to lower cholesterol, and was happy to find that I eat them all regularly. Go blueberries!!! Your channel is excellent; you are doing a real public service. Thanks!

I got the awful muscle spasms. Stopped taking them when the spasms moved to my arms and decided that was to close to my heart muscle. Instead I now cycle 3 times a week to try and keep my cholesterol under control.

Really good and so informative

Hey docs! I was never on any medication and not even now, but this is a very interesting topic!😊

You two are a riot! 😋 I really enjoy your videos, they are always so educational and you provide solid information that everyone should know. I've actually been able to stop taking one prescription this year. However, I'm still on a low dose statin . I only see my doctor and have labs done every six months now instead of the previous three months. My labs have been in perfect range for the past year. I've been taken off any medication that caused side effects. But I am having a problem and no one can tell if it's a side effect. I've been sent to numerous specialists and there are still no answers. I'm sweating without provocation. I'll just be sitting, not doing anything strenuous and sweat will just pour off my body. This isn't night sweats because it happens at least five times a day. I even contacted my oral surgeon who preformed half of my ten jaw surgeries. They weren't surprised to hear from me as there's a problem discovered after my last prosthesis was implanted. It's called Frey's Syndrome but it only effects the area around the jaws. Patients are sweating around the jaws when they eat. I informed them that my sweating isn't activated from eating or anything else. My sweating happens at will, regardless of activity, eating or sleeping. My sweating covers my entire body. I only mention this to you because I've started asking every medical professional if they've ever heard of this problem. I've done everything I can think of, short of going to the Mayo Clinic. I'm at my wit's end and have no idea where to turn. And since you two are so good at informing us of so many things, I wondered if you've ever heard of this condition. I think we can rule out Frey's Syndrome since the sweating isn't localized to my jaw area. All the doctors I see regularly don't see this as a reaction to any of my current medication. If you or any of your colleagues have any ideas, I would greatly appreciate it. I don't even know who to ask any more. And since nothing like this has been covered in your videos, I thought I would ask, just in case. Thanks for all you do and for sharing another great video!

I am so thankful for statins. People in my family used to die of heart attacks in early 50's. Here I am 78 years old, my older brother and sister still alive thanks to statins!

You guys are worth watching just for the banter. Pretty good for a couple of Orthopods.

Great video! You try so hard to be measured, balanced and yet informative. I recently started taking statins even though my lifestyle is excellent with every day exercise including running , plant based diet, very little junk food, psyllium husk etc etc. My LDL cholesterol remained stubbornly high. Further testing revealed it is genetic and an extra sticky type as well - elevated lipoprotein a. The GP said my risk profile had now changed and I then commenced the statins. I am fortunate to live in a country where the pharmaceutical industry is more regulated too, so there is a greater level of trust with my GP, who is very thorough and is not afraid to refer me to a specialist if needed.

I was on sinvastatin ten years ago and had horrible side effects. They started with slight muscle cramps. The cramps progressed to major cramping all over my body everyday. Upper arm, fingers,under my rib cage, in my back, my legs,from groan to my toes. I had them everywhere. They would wake me up with excruciating pain. I saw my doctor and he said it was impossible that the statins were causing the cramping and muscle pain. I told him I had researched it and said it was certainly possible. I had no cramping or muscle pain prior to taking the statins. And he still didn’t believe me.. so my only recourse was to stop seeing him. So I went to another doctor and he believed me and told me to stop taking the statins. It took a few weeks for the side effects to stop.

I found your video because my father was diagnosed with Parkinsons years ago… But since he came to live with me and started forgetting his pills which SCARED me… I have noticed he actually can move better, doesn’t have memory issues and NOW that I have seen this video about type 2 diabetes… I’m pretty angry! He was given these pills for cholesterol without even being encouraged to change his diet which at the time, he ate some sort of fast food garbage at least once a day during the work week! Now my father is 81 and for the last 10 years has been struggling with literally the top four symptoms. I’ve tried to speak to three different doctors and their opinions have been he is 81, going off or switching medications is pointless. Not if he could life a happier and more fulfilled life!

Thanks for the information! I started a low dose statin about 3 months ago and noticed I get very thirsty during the night since that. My husband is experiencing the same thing but he has been on them longer.

thanks for this, after being put on statins, a high dose, my liver enzymes went way out of range and I was on cusp of pre diabetes. I scaled back and the above issues scaled back as well. As you guys so beautifully stated, they are not for everyone - but it helps to do some research so when talking to the gp you (patient) will have a datum to go by. Thanks.

I had recently started 5mg of Crestor, the side effects were crazy bad, namely muscular pain including abdominal. I stopped taking them and within 5 days back to feeling normal. I think best way forward is to try manage problem naturally.

My cholesterol was up and down for years. In 2003 after a battery of test including nuclear, I was diagnosed with a blockage in my heart, and was scheduled for heart surgery. The day before I was supposed to report to hospital, I had an issues with a construction project and had to cancel to take care of it. It took about a week. My cardiologist said one of the theaters he used had to be closed and I was put on a wait list. He told me go home don't strain, and keep nitro handy. I began a regiment of supplements. Symptom's was extreme cramping in my calf muscles almost nightly, pain in arm pit, under chin. After a few months of the supplements I woke up one morning, and realized I had not had the nightly Charlie horses in my calf muscles that night, I felt fine. (too long a story to go into here) In 2005 I had to start physical therapy and on the question sheet I put heart condition. SO I had to get permission. I called the cardiologist he freaked out, he was shocked I was still alive. His staff had failed to put me on the wait list. He scheduled emergency surgery, sent me for the full battery of tests again, including stress test, and radioactive dye injections MIBI. The same test that showed the heart disease. And all tests came back clean. The blockages were completely gone. 2022 and still symptom free. I took all the supplements with me, he would not even look at them. I also used a product called Cho-less-terin by New Roots that has Red Yeast in it, a natural statin. When I took it for 30 days, then I had my blood work, it was normal across the board. Here is another kicker, I joined two facebook groups for heart disease and wrote my whole story in a pdf, which I offered for free to the groups. All I told them was once they had it, FOR FREE no obligation, if by their choice they wanted to donate 20.00 to help me fund a book, they could click a donate link in the pdf. I got such an avalanche of hate from both groups I was shocked. Everything from accusing me of trying to get their bank accounts, steal their credit cards, to trying to pant viruses. Out of the hundreds in the groups only one woman sent me a private message to request the pdf. I sent it to her. She didn't donate. 😁

Thanks again, Ive been on a statin for 10 years with no issues although I need to bone up on my nocebos now. You guys need to leave that cold snow country and come to southern Arizona. I'm losings my knee doctor next month. You would love it here.

My pcp was gone for maternity leave. I saw a fill-in doc. For the first time ever, I had high cholesterol. He jumped immediately to meds with no discussion about anything else. I refused to take it, in part just because I didn't like him or trust him. Now that I hear all these I'm really glad. My pcp annual exam is December. We will see what happens.

I’m thankful that statins are available. I saw a 68 percent decrease in my LDL which was over 200. My risk is genetic. Hoping to avoid the fate of immediate family, live a long life and avoid heart attacks

My side effect was fatigue. It was severe without CoQ-10 supplements, and less severe with CoQ-10, but still unacceptable. I felt after sleeping 9 hours that I hadn’t slept enough. My father had similar side effects, and they debilitated him until he discontinued his statins.

Thank you very much for your videos.

Great show. Thank you. And thank you for being so funny!