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Suggest An Alternative Of Simvastatin
Hi. I am a 65 yr. old woman in good health. The last year I gained 10 solid documented pounds. Although I have taken simvastatin for 9 years, this was by far worst for weight gain. I will confer with my primary tomorrow and would like to give him a drug replacement/suggestion. A high cholesterol medication with less weight gain side effect.
Mon, 9 Jul 2018
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Statins decrease cholesterol level in the blood by decreasing cholesterol production. They simply block an enzyme which is responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Statins (simvastatin) have no effects on body weight. But statins may cause some muscle pain and weakness which may decrease patient’s activity level and exercise intensity. Therefore, patients on statins may gain weight from indirect effect of statins.
Please, try to follow diet and increase your physical activity levels while you are on statins.
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors such as orlistat decrease triglyceride absorption from the diet and may decrease weight. It has side effects as well like any other cholesterol medicines. Please, consult with your Doctor about cholesterol absorption inhibitors.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thank you,
Malik Amonov MD
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Statins decrease cholesterol level in the blood by decreasing cholesterol production. They simply block an enzyme which is responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Statins (simvastatin) have no effects on body weight. But statins may cause some muscle pain and weakness which may decrease patient’s activity level and exercise intensity. Therefore, patients on statins may gain weight from indirect effect of statins.
Please, try to follow diet and increase your physical activity levels while you are on statins.
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors such as orlistat decrease triglyceride absorption from the diet and may decrease weight. It has side effects as well like any other cholesterol medicines. Please, consult with your Doctor about cholesterol absorption inhibitors.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thank you,
Malik Amonov MD
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