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What Does This GFR Test Result Indicate?
Question: I am taking Atorvastatin 80 mg daily; my last bloodwork 10/21/16 indicated "Interpretation of results based on GFR result obtained: Stage 2: 60 - 89 mL/min/1.73 square meters; Kidney damage with mild decrease in kidney function." I do have intermittent right side back pains. The latest Consumer Reports On Health said that vastatins are known to cause kidney damage. Should I stop taking Atorvastatin?
Brief Answer:
it depends
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
the answer depends on your previous values. If your previous GFR was comparable to the current result then atorvastatin did not make anything worse. If you notice worsening in GFR then atorvastatin could be playing a role there. It's not very common for atorvastatin to cause renal problems though. Actually it's rare!
So in conclusion, comparing your current results with your previous ones (particularly those before starting atorvastatin) would help to recognize worsening or a stable condition of your renal function. If there's significant worsening then further investigation would be required. Atorvastatin could be implicated in that case and would have to be stopped or substituted. It can be stopped cold turkey, but this is not recommended without evidence that it's somehow involved in your somewhat low GFR.
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
it depends
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
the answer depends on your previous values. If your previous GFR was comparable to the current result then atorvastatin did not make anything worse. If you notice worsening in GFR then atorvastatin could be playing a role there. It's not very common for atorvastatin to cause renal problems though. Actually it's rare!
So in conclusion, comparing your current results with your previous ones (particularly those before starting atorvastatin) would help to recognize worsening or a stable condition of your renal function. If there's significant worsening then further investigation would be required. Atorvastatin could be implicated in that case and would have to be stopped or substituted. It can be stopped cold turkey, but this is not recommended without evidence that it's somehow involved in your somewhat low GFR.
I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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