topic Re: Simvastatin and skin issues in Wellness

Simvastatin and skin issues

151949 — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 16:58:44 GMT

My DH has to take a statin drug for his high cholesterol. He has developed a raised rash on his face so he went to the dermatologist. The rash is most likely a combo of the Florida sun and the statin drug. Since he NEEDS the statin she has placed him on a cream he has to apply to his face twice a day. She said it would get worse before it gets better. WELL - I never expected what has happened. His face is , literally, beet red. He says it burns terribly if he is in the sun for even a few min. He got a wide brim hat to wear, even when driving and even though we have tinted windows on the car. I don't really understand what this is supposed to do - his entire face is peeling, bright beet red color and painful. He called the doctor and the PA said that was to be expected. WTH? I think he goes back to see her next tuesday - I told him not to keep putting it on if it is hurting. It's like some sort of chemical peel. Just horrid.

Re: Simvastatin and skin issues

millieshops — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 17:06:32 GMT

@151949I've been on Simvastatin for years. I know for sure that I burn much faster and redder than I used to, but sleeves, longer pants, hats and sunscreen have (so far) kept me from your husband's fate.

I've seen the caution about sun exposure in the massive list of possible negative reactions. I've been good about staying out of the worst sun of the days especially when I'm near a pool or the ocean, but your post reminds me I have to use even more protection than I sometimes do.

Hope to hear someone has a solution for you.

Re: Simvastatin and skin issues

sophiamarie — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 17:38:16 GMT

@151949 I, too, live in Florida and take Simvastatin, along with my husband. I take 40 mg. and he takes 10. I am olive-skinned and he is fair. We have never had a reaction like the kind you describe. I have been taking it ever since my heart attack 30 years ago.

Maybe your husband is having an adverse reaction to that particular drug. As a nurse, why dont' you either ask a Pharmacist about it or call the Cardiologist who prescribed it. As a last resort, call the drug company and ask them if it's on their list of adverse reactions.

By chance, did the Derm. prescribe Metrogel??? If so, I have a story about that.

Re: Simvastatin and skin issues

hckynut — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 17:40:02 GMT

@151949

As you know many have different statins have differing types of different side effects. Has he changed statins, or will his doctor prescribe a different statin? If that is the original source, it is just a thought.

I heard all kinds of differing effects with different heart patients. Having my 72 Cardiac Rehab Classes, the majority were on statin prescription. And there was a myriad of different side effects spoken in classes from many patients.

hckynut(john)

Re: Simvastatin and skin issues

CelticCrafter — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 19:30:49 GMT

He should probably go back to the doctor that originally prescribed the statin.

Re: Simvastatin and skin issues

Krimpette — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 19:58:53 GMT

I'd be on the phone with the prescribing physician IMMEDIATELY. He needs to know the reaction your husband is having.

Re: Simvastatin and skin issues

SeaMaiden — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 21:30:40 GMT

@Krimpette wrote:
I'd be on the phone with the prescribing physician IMMEDIATELY. He needs to know the reaction your husband is having.

I would NEVER really take such a drug. I would search high and low for for other avenues to deal with the health issue before popping any station drug.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug-simvastatin/article_em.htm

Re: Simvastatin and skin issues

docsgirl — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 21:39:14 GMT

I've been on 20 mg of Simivastin for years and suddenly developed a raised rash on my face. Now I know the cause and will speak with my physician. I hope your husband gets things straigtened out. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. docsgirl

Re: Simvastatin and skin issues

151949 — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 23:12:11 GMT

@docsgirl My DH has been on it for years too but they recently had to increase the dose, and then the rash started.

Re: Simvastatin and skin issues

151949 — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 23:14:42 GMT

It reminds me of the episode of Sex & the City when Samantha got the chemical peel and looked horrid.

Re: Simvastatin and skin issues

blackhole99 — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 01:52:52 GMT

I've been on simvastatin for years and an very photosensitive, you just have to stay out of the sun. I have a feeling the sun sensitivity is a side effect of most statin drugs and if you couple that with an antibiotic for some reason you really better stay out of the sun.

Re: Simvastatin and skin issues

feline groovy — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 03:11:35 GMT

I've been on Simvastatin for years, but have never had that experience.

Does your hubs also wear a high-SPF (at least 50) sunscreen on his face?

Less irritating would be the clear physical ones made with zinc oxide, as well as the ones made for babies or just kids.

Maybe he just has to limit the time spent on really sunny days.

I know that's hard to do in the sunshine state, but perhaps cloud cover makes a difference.