How safe is usage of Statins for those who have had CRC?

[FindTheBestHelp]

After a total colectomy and 2.5 years since 6 months of chemo for what was diagnosed as stage 3 CRC, the primary care physician has recommended a statin to slow down plaque development in arteries as part of cholesterol control. Are there any experienced folks out there who have gone through CRC and chemo who are now concerned about taking drugs/medications for other health issues that may have a negative impact on steering clear of CRC recurrence or other cancers? Wondering if Lipitor and/or Crestor could put one at risk for recurrence or other cancers?

Also, if you are on a statin like Lipitor or Crestor, just wondering what dosage you take and which one you use. The PCP seems to feel that both are about the same strength and have the same side effects, but the pharmacist and some online material I read seems to be saying that Crestor is stronger. The PCP originally was going to prescribe Lipitor but due to a friend using Crestor, we asked about Crestor and the PCP seemed ok with that. Prescribed 40mg. Not sure what she would have prescribed for Lipitor. Upon further reading, it appears these statins come in various dosages, from like 5-10mg on up. 40 seems like the highest dosage of Crestor. This being the first time taking cholesterol medication, wondering if a lesser dosage would be wiser to start? Worried about experiencing unnecessary side effects and other issues by taking more than needed? On the other hand, don't want to take not enough either.

Thank you in advanced for your inputs!

[CRguy]

You can read my "bio" from my signature wrt all the CRC stuff I've been through to get a handle on the cancer treatment aspect.... BUTT I was on the full meal deal / all inclusive plan for a lotta years.

I rarely discuss other treatments or meds unless there is a need .... BUTT here we gots one !!!!!

Statins :
some have had a "class" effect in affecting the CRC scene by lowering risks ( I will dig out that reference later )

side efx :
I was recc'd a statin a while ago now and consulted with a specialist at the Healthy Heart program locally asking for the statin with the least side effects ( esp muscular injury / pain etc. ) as I was actively training martial arts and teaching classes. At that time his recc was fluvastatin ( Lescol ) 20 mg per day. It is an old skule statin with a good safety profile and less "warnings" than some of the newer hi tech varieties. Been on it for a while and all thru CRC bullshit, BUTT stopped while on active chemo, to save my liver

I have ongoing doc visits with GP, cardio specialists and internal medicine specialists because I am borderline "high" on a lotta things which have not changed much over the years and THEY just wanna keep an eye on me = I am totally good with that !

Currently on generic fluvastatin 40 mg each night. It does lower my triglycerides a LOT, my LDLs moderately, and seems to have a great effect on lowering my fasting blood glucose and Hemoglobin A1C. I also have increased HDLs = a good thing !

There are ALWAYS pluses and minuses for any medication. I have had no known issues with the fluvastatin but cannot speak to the other newer/ more popular statins. I do have some fatty liver infiltration which I am concerned could be due to post chemo and / or statin use ?????
All my bloods are stable and imaging is good so I am in a check and recheck pattern currently.

Just my experience here, BUTT if there is a particular need for a statin .... maybe consider it, do some research on the types and keep posting here for input.
My personal approach to starting / taking / prescribing medications ( I am a Vet ) is to start low and slow IF it is not an emergency and then increase to the effective dose based on monitoring ( bloods etc. ) I know a lotta my Vet buddies and human Docs kind of throw the meds at you from the textbook charts and IF YOU have issues change the dose AFTER YOU HAVE PROBLEMS ... DUH .... Not my style.

HTH ?

Bottom line : fluvastatin works for me so I have had no reason to change or research alternates .. so far !

Cheers
CRguy

[ANDRETEXAS]

I can only say that I have been on Lipitor for 10 years...before, during and after CRC. For the first eight years, I was on 20 mg. My cholesterol was in the 80-90 area, so my cardiologist changed me to 10mg which I have been on the last two. Cholesterol is around 110.