Q: has anyone had this experience with lipitor?
During the 2 weeks I’ve been on it I suffer from fatigue,nausea and flu lkie symptoms are these normal side effects?If so should I contact md for different medication.

A: I had similar syptoms, but mine were worse. The muscles in my legs became so weak that I was afraid to stand up. If you read the information on the website of the producers of Lipitor you will find that one of the dangers is developing a muscle disease that is irreversible. So even tho I have clogged heart arteries, I stopped taking it.

One of the common side effects of the statin drugs is severe muscle weakness and pain.

My cardiologist Insisted that I use some very good fish oil capsules, and that would help lower the cholesterol. Daily exercise, such as walking briskly for at least half an hour will help also.

Q: Are there any alternatives to medication for reducing high cholesterol?
Only eating a low cholesterol diet hasn’t been enough for me, and Lipitor gives me side effects

A: I used a combination of coQ10, niacin, fish oil, vitamin E, apple pection and oatmeal. And as katrina said a liver cleanse is good also, but i did not do that. I also cut out white sugar, flour and rice. Eat good fats.
i just wanted to add i used natural vitamin E with mixed tocopherols.

Q: how long does it take for lipitor to leave the system?
was told to stop taking medication due to pain. it’s been 3 days. still have pain.

A: The half-life of Lipitor as about 14 hours, so after 3 days it will be mostly gone. Lipitor can cause a variety of pains, but may not be responsible for your pain. Call your doctor is all I can recommend.

Q: How safe is angioprim to replace lipitor, metropolol & ramipril?
I have severe side effects from the three medications above. First a very sore throat than aching ears, jaws and headache, trouble breathing, consistent dry cough and trouble swallowing liquids. Doctor cannot find what the symptoms are so he gets me to use antibiotics. I started taking applecider vinegar to-day as a start to get off these drugs, am I ok?

A: my dad was on metroprolol was experiencing sob and he was on lipitor took him off are you also having sob

Q: Does it make sense to take statins (ie Lipitor) before taking a life insurance screening test?
I’m thinking about getting life insurance in the next few months. Does it make sense to take some medications to lower my cholesterol before I take the life insurance screening tests? Would the tests detect the drugs? And would that make a difference in my premium? In other words, is it better to take the drugs, have lower cholesterol, and have the drug detected in my blood? Or have the higher cholesterol and no drug in my system? Thanks!

A: Better to have proof that you are doing something about your cholesterol problem rather than take the tests and demonstrate that you are not taking care of yourself at all. Think about it; would you rather have an employee come in, manage things, have a problem and solve it, or have someone who comes in and ineffectually pushes papers around his desk, obviously demonstrating an inability to do his job?
They will ask for a list of your medications anyway, so don’t worry about it.

Q: Cholesterol – how to lower it without medication?
I have been using Lipitor for about 15 years. I would like to improve my diet and eat the foods that can reduce “bad” cholesterol, possibly without lowering the “good” kind, with the eventual aim of stopping taking Lipitor entirely.

Please spare your comments about eggs as I do not think the jury is out on that – I only eat about 4 per week at present anyway.

A: Eat Non-fat or low-fat dairy products and non-hydrogenated margarine.

Fish high in Omega 3 are good choices (salmon, mackeral, tuna and sardines)

Avoid trans-fats. Eat only lean meats.

Whole grain breads and cereals only

Soluble fibre foods such as: barley, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, apricots, figs, carrots, collard greens, cooked beans, peas or lentils, oat bran, oatmeal (I add oatmeal to my stews to thicken them and oatmeal to meatloafs and shepherd pie too), sweet potato, prunes.

Avoid nuts but eat lots of seeds. I regularly sprinkle salads with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and flax seeds. Flax seeds are pretty small and can be added to lots of stuff without them being too noticeable.

I use Omega 3 eggs also, instead of regular ones. They are better for you but still should be limited.

Check out this site for more info: http://www.nutricounter.com/articles/maia2.htm

Q: Does anyone know how to taper off of Lipitor and Benicar?
As I get older and watch the decay of my parents and others that are older than I, I slowly realize that getting much older is really not a very good goal. So, I think that combating the various conditions of old age, like high cholesterol and high blood pressure, is really a poor way to spend ones money.

How do you taper off of these medications?

A: There is no need to tapper down Benicar or Lipitor. If you stop benicar the High blood pressure may cause end organ damage (morbidity) and a complication like stroke, heart disease renal disease or Other increasing mortality at early age. Please read about FRAMINGHAM study. Lipitor and other statin are medications that control an enzyme that act producing cholesterol. As is well known, Cholesterol is either produced or ingested in the daily diet. It is been prove in multiple studies the benefit of having a low cholesterol- LDL and triglycerides in the decrease of vascular events like stroke, hearts disease and complications of which is hardening of the vascular system. All this diseases are related to aging and also because of multiple external, and inherited risk factors. How you can avoid these,exercising, having and excellent diet, free of cholesterol, free of smoking, drugs, stress, having a perfect genetic make up. But this is not a perfect life nor a perfect world, human body is not perfect.
If you still younger start changing your life for the years to come. We can not scape aging, at least for now until research find the fountain of youth.

Q: I was diagnosed with 397 cholasterol LDL 300, HDL73 any advice besides medications such as Lipitor, Zucor?
I have been battling with high cholasterol for years and I refused to take medications as I am more inclined to do alternative solution, if I could. I watched what I eat, I exercise, I have a good active lifestyle, I drink a lot of tea, avoid fatty foods, but nothing seems to work. Your knowledgeable advice are welcome and thank you for time, I appreciate it.

A: Homeopathy For High Cholesterol :-
1.PHYTOLACCA 30C
2.PHOSPHORUS 30C
3.CHOLESTERINUM 30C
All three together half hour before or after meals thrice a day will gradually bring down your cholesterol without any side effects or complications. Keep me posted about your progress every week ! You can find Homeopathic Remedies on Most Herbal Shops and they are quite inexpensive.
Take Care and God Bless !

Q: Why don’t doctors warn you about serious side effects from Lipitor and Zocor?
I have taken Lipitor off and on for a few years. I began hearing about side effects such muscle weakness, joint pain and liver damage and I had been experiencing side effects myself, so I did some research and found some frightening reports. I stopped taking it 10 days ago and still have symptoms. Is there permanent damage?www.medications.com/go/se/Lipitor

A: Patients always should take an active role in the course of their own treatments. Towards this purpose, nowadays when you receive a prescription from the pharmacy, it comes with a printed paper that outlines all of the known potential side effects, and telling you to watch for them and report immediately to your doctor if you are experiencing any of them to a significant extent.

Every time I get a particular prescription from my doctor, I take the time to say “OK, let’s talk about any possible side effects, and how you feel they rate in terms of risk over benefits?” Matter of fact I recently had a discussion with my specialist about a minor heart abnormality, (a mild arrhythmia) for which he suggested giving me a particular drug. Upon further questioning he told me that, indeed this particular drug did have some disturbing side effects which, while not often experienced by the patient, had been known to occur and cause some trouble. We delved into it more, and in the end I told him that, with respect, I felt I needed to make the informed decision not to take this drug. He said “OK” and offered me an alternative, which I am taking and tolerating well.

Always consider YOURSELF – the patient – an essential part of the medical team that is treating you, and as a member of the team, you need to do your own homework and have your say in every step of the process.

Actually, information about Statins and some certain troubling side effects has been all over the news for two or three years now, and I am surprised that you have not come across it before. Lower doses tend not to be the problem for the majority of people, but on the other side of the coin, there is absolutely NO drug ever devised and put on the market that hasn’t had an adverse effect on at least a few people. Look at the incredible and wide-ranging benefits of the humble aspirin. The overwhelming majority of people can take aspirin with absolutely no ill effects, and great benefit. But there are a selective few who develop quite serious problems with internal bleeding, stomach ulcers etc. It is why we all have to be aware, and diligent, whenever we are on any kind of medication, and listen to our body signals that will warn us when something is amiss.

Hopefully, as usually happens, the discontinuation of the statin will eventually restore you to normal with no lasting ill effects. It depends how long you were taking it, as it may take your body a while to totally rid itself of the problems that it caused. Meanwhile, remain watchful, and stay in touch with your medical caregiver.

Q: What is the connection between green tea and certain heart medications?
….or conditions?

A year ago, I was in the hosipital for 3 days with aventral fibulation. I’m now on several medications including lipitor, cardizem, niaspan, and jantoven.

I really enjoy a bold cup of tea. Why should or shouldn’t I drink green tea?

Thanks…. I’ve always wondered.
I’m such a dope sometimes….. they’ve always shortened it to “a-fib”
So, you are correct EA.

Wise words, DD… once again.

A: Is that atrial fibrillation? Or was it ventricle fibrillation I love tea but I try to drink the non-caffintated teas. Green teas is an antioxidant. May interact with some of the heart meds. I know it interferes with an anticoagulants. I think an occasionally cup of tea would be okay, so long that it isn’t green tea.

Q: What are some with drawls symptoms for these medications?
I have been on prozac, nuvigil, and symbiax for about a month and decided to stop all my medications, except lipitor, cold turkey. What are some of the with drawls symptoms for these medications?

A: Prozac – fluoxetine
Nuvigil – armodafanil
Symbiax – fluoxetine and olanzapine
Lipitor – atorvastatin

From obtaining these active ingredients, these are the withdrawal symptoms:

Fluoxetine: aggression, anxiety, balance issues , blurred vision , brain zaps, concentration impairment, constipation, crying spells, depersonalization, diarrhea, dizziness. electric shock sensations, fatigue, flatulence, flu-like symptoms, hallucinations, hostility, highly emotional, indigestion, irritability, impaired speech, insomnia, jumpy nerves, lack of coordination, lethargy, migraine headaches / increased headaches, nausea, nervousness, over-reacting to situations, paranoia, repetitive thoughts or songs, sensory & sleep disturbances, severe internal restlessness (akathasia), stomach cramps, tremors, tinnitus (ear ringing or buzzing), tingling sensations, troubling thoughts, visual hallucinations / illusions, vivid dreams, speech visual changes, worsened depression………it doesn’t mean you’re going to get all of them but only very few. these are just reported cases

Q: does anybody know how long the medication dilatrend is effective for in the use of dilated cardiomyopathy?
other drugs include lasix, aldactone, coversyl and lipitor and lexapro. male with almost full recovery from 60 days insubated with chf 2 years ago

A: http://www.google.com/search?lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=dilatrend

Q: Will calcium citrate interfere with the absorption of medications such as lipitor, estrogen?

A: no but make sure that your doctor knows that you are taking it.

Q: what’s a good alternative to lipitor?
i’ve been on lipitor for 7yrs (there about) now. unfortunately i just changed insurance carrier & lipitor is no longer a preferred drug so will cost me extra to get it filled. alternatively, i’ve been told zocor, mevacor & provachol (not sure of any of these spellings) are preferred drugs & will be 1/4 of the cost. since these are daily medication that i’ll need to continue to take indefinitely, cost has to be considered. however, lipitor has been working well (has brought my total cholersterol # down from 275 to 205), so am a little hesitant about changing. would any of the other medications work just as well (or maybe even better)? if it helps, i’m a 34yr old male in good physical shape. my family does have a history of high cholesterol. my father in fact died of a heart attack at age 40. any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

A: Alternative to Lipitor: Is Ezetimibe and Zocor.

Q: interactions between lanoxin lipitor celexa and st johns wort saw palmetto dong quai and ginseng?
herbal supplements interactions with drug medications.
Lanoxin, lipitor,ineral and celexa when taken with black cohosh st. johns wort saw palmetto dong quai and ginseng

A: Most herbal remedies are not sanctioned by the FDA. Most doctors will suggest you take some man-made chemicals and not some natural stuff. I don’t think you should be “stacking” remedies to get the most out of them. Just pick one and take the proper dosage. Good luck with your treatment.

Q: High Blood Pressure! Need Healthy Recipes (No Salt! Please) …..?
Here’s the deal. I’m a Fedex Express courier. I’m on road about 10 hours a day and I tend to eat whatever I find on road that’s cheap. (.99 chicken sandwiches)

I need to get away from that.

I’m told that processed foods have salt and other nasty goodies that are not good for me … deli meats/sandwiches and prepackaged stuff you can buy at 7-11.

I love sandwiches but I don’t eat cheese because I was told the cholesterol will clog my arteries. Ok … no more cheese …

I drink so much water I’m still bloated when I get home … but I also drink diet coke.

I take my medication but it doesn’t really help. My opinion of course.

Any ideas for taking a lunch on road with me? Something that hopefully doesn’t take a long time to cook/prepare?

Thanks and thumbs up to all who answer! Just give me time to get back and read the answers.
Thanks everyone for your answers!

A: Realize that you are NOT your job, and if you don’t take time to take care of yourself, you will lose your ability to work. Make it a priority to eat at least 3 times a day, even if you have to stop for 15 minutes to do it.

Take out will kill you and make you bloated–just watch the movie Supersize Me and you’ll understand. You’re bloated because of all the unnecessary preservatives and super salts/sugars that are packed into fast food. Once you start eating more real food, you will not be as swollen. It’s good that you drink so much water…it’ll help flush your body of the toxins. But diet soda is just as bad as regular soda. I bet you that if you stop soda altogether you will automatically drop 10 lbs. Try flavored tea that you brew at home, fresh squeezed lemonade (it’s thermogenic=fat burner and detoxifier), or fresh fruit juices with no additives.

There’s no reason to swear off cheese…just eat moderate amounts. The best thing for you is to have munchy bags on hand…like trail mix (walnuts, raisins, almonds, cranberries), or celery–learn to LOVE celery if you want to naturally lower your blood pressure. Here’s a tip for celery–soak it in water overnight in the refrigerator and they’ll stay crisp when you take them to work. I pack cheese slices or cubes like monterey jack or mozzarella–these are low fat, low cholesterol cheeses and you need your dairy!

You have to pack a lunch each day to keep your fast food costs down and keep healthy. Salads are the natural choice if you don’t have a microwave. You can make a hearty taco salad or asian chicken salad to take with you, and it won’t taste like you’re eating rabbit food. Just make your own taco seasoning (google it) and use ginger, garlic, and orange sauce for your asian chicken when you cook it. I like baby spinach instead of iceberg lettuce. Romaine is good for chicken caesar salad–parmesan cheese is low fat/cholesterol too, so this is a good topping.

If you don’t like or want salad and need other cold food ideas, consider low carb wraps with santa fe chicken and beans and rice, or leftover pepper steak with fresh broccoli. If you can stop to heat up your lunch somewhere, you can have anything that you make at home, like lasagna, or stew, or whatever. Just be sure to pack it in a glass pyrex bowl…not plastic…because when you heat plastic, the toxins transfer into your food.

If you can’t or don’t want to cook everyday, just pick one day a week and cook up everything you’ll have during the week. Freeze some of it that can be reheated. Pack it up and grab and go.

Q: what term life insurance policy should I get for a 60 yr old man?
My father is 60, smoker and taking Zocor. Normal weight. The quotes I have seen for a 10 yr term for $150,000 are $180 a month. Does that seem right? Anyone know a cheaper one? Basically I inherit the house while my relative gets the cash, so it’s all fair. I would make the payments and leave my relative as the beneficiary. Thanks
the reason I have to get the life ins is because he is leaving me the swanky $400K California home. Meanwhile I have to give my sister $150K in cash to make it even (per my father). Since I don’t have that kind of cash (I’m 35) I need life ins now in case he passes away this decade. My father wants me to take out a 2nd mtg upon his death, but I told him that would add $700 monthly to the existing mortgage payment for 30 years (I pay that too) so I’d rather pay $200 for 15 years now. Oh and he’s on board. He knows I would have to sell the house to pay off my sister, so this is the only way to have the cash. All good answers! I will probably get a 15 year term and worry about what I’ll do if he lives to be 75.
in the history of may family 1 male lived past 70. that’s why I think if I insure him till 75 I’l be fine. The L.A. house is worth $400K but we owe $80K. I’ll have no problem paying the mtg and bills, since I do it now. However if he died tomorrow, and I owed my sis $150K, I’d be screwed and have to sell. All the answers are taking into account that he’ll live past 75 and I should save the money instead, but I’m worried about him getting by a bus tomorrow and me having to sell the house. I don;t want the cash, I want to keep the house. I graduated high school from that house

A: I can think of few reasons for a person of this age to have term coverage. Most scenarios requiring life insurance for someone in or near retirement call for the policy to be in force upon death, nor matter how far away that might be. This being the case, permanent coverage is the only option.

ADDED: Your added information confirms my comments. If the insurance lapses before your father’s death, your whole situation unravels. You MUST have permanent coverage; term is not an option.

Q: How to test the effects of anti cholesterol drugs and grapefruit?
I’d like to do my biology project on this but I need a way to test the effects when cholesterol drugs are combined with grapefruit.

A: I am afraid this is beyond the scope of a simple biology project. The experiment requires a large test population of either humans or a suitable animal model and the ability to measure serum concentrations of the drug in question.

Q: What goes on in your mind when you see commercials for cholesterol-lowering drugs?
I find it oober annoying. seriously, it just shows how lazy we are, since high cholesterol is easily corrected with a diet heavy in fresh veggies and fruit and low in fat and (no brainer) cholesterol.

Nutrition nuts, Does your head explode like mine does when you see cholesterol drug commercials sold to all the lazy people?

A: It’s annoying when people cause their own ailments and do nothing to help themselves, but some people have genetically high cholesterol and no matter the diet they eat, they need something else to assist them in keeping cholesterol down.

It’s not always because the person is fat or lives an unhealthy life style, give some consideration to the other causes of medical conditions before you shoot off at the mouth.

Q: Can cholesterol drugs/statins cause psychological side effects?
I’ve been taking cholesterol drugs for a while, and they’ve been making me feel strange to a slight degree, but nothing too bad; however I can’t help but notice how I just feel so…agitated/anxious/depressed as of late, and am trying to figure out what it can be.

Can these drugs do it?

If so, would perhaps reducing the dosage, and taking it less and less help any? Maybe once a week instead of daily?

A: Taking statin drugs to reduce cholesterol is quite dangerous. Since you have talked of suicide I am reluctant to give you details as I hope others will be also.

If you do take your own prescription statin cholesterol reducing drugs then it is IMPERATIVE that you also supplement with Co Enzyme Q 10 to keep your heart strong.

Cholesterol is produced in your liver. These drugs reduce the liver’s output of cholesterol. Unfortunately it also reduces the liver’s output of CoQ 10. CoQ 10 is found more concentrated in the heart tissue than anywhere else. After an extended time of taking the anti-cholesterol drug, the heart bypasses the other natural phases of a deteriorating heart and goes straight to congestive heart failure. I do not know how long before it kills people.

Any congestive heart failure patient should be taking a minimum of 90 mg of CoQ 10 per day. Repeat, Anyone taking anti-cholesterol medication should also take Co Enzyme Q 10 (Co Q 10). Ask your doctor, if he does not know this, get another doctor. Most doctors operate without adequate knowledge of nutrition.

Q: I have high cholesterol 260+ and eat healthy but don’t exercise much. Can I reduce cholesterol without drugs?
I would like to know if exercise alone will reduce my total cholesterol. I don’t want to take drugs because I heard once you start, you can’t stop.

A: Oats reduce cholesterol by binding to bile and is excreted. Bile is made from cholesterol, if it can’t pull it from your diet it will take it from your bloodstream. Cheerios and oatmeal are great.
Walking is just as good for you as running, it is not as hard on your joints. Just keep at least a 3-4mph pace.

Q: How effective are aspirin/cholesterol drugs on cardiovascular health?
Can they really significantly reduce the risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke and greatly enhance your health/life?

Do they have any hidden dangers we should know about?

A: Aspirin does reduce the risk of heart attacks at people with certain risk factors. It’s primary side effect is increased bleeding and gastric upset.
The vast majority of people take it without problems.

Cholesterol drugs “statins” also have been shown to reduce mortality in patients with CAD and to prevent events in certain groups.
The most common side effect (muscle aches) are actually pretty uncommon.

You’ll find people on here that think statins are “the devils brew”. Far from it. For every ‘horror story’, there are 100s of 1000s that have no problems. Like any med, they are not for everyone.

Q: Can Red Rice Extract be used with prescription Cholesterol lowering drugs?
I had been told to use Red (Yeast) Rice Extract as a natural way to lower my Cholesterol. After talking to a friend who is on a perscription to lower her cholesterol I was wondering if anyone knew if it was “safe” to use the two in combination.

A: A study in China recently found Red Rice Yeast Extract to be more effective than satins for dealing with heart disease. Since satins are dervied from Red Rice Yeast Extract, this makes sense.
So basically, that means if your cholesterol drug specifically says “don’t take with satins” it would be a bad idea, otherwise it’s a good one. It’s unusual for a cholesterol drug to be incompatible with satins, so my gut hunch is yet, but I’d check just to make sure.

Hope that helps!

Q: why cholesterol drugs are taken at night?
The Anti-Cholesterol drugs including Statins are advised to be taken at night after dinner. Why So? Why not at any other time of the day?

A: Statins are generally administered once a day, typically in the evening because most cholesterol synthesis occurs between midnight and 3 A.M. (One interesting 2002 study suggested that Lipitor could be taken every other day, which reduces its cost, and still remain effective.) Statins are often prescribed along with other cholesterol-lowering drugs such as bile acid-binding resins, nicotinic acid (niacin), and fibrates.

Q: How do you lower cholesterol without drugs?
I know exercise is one part. What kinds of foods should you eat and what kind should you avoid?

A: This is a good question, since nowdays pharmaceutical companies are making millions selling cholesterol lowering drugs based on the pretension that nothing else works! When basically high cholesterol is a reflexion on deteriorating health mainly due poor food choices or mainstream western diet. Look at your health and body as a holistic system. Exercise is an element of health, like it is to breathe clean air, drink pure water and eat unprocessed foods that are void of damaging chemicals, altered/rancid/unhealthy fats like trans fats, etc. Quick advise… drink more pure water.. instead of sodas, etc, eat more wholesome foods. Fiber in our diet is a very important element that has been eliminated due to the processing of foods. Increase your ingestion of soluble fiber.. found in oatmeal, flaxseeds, beans… The lowering cholesterol action of soluble fiber is well documented. We need more of that stuff to keep or intestins working properly and to restore the benefitial bacteria in our gut. Be picky with your fat. While great amounts of fat might not be a good idea, is more important the type of fat that is included in the diet. Omega-3 rich fats, as in Flax Oil, fish oil… are known to improve the lipid ration in your blood. Olive oil is a good option too. Just sprinkle it on salads.. etc. Avoid… avoid! Trans fats… any oil that is hidrogenated or partially hidrogenated. These fats are included in a lot of processed foods and snacks. I would suggest go with caution with saturated fats.. I wouldn’t say no saturated fats.. and this is debatable.. I consume a lot of saturated fat from coconut oil… this fat has a cholesterol lowering effect due to the composition of the fat with medium chain lipids… just don’t take my word for it… research a little. Eat nuts… don’t be afraid to eat avocados.. they are really high in soluble fiber and good monounsaturated fats. I hope this helps you! Good luck!

Q: Does anyone on cholesterol lowering drugs experience a burning and red face?
My friend actually asked me to ask and she is on Lipitor.
Lipitor 40mg
Or Pravacol 40mg.

A: Are you by chance on niaspan?
If you are that would explain why are are experiencing this side effect.

The most common side effect of NIASPAN® (niacin extended-release tablets) is flushing.
Flushing is a redness, mostly on the face, neck and chest and/or back, which is caused by increased blood flow. Some patients also feel warmth, itching, tingling, dizziness or headache.
Flushing usually lessens after several weeks.
Flushing typically happens when you start taking NIASPAN or when the dosage is increased.

What to expect:
If it happens, flushing generally occurs a few hours after taking NIASPAN. It may last up to several hours.
It usually lessens after several weeks.

What to do:
If you experience flushing and need to stand, be sure to take your time.

Keep taking NIASPAN, and the flushing may diminish over time as your body adjusts.
Remember: The benefit of NIASPAN is continuous and important. Don’t stop taking NIASPAN without talking to your doctor first.

If you take NIASPAN as directed, you can help minimize flushing.

Q: Is there a link between drugs for cholesterol or high blood pressure and the formation of Kidney stones?
I am also a long-term rhematoid arthritis sufferer and on drugs for this including Humera, methotrexate and diclofenac.

A: Hypertensive people are up to three times more likely to develop kidney stones. It is not entirely clear whether having high blood pressure increases the risk for a stone, whether stones lead to hypertension, or if there is a mechanism common to both. Some experts suggest that imbalances between uric acid levels in the blood and urine and sodium excretion may put hypertensive patients at higher risk.

Cholesterol and blood pressure lowering drugs do not cause kidney stones.

Q: What is the truth about drugs used to lower cholesterol and their side effects?
Why has the bad cholesterol count gone up through the AMA? Who allowed the cholesterol number to be raised? Was this mandated by our government and the big drug companies? I am highly concerned towards taking Lipitor to lower my cholesterol, because of known and unknown side-effects.

A: The best way to lower your cholesterol is to drink more water.

Cholesterol is produced by the body as a preventive measure to protect the arteries from damage. When you don’t drink enough water, the body may take the water it needs from your blood (blood is made up of around 90% water).

When it does, it leaves salt behind (the body is composed of a 75% water/salt solution). This salt can become abrasive on the inside of the arteries, causing tiny holes and weakened arterial walls.

Cholesterol (or plaque) is the body’s way of applying a band-aid on the damaged areas. If dehydration continues, more plaque will build up until the artery becomes blocked.

To take care of this, you need to drink more water. If you’re not used to drinking a lot of water, doing so may wash out important vitamins and minerals, which may create a worse condition. To learn the proper way to do it, click on the link below. The information is free.

Q: Moderately high cholesterol – drugs or herbs?
Has anyone taken herbal remedies for high cholesterol? I would like to avoid the statin drugs. My chol. is 210.

A: I am a 41 yo male in otherwise good health. I was at 211 in February, with 60 LDL (good). My doc said that I had 2 bad reports in a row, so I needed to do something to get it down or start taking a statin. So, here is what I am doing: Eat fatty fish at least 3 times a week. I eat canned sardines most days for lunch. Cut out all eggs. Cut red meat back to once a week, except venison. Very limited bacon, sausage, cheese, etc. Started taking red yeast rice (1,200 mg per day). I now eat at least a tablespoon of Benocol per day. Smart Balance also works, but according to Johns Hopkins, its effects lessen after a few months use. I also eat oatmeal 3-4 times per week. I maintained my excercise level at 5 days per week, 45 minutes per day. My cholesterol dropped to 155 in 4 months, 44 LDL and 10 triglicerides. Good luck.

Q: How can I lower my cholesterol without drugs…I know aerobic excercise is good but what else?

A: Cardio workouts of course are going to have a huge impact. Also, making changes to your diet can help significantly as well. Oatmeal is an excellent aid in lowering cholesterol. cut out as much of the fatty foods that you can, i.e. butter, fatty meats/red meats, and oily foods. eat more roughage (salads, veggies, etc.), and more chicken and fish. Hope this helps!!

Q: Do drugs, such as marijuana, appear on cholesterol blood tests at the doctor’s office?
Whenever I go for a physical, the doctor draws blood from my arm to be tested for cholesterol. I was wondering if drugs would show up on said test.

A: That’s a separate test and the doctor would need your approval to do it.

Q: I don’t seem to be able to take cholesterol lowering drugs due to side effects. help?
How much does exercise play in lowering cholesterol?

A: a lot.
in food you can have oats with a pinch of cinnamon, onions, garlic, leek etc. have walnuts and almonds. practice pranayam. you might find it in youtube..

Q: Where is the best place to fill my medical prescriptions?
I am taking the generic medicine for Tricor. I always get my prescription filled at one pharmacy. One day I decided to try Rite Aid pharmacy. The price for the prescription was $7.00 a month cheaper. With that in mind I believe that I may need to shop around for the best price at other drug stores. Any suggestions or ideas? With the higher costs for gasoline I am looking for ways to save elsewhere.

A: Walmart or Walgreens.

Q: How to reduce your cholesterol, while on a low carb diet?
I am currently in a low carb diet but my cholesterol results where high, do I need to change anything in my diet? Or is there any suggestion on what I can eat to reduce my cholesterol.

A: Your cholesterol level is an important parameter to know health of your heart. there are two types of cholesterol – Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) which is also known as “bad cholesterol “ and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), also known as “good cholesterol”. Here are natural ways to reduce your cholesterol:

http://www.knowabouthealth.com/4-most-effective-ways-to-beat-cholesterol-naturally/

Q: When should I start worrying about my cholesterol?
I’m 15, and I eat two eggs just about everyday. (Every school day, at least.) I looked at the egg carton and it said one egg contains 79% cholesterol daily value. So that means I go over the recommended amount of cholesterol in my first meal! I was just wondering, is two eggs five days a week bad? Should I stop? People have told me that I’m young and I shouldn’t worry about my cholesterol at this age, if so, when should I start?

A: High Cholesterol levels are often genetic. If either of your parents have elevated Cholesterol levels, then it may not be a bad idea (the next time you have blood-work) to have a base-line cholesterol check.

My dad has very high cholesterol (made by the body) and I was tested as a teenager. I’ve been on medication since I was 17.

If you are concerned that you are eating too many eggs, then cut the amount down to a few times a week.

Q: How to deal with cholesterol during pregnancy?
My cholesterol has always been normal, but now that I am pregnant, it keeps getting higher. I am not 8 months pregnant, and it is higher than 5.5 mmol/l , it is now around 8. I am very concerned that the high cholesterol means that I am prone to having cholesterol all my life, even after my pregnancy.

Does it really mean that I now suffer from cholesterol and have to worry about it forever? What can I do about it for now?

A: Although you will have to double-check that these foods are all safe during pregnancy, here are a list of foods that help to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol:

blueberries
almonds
walnuts
pistachios
oats (and other soluable fibre sources)
kidney beans (and other beans)
salmon (and other omega-3-rich foods – not 6 or 9, just 3)
flax (oil and ground – both are important! – note that brown flax has more nutritional value than golden and is less expensive. Also, although you can take capsules, it’s much more effective to use flax oil and whole ground flax right in your food.)
avocados
olive oil (choose this over butter and margarine – my doctor recommended mixing butter and olive oil half-and-half instead of replacing butter with margarine)
garlic (fresh is best, and the more the better. Eat it with parsley to help prevent garlic-breath)
whole-grains (remove as much starch from your diet as you can and eat a LOT of whole-grains. Personally, I love whole-grain pasta, bread, and even pastries, not to mention cereals!)
yogurts with live cultures (probiotics) (plain, unsweetened is always the best)
(you can also take a live probiotic supplement in capsule form)
apples
brown rice
cinnamon
grapes (and pure, unsweetened grape juice)

There are more, but these are the key ones, and the easiest to use. Although soy products are known to lower cholesterol, they should be avoided during pregnancy as they have a hormonal effect. Also, the effect of soy on babies before and after birth is not really known, but many studies show that it’s probably not very good!

Also, eat foods that are as basic as possible – so, when you can make something yourself instead of buying it pre-prepared, that’s best. When you have to use pacaged food, look for simple ingredients. Usually, the shorter the list the better that it is.

Q: Do built-up plaque and cholesterol in your arteries ever go away if you start a diet and exercise plan?
I know eating poorly and not exercising can lead to a build up of cholesterol and plaque in your heart’s arteries. I am just curious if one starts a diet and exercise program after a bunch of cholesterol has built up, will the build-up go away or is it there forever (other than surgery)?

Thanks for your insight, I appreciate it.

A: Please forgive me for being quite blunt in my reply but I am sick and tired of seeing good people lied to about what diet or exercise program will be their magic cure.

It is far kinder I believe, and more helpful to know the facts, as ugly as they are…That way you have a fighting chance.

The facts are not very uplifting, but here they are… At least you are aware of this junk in your system. Yes… Right now, there is a ton of deadly ‘plaque’ inside your intestines, not to mention harmful ‘parasites’ (mostly worms!) that are making and keeping you fat!
The fact is: 99.9% of all people living within the United States, and about 91% of everyone else living outside of America are infested with this JUNK.

And it’s put there on purpose! ( I know this sounds like “men in dark suits with sunglasses flying in black helicopters” kinda stuff.)..But you gotta hear it, it’s for your own good…

And yes there is a solution, so read on. This article called.” Free Me From Fat Forever” certainly breaks the mold on everything that the media feeds us to do with weight loss.

If it is the truth, it’s quite shocking?
I hope it can help

Q: How much cholesterol should I consume per day?
If you are on a low cholesterol diet, how much cholesterol should you consume per day?

My doctor told me my cholesterol is 260 and that I need to lower it.

A: The American Heart Association recommends less than 300 mg of cholesterol per day through food for people with no heart disease risk factors.

Q: How much cholesterol should the average person allow in their diet a day?
Also my Cholesterol is 225, does that mean I should have less than the average person? How much is the right amount?
They did not tell me what my good cholesterol vs my bad cholesterol is but im concerned with how much intake I should allow.

A: Hi MaggieMay,

It’s currently recommended, for individuals with normal cholesterol levels, to limit dietary cholesterol intake to 300 mg or less daily. If you have high LDL cholesterol, the current recommendations are to limit dietary cholesterol to 200 mg or less per day.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD

http://www.lisanelsonrd.com

Q: How is cholesterol good for you and your body?
Explain the benefits of cholesterol for the body and its functions. How does it affect joints and organs?

A: Americans are being saturated with anti-cholesterol propaganda. If you watch very much television, you’re probably one of the millions of Americans who now has a terminal case of cholesterol phobia. The probaganda is relentless and is often designed to produce fear and loathing of this works of all food contaminants. You never hear the food propagandists bragging about their product being fluoride free or aluminum free, two of our truly serious food-addidtive problems. But cholesterol, an essential nutrient not proven to be harmfull in ANY quantity is constantly pilloried as a menance to your health. If you don’t use corn oil, Fleishmann’s margarine and Egg Beaters, you are going straight to atherosclerosis hell with stroke, heart attack and premature aging and so are your kids.

William Campbell Douglass, MD
Eat Your Cholesterol

Q: When does cholesterol synthesis occurs during the night, or whenever one goes to sleeps?
-Statins are suggested to be taken at night when cholesterol synthesis occurs most. But does this process occurs during the daytime as well, when certain individuals goes to sleep (such as those with overnight working schedules), or does synthesis occur when there is very little or no sunlight present?

A: Where do I ask a question?

Q: How can I increase good cholesterol through diet and lifestyle?
I know about the distinction between good and bad cholesterol, and wondered how to improve good cholesterol levels.

A: Many, and probably most doctors will try to dismiss this question quickly if you ask them. They have divorced themselves from diet (saying “I’m not a dietician”) and other factors.

Sadly, they have become puppets of the drug companies and they sling prescription pads like men in the old west slinged guns. They would probably consider you a bother or even a troublemaker for asking this. Their allegiance to the drug companies (and pleasing their drug overlords) is of paramount importance.

As you may guess, I don’t think a lot of most doctors.

Q: What is more important, the overall cholesterol rate or the ratio of good cholesterol?
When I look at printouts of blood work, it lists total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and a cholesterol/hdl ratio. It states that the ratio should be <4.4. Is the lower the ratio better? And, should that be considered when looking at the total cholesterol picture?

A: Yes, it says the ratio should be *below* 4.4. In general, lower is better. The ratio should be considered when looking at the total cholesterol picture.

Q: What are good foods to lower cholesterol?
I have slightly elevated cholesterol but the doctor only told me to lower my fat intake. I want to find other effective methods to lowering cholesterol.

A: Less than half of your calories each day in carbs (that means less potatoes, less pasta), less than 20 gms a day of saturated fats, and my doctor also recommended this:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/330656/cholestoff_reduces_high_cholesterol.html

Q: What are some ways to lower my cholesterol?
I’m not completely positive that I have high levels of cholesterol, but I have a high suspicion that I do. While I get to the doctor, what are some things I can do to keep my cholesterol at normal levels?

A: My cardiologist recommends fish oil. They come in odorless. I take 2 a day (1,000mgs). Also, exercise of course. Stay away from any foods with trans fats and/or hydrogenated oils. Foor cooking use olive oil instead of vegtable oil. Olive oil is good for your heart. Below is an IVillage site with cholesterol info

Q: Whats the difference between the effects of cholesterol and sodium?
Im a little confused when it comes to cholesterol and sodium with the potential effects of a high amount. Doesn’t cholesterol build up in the arteries which can cause plaque to form which increases blood pressure and risk of a heart attack? If im not mistaken sodium doesn’t cause plaque build up but does increase blood pressure. How could it increase blood pressure if nothing builds up to block the arteries?

A: I’m not sure exactly how cholesterol causes blood pressure to increase, but I know how sodium does. Your blood likes to be at a particular concentration of solutes (dissolved things). By eating more sodium, you’re basically increasing the concentration of dissolved material in the blood. This increase in solutes causes your body to release antidiuretic hormone, which causes your kidneys to retain more water. This, basically, causes the amount of blood in your body to increase, and keeps your blood vessels the same size; this increases blood pressure.

Q: What is the safest way to lower cholesterol without taking drugs?
My lpl cholesterol was 158 my Dr. wants me to take tricor. I’ve read the side effects and I am leary to take it. Are there any supplements that anyone has taken to help lower their cholesterol?

A: When looking at cholesterol number you really have to look at both the LDL and the HDL. Even though your LDL is still considered fairly normal your doctor may have noticed that your HDL is very low and it’s the ratio between the two that can make a difference.

The best way to get your HDL higher is through exercise (cardio). See if you can fit 30 minutes a day of brisk walking into your daily routine as this will help.

Do your parents and siblings have high cholesterol levels? If so then your doctor may be taking this into consideration. Often high cholesterol is genetic and he may be trying to stop yours from getting any higher.

There are several ways that you can help lower your LDL levels and I am very surprised that your doctor did not mention them-here are just a few.

Oatmeal. Oatmeal is a soluble fiber which will surround cholesterol and whisk it away so that it is removed when the oatmeal leaves your body. It doesn’t absorb much each time and that is why they say in order for it to really help you need to eat it at least 5 times a week.

Soy. Soy is also good in helping to lower levels. Think soy milk, soy yogurt and soy ice cream. Soy contains plant sterols which help lower levels. One thing with soy however, is that some people don’t recommend that you take in a lot of soy if you have any cancer. Soy helps to product estrogen and the estrogen may affect breast cancer.There is not enough estrogen to see any difference like accenting female characteristics but the cancer thing is something to think about.

Cholesterol lowering margarine type spreads. In the grocery store you will notice some newer margarines that say ” will lower cholesterol ” on the label, choose those over butter or standard margarine. They are a bit more expensive, but they taste the same, you can cook with them and even if they only help a bit, it’s still helping.

In the yogurt section you will now find Promise active shots. These are small bottles that contain some plant sterols that will again help to lower your levels.

As mentioned earlier flush free niacin can also help as will cinnamon (you can find it capsules in Walmart and any other store that carries supplements. They are inexpensive.

Omega oils and fish oils will again help a bit.

You will notice that with most natural products they each lower your levels a small amount but if you watch what you eat and add these natural products in you should be seeing a drop.

I would discuss the natural route with your doctor and let him/her know that you prefer not to take the medicine that they have mentioned and there is a good chance that they will work with you. My husband was told to go on medication but when he explained to his doctor that he would prefer not to, his doctor just told him to try the natural way first & to go back in 6 months for a follow up test. If the test showed that it was still high, then he would go on medication. However, if he was able to lower it then he would only need a blood test every 6 months to monitor it.

He has been using the natural ways along with the product from the site below and there has been a major change.
Since each person and each circumstance is different see what works for you.

Q: What is considered a healthy or low amount of cholesterol in one meal or main dish?
I’m looking for recipes that are low in cholesterol, and I don’t know what is considered “good.” Is under 50mg good? Under 100mg?

I have a lot of recipes that look healthy to me, but I’ve never considered cholesterol before. To clarify, my priority is to lower cholesterol.

A: According to the American Heart Association, you want less than 300mg of cholesterol a day..
So depending on how many meals you have – anywhere from 50 to 60mg a meal.

Q: How much alcohol is considered too much while taking Zocor?
I’m 25 and drink fair amounts of alcohol on the weekends, host poker nights, parties, go out, etc.. Just recently I was told by my doctor I have high cholesterol for my age, so he wants me to diet and take Zocor for a while to bring it down. He obviously recommends avoiding alcohol, but how much of my lifestyle do I really need to change, if any, to avoid liver problems?

A: any drinking on any medication can cause liver problems… just depends on your liver. Without meds Excessive drinking causes liver failure.

Q: Can taking zocor cause the side effect of itching and feeling of pins and needles?
My husband just started about 6 weeks ago taking Zocor. Now he feels itchy, but in a funny sort of way. Could it be the medication?

A: Yes it could I’ve been told that it can effect your nerve endings. It’s best to talk to your doctor though. My doctor also told me to watch for leg pain and cramps.

Q: Is it safe to drink beer and take Zocor?
I am on Zocor for high cholesterol and the pharmacy is now closed. I have drank 4 budlights. Does anyone know if it is safe for me to take my regular dose of Zocor before bedtime, or should I wait til tomorrow. Thanks so much. Hope everyone is doing well…!!

A: I would wait until tomorrow as I’m finding information pertaining to the possibility of liver damage. Better safe than sorry!

Q: Zocor and alcohol how much will they counteract each other?
My wife and I usually do one night of going downtown, drinking pretty heavy but only do it about twice / year. Getting ready to start Zocor but didn’t know if I should wait to start it until after we go out or not?

A: That’s a good question for a doctor. I take zocor but I don’t drink alcohol.

Q: How soon after starting zocor should you experience muscle pain or other symptoms ?
L have been using it for over 2 months

A: Congratulations. You’re not getting any side effects. They usually show up within a week. It’s incredibly improbably that you’ll ever be affected by any side effects in the future unless you change your dosage.

Q: What do you know about multiple sclerosis and statin drugs like Zocor?
I have been diagnosed off and on for 7 years now. My last diagnoses was 5 months ago and I started taking shots i was having a localized reaction and my dr took me off it. He told me there has been studies that have shown that statin drugs work for ms. I have never heard of this. He also told that since I have been diagnosed more then 5 years i will not become permantly disabled. Please give me your thoughts of this.

A: To my knowledge statins have no affect upon MS. I have heard it said that if you have MS for five or more years without a serious relapse, chances are your MS will not become progressive. However I do have friends who have had MS for decades see it go from relapsing remitting to progressive. In fact, one of my friends had MS for 20 years without it being problematic. But one morning he woke up and found he could no longer walk. He underwent chemo and now appears to be improving. Then I have friends who have had MS for decades and never missed a day of work. I have had MS for twenty years. For ten years all I had were minor symptoms. But then I went blind in my left eye, had severe cognitive problems and could not walk without a cane. While I almost made a full recovery, I know full well that MS is highly unpredictable. I have had doctors tell me that my MS will probably not be a major problem. But I know that they HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING WHAT WILL HAPPEN TOMORROW.

Q: Are there any major side effects from taking Zocor?
My husband started taking the medication about a month ago in response to high cholesterol and now is experiencing what can only be described as a tightening of the muscles in his chest. I do not think it would be considered a heart problem and it is not extremely painful as far as I know, but he did not have this before he started taking the medication. Please respond with any information you may have. Thank you!

A: ZOCAR – BRAND NAME OF SIMVASTATIN prescribed for lowering Cholesterol.

The two main side effects of ZOCAR are Rhabdomyolysis and Myopathy.

Rhabdomyolysis is a serious disorder that causes kidney damage resulting from toxic effects of the contents of muscle cells. Myoglobin is an iron-containing pigment found in the skeletal muscle. When the skeletal muscle is damaged, the myoglobin is released into the bloodstream. It is filtered out of the bloodstream by the kidneys. Myoglobin may obstruct the structures of the kidney, causing damage such as acute tubular necrosis or kidney failure. Myoglobin breaks down into potentially toxic compounds, which will also cause kidney failure.

Additionally, Necrotic (dead tissue) skeletal muscle may cause massive fluid shifts from the bloodstream into the muscle, reducing the relative fluid volume of the body and leading to shock and reduced blood flow to the kidneys.

If you have taken Zocor and have experienced any of the following zocor side effects, you should contact your Doctor immediately.

- Abnormal urine color (dark, red, or cola colored)
- Muscle tenderness weakness of the affected muscle(s)
- Generalized weakness
- Muscle stiffness or aching (myalgia)

Myopathy on the other hand is defined as any abnormal condition or disease of the muscle tissues, commonly involving skeletal tissue. Drug-induced myopathy usually develops insidiously.

The onset of clinical manifestations of zocor side effects can occur from days to months after exposure to Zocor. Commonly, patients complain about progressive, generalized muscle weakness, muscle pain (myalgia), or fatigue. Typically, muscle weakness of the arms and legs is the most common and obvious symptom.

Early recognition and diagnosis of Zocor induced Mypoathy is essential. If you suspect of suffering from Myopathy you need to stop taking Zocor immediately or have a doctor reduce the dosage immediately. If Myopathy diagnosis is not quickly made the risk of greater disability and complications, such as rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuric renal failure greatly increases. Risk factors associated with drug- induced myopathy include liver and renal failure and enzyme inhibition.-

Q: Can i skip my cholesterol lowering daily pill (zocor) for a few days (say a week or so) ?
Like when i have the flu/fever I take tylenol/ibuprofen so I skip the zocor thinking it will be easier on the liver. Any side effects of going of zocor for a week or two ?

A: you should always take your meds as prescribed, your doctor put you on it for a reason and that reason doesn’t go away when you have a cold/flu. Taking tylenol occasionally won’t affect the liver and you don’t need to stop the zocor just because you are taking tylenol. Ibuprofen is cleared in the kidneys, so there would be no need to stop the zocor since it doesn’t impact the liver.

Q: Switching from Lipitor to Zocor generic?
I am taking 20mg per day of Lipitor. What is the equivalent dose of generic Zocor?

A: It would be 40mg of zocor (simvastatin)
2 x10mgSimvastatin = 1×10mg Lipitor

Q: I have read that some men taking the drug Zocor have found loss of libido as a result of taking the drug. Is s?
result. Is there any evidence of this result?

A: Zocor is a Statin drug usually prescribed to lower cholesterol levels. There are a good many side effects. Below is one that indicates it can cause sexual dysfunction.

Other potential side effects of Zocor:

In addition to very serious muscle and severe liver problems many studies have shown that Zocor side effects could include memory loss and personality changes, as well as irritability and sexual dysfunction.

Q: what are the side effects of stopping the simvastatin (zocor) drug?
my mother has stopped this and i wondered if there were any long or short term effects.

A: probably none… But her cholesterol will go up and puts her at an increase risk for heart disease. Why did she stop?

Q: If you take Zocor for a long time can you ever stop taking it?
One of the side effects is that it keeps your sex drive low. Is there a way to keep this from happening?

A: zocor does not decrease your sex drive hun…continue zocor, stop your wife!

Q: my doctor just put me on zocor 20 mg after reading reviews of how sick its made people im afraid to take it my?
cholesterol is high even after losing 40 pounds.im a 40 yr old female my dad had high cholesterol.my doctor at first want gona put me on nothing for 6 months if i promised to lose 50 more pounds.then he said for health protection i need to take the zocor.has anyone had any good from being on zocor.

A: I’ve been on Zocor 40mg (plus Niaspan) for years, No mysterious aches/pains, no liver problems, no dementia, nothing.

As one answer said, the vast majority of patients have no side effects.

Q: Does anyone experience ITCHING with taking Zocor?
I have been taking Zocor for my cholesterol for 2 months now, and the itching in my hands and feet is driving me nuts. My cholesterol was only “borderline high” so I want to go off of this NOW. Any advice for me? My reading was 235.

A: Hi,

Sounds like the skin reactions that I was having two to three years ago right after I poisoned my liver from too much and too many toxic micro-nutritional supplements for too long. My sleep was terrible back then when I was having severe pruritus Urticaria allergic reactions to foods antibiotic-meds skin-creams shower-water and my own sweat and who knows what other toxins, that would then also promote fungal infections and lymph gland swellings from my weakened immune system.

After several months I eventually learned to make more costly organic nutritional choices, that then allowed my immune system and organs to rebuild and get stronger so I could again get a fairly good night’s sleep.

IF YI – my own skin-pruritus-Urticaria issues have cost about $2,500 in the last three years to learn what I now know – which is that ALL skin diseases are a result of one’s micro-nutrition and/or toxic ‘absorption’ from the air skin or gut and/or hygiene and/or parasites.

Since petrolatum med steroid antibiotic pushing MDs were not very helpful, and it ‘almost’ took too long to learn what I now try to teach others, I now take a little time each week to help others understand that more costly nutrition helps to heal one’s body – NOT meds or supplements.

Poor quality and/or low cost micro-nutrition that will weaken one’s immune system, will cause/ allow/ promote diabetes types of fungal infections and itch rash diseases and almost any other disease, even if one might be very very young or a toddler or has never been ‘overweight’ in their life.

With my own liver disease, within five minutes to four to six hours after being triggered my allergic reactions will begin and will last for a few minutes to a couple of hours and would cause small water blisters along with skin fevers and itches and then rashes and then long term scaling. When my malady was at its worst – I used to have allergic itches to my own sweat that I was burning off after showering or during exercise or when parts of my body got hot – during a time in my life when I used to have considerable toxins stored within my body fat, along with a severely weakened immune and filter systems – that for some reason would not eliminate these strong toxins into a stool. [See heat rashes at: <> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cholinergic_urticaria <>.]

Monistat_7 and Desenex are moist-area anti-fungals and Monistat_Derm and Head_&_Shoulders are also anti-fungals, but you really need to do more internet research from the links I have given to better understand how difficult it is for meds alone to totally remedy serious skin maladies. After I began using too much of a thin petrolatum based skin cream I eventually checked into the ER one morning due to my ‘severely’ swollen lymph glands that made me think I might have contracted lymphoma. So only use med creams that are prescribed in a very-minimal way over a thin layer of wash water, so that one’s immune system and skin/ organs can repair and grow stronger ‘naturally’ without also poisoning one’s liver further.

Since when I was an asthmatic teen and learned I would have severe reactions when I ‘accidentally’ inhaled or used ‘any’ deodorants, and could not eat cinnamon stuff without having an anaphylactic reaction – because cinnamon has some toxins that are strong enough to substitute for pesticides, my life long triggers have taught me to use hypo-allergenic non-perfumed soaps in a minimal way and to sometimes powder different portions of my body with cornstarch to help minimize yeast infections; especially whenever my micro-nutritional absorption within my gut has been less than was ‘necessary’ to ‘adequately’ repair my body’s immune system, organs, and skin on a daily basis.

Lastly, even though I might not have answered your question as ‘specifically’ as you may have wanted, to help you with simple and concise information on ALL itch rash illnesses and for short and long term solutions to them ALL – the following link has considerable info within a ‘report’ I recently posted on Y_A:

<> http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091113104039AAbnGet <>

The report is an accumulation of my own investigations into itch rash illnesses that are due to my own non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, even though I have a fairly low BMI of 26.

I truly truly hope that what you might rapidly learn in the next few minutes will help you to decide on the correct choices that will remedy your painful malady in the future.

My best to you and yours,

AI – self taught nutritionIsT ><+>[(-:]

PS – IF YI – a nutrition ranking I have learned about is posted at: <> http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091101184933AA0kQ63 <>. FYI – The most nutritionally ‘dense’ foods are expensive leafy green vegetables.

Q: How do I get brand Zocor for $10 a month?
I heard zocor want’t to under sell the generic brands.

A: According to a news report on ABC last night, brand Zocor will be available to customers of United Health Care prescription insurance plans. The generic form of Zocor (simvistatin) with be offered by UHC for a copay of around $50. This is a deal that Merck, the makers of Zocor, has worked out with UHC so that Merck can still make money on the brand name Zocor even though it lost it’s US patent as of midnight this morning. If you do not have UHC prescription drug coverage, you will probably save more money by choosing the generic, simvistatin when you get your refill.

Q: Cholesterol Medication?
If taking cholesterol medication prescribed by a doctor, does the persons diet need to change at all to notice an improvement in cholesterol levels?

A: Gradually, yes.

Q: What is the best medication for high cholesterol and high LDL’s (bad chol) with the fewest side effects?
I recently found out that both my total chol and LDL’s are high (225 and 160). This is a consistent pattern over the last couple of years. It’s in my family and I am aware of the importance of diet and exercise and not smoking already. I would like to know which medications effect the liver the most and what success or lack of success people have had with the statins or any other cholesterol medications they are taking. I am going to start taking one, but haven’t decided which one or how many there are. Thank you in advance.

A: Homeopathic Treatment for Curing High Cholesterol Levels: -
1.PHYTOLACCA 30x
2.PHOSPHORUS 30X
3.CHOLESTERINUM 30X
Three Drops Each in a sip of water half hour before meals thrice a day always take them on an empty stomach. And avoid Chocolates Coffee Mints and Red Meat while you are taking any Homeopathic remedy. Total free of Side Effects or complications. Thats what Homeopathy is all about 100% cures without any side effects or complications.
Take care and God Bless!

Q: Taking milk thistle while on cholesterol medication?
I take medication for high cholesterol (Pravastatin sodium) Is it safe to use milk thistle while taking cholesterol meds since they both go through the liver?

Thanks…

A: Milk thistle can decrease the rate at which statins (and various other drugs) are broken down by the liver, which in theory, could lead to raised levels of the drug in your body which can be harmful. Milk thistle is also of little therapeutic value anyway, might as well avoid it.

Just because something is natural, does not necessarily mean it is safe. Herbal remedies contain active ingredients therefore have the ability to interact with other drugs.

EDIT
Paddy aka SkepCrock: you should really avoid giving medical advise on subjects you know nothing about.

So your answer to the question is to advise the poster to avoid prescription drugs such as Prava which could reduce the risk of heart disease in favour of something of little therapeutic value anyway? Illogical advise.

Q: How long does it take for cholesterol medication to work?
I started taking medicine for high cholesterol a month ago and just went back for a cholesterol retest. It was still high but had dropped quite a bit. Will it continue to go down on the doseage I’m on or does the medicine need to be adjusted? Is a month long enough to see the full effect of the medicine?

A: Yes, it will continue to go down, and will level out in about six months. You do need to continue a healthy life style tho’, the drug can’t do it all.

Q: why is it that once you are on high cholesterol medication, you are on it for life?
This is the case even after your cholesterol level is lowered once you start the medication.

A: My cholesterol was not controllable with lifestyle changes. This is not surprising since my mother had a heart attack at 42. I drastically changed my diet and began moderate exercise almost daily. Because of insurance, it was three years before I was able to follow up, but the numbers had barely changed.

I am grateful for the cholesterol lowering drugs, in spite of any side effects I may have to deal with, and will gladly take it for the rest of my life. Considering that my son (who died of congestive heart failure at 15–the result of chemo) had to take 182 pills a week for the rest of his life, it simply doesn’t seem a big deal. I am already 11 years older than my mother ever was and, with the cancer in my personal and family history, I’ll be darned if my heart will take me out!

Q: How long does the average person have to stay on cholesterol medication?
Also, how does it work?? Do you take it, and it clears out the stuff in your arteries, or how does it work, and do you have to continue taking it even after your cholesterol lowers?? thanks

A: long term. it works by blocking the production of cholesterol. There is evidence of regression of cholesterol deposits in arteries with aggressive lipid lowering.
If you stop then your cholesterol will go up again

Q: When Taking a cholesterol medication should you space out taking vitamin D?
I had heard you should space out taking a cholesterol meds with taking Vitamin D..is this true?

A: It’s not true! But you may have uncovered a new urban legend. =D

There’s nothing in either of those that would make one spacey, and nothing that combining them that would do that either.

Feel safe!

Q: How long have you been taking your cholesterol medication?
And is everything going okay with it? Do you follow a strict diet and get exercise?

A: I don’t take meds; I drink soy milk and tear down the bad cholesterol and build up the good cholesterol.
I have been doing it for ten years and before I did it I hit 299 and since I stay below 200.

Q: Why do the commercials for cholesterol medication say Do not take if pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
How far in the future does it mean, and is it saying that it can cause infertility?

A: Statins (Zocor, Mevacor, Lipitor, Crestor, etc) are Pregnancy category X: absolutely contraindicated.
They can cause spontaneous abortions and/or birth defects.

They can take weeks to clear from the body, so I would not recommend taking them at all if you have any fertility plans in the next 3-6 months.

Please ask your physician for pregnancy-friendly alternatives to Statin medicines (starting with diet changes and exercise).

Q: Cholesterol medication and red yeast rice not working for my father – any natural suggestions?
Hi, my father recently had his second stent put in; he had gone off his lipitor and the doctors said he’d better get back on it. The side effects were so bad (weakness, pain in limbs) he had to stop taking it. I did some research and told him to take red yeast rice and Co-Q10, but he’s still having bad effects. I’m wondering if there are other ways (besides diet – he’s been on a pretty lean diet for a while & exercises 30 minutes/day) to reduce his cholesterol? Thanks.

A: That would probably be the reason Red Yeast Rice didn’t work for him… he’s allergic to the Statins (which are naturally occurring in RYR). The muscle pain/weakness is a semi-common allergic reaction to the Statins that can contribute to liver and/or kidney problems if they aren’t stopped.
He should stay off the Statins and RYR unless he wants to contribute more to his liver/kidney problems that they have been contributing to.

That being said, some of the most beneficial natural products for Cholesterol health are Policosanol, Beta Sitosterol, Omega 3 and 9 Fatty Acids (typically in Fish Oil, Flax Oil, and Olive Oil), Guggul, Niacin, Lecithin, Garlic, PhosphatidylCholine, and any good soluble fiber. Each of those help with different aspects of Cholesterol health, so you may need a variety of them… try one or two of them out. Aside from that, there’s always the standard plan of diet and exercise, but that’s normally just increasing soluble fiber (veggies, fruits, grains, etc) and decreasing bad foods (some sugars, certain fatty foods, etc). Good luck!

Q: What are the long term side effects of taking Cholesterol medication?
Does it cause any ill effects?

A: You would probably be best to discuss this with your doctor.

Q: What is the best medication for high cholesterol?
My doctor prescribed me medication for my cholesterol but it’s side effect is too much for me. Then my doctor prescribed me another medication for my cholesterol but this time, it makes me vomit and dizzy. None of the two medication works because I had my blood test and my cholesterol shoot up. Any suggestion?

A: Changing your diet will help a lot. Lessen intake of meat especially red meats and start undergoing juice therapy. I have the same problem a year ago and consulted my family physician as well as a naturopathic doctor and combine their recommendations. I increase my physical activities and went into eating salad and drinking vegetable and fruit juices. The ND I went to gave me different combinations of natural juices which I can drink everyday or at least 3-4 times a week. Combining carrot, apple, parsley, celery, cucumber and lemon or orange provided me with variety of juices I could indulge in. He also recommended eating more whole grains and I have switched eating brown rice, drink oat and soy milk instead of cow’s milk. Taking supplements like flaxseed oil, garlic and cayenne also helped me achieved a normal cholesterol level. My ND is good and if you want to try consulting with him, you can check this site www.design2heal.com. I now prefer to use natural remedies than medications because of the side effects. Hope you find this information useful.

Q: can cholesterol medication interfere with a person’s sleep?
I have tried two new medications for high cholesterol and something has caused me to have vivid bad dreams. I also wake up several times during the night. Has anyone else had this problem?

A: Before your doctor put you on any anti-cholesterol medication, try to cleanse your body the natural way, artificial can be very disruptive to your body, which is why causing your sleeping problem. Try to go with natural remedy like almond, oatmeal in which the soluble fiber does a great job to remove the cholesterol to your stool and out of your body. For a list of top natural remedy for high cholesterol, check out http://www.cureshare.com/view_condition.php?cond_id=22

Q: At what levels do doctors prescribe cholesterol medication?
I recently got a blood test and found out my total cholesterol is 238 (i don’t remember the ldl and hdl numbers). I want to go to a doctor but I don’t want to spend the money, 153 pounds (which is really $306 of my u.s. dollars because I’m a u.s. citizen living in london) if he/she is going to simply tell me to do diet and exercise. I’m 27 y/o and high cholesterol runs in my family.

A: I wish it was as easy as that! I had to see a Hematologist few years ago, due to my Rheumatoid Arthritis. Anyway, they did loads of tests, including Cholesterol, which came back at 7.9 anything over 5 is considered HIGH. They looked at my weight, height, BMI was fine, looked at my diet, fine so were dumbfounded. Likewise I developed a Xanthoma above my left eye, big one!
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001447.htm
I remember my Father having an xanthoma, so decided that my Mother should have the Cholesterol Test, her reading was 12.9, on the verge of heart attack/stroke! It seems that I had ‘inherited’ Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disorder that causes very high cholesterol levels and greatly increases the chance of having a heart attack early in life. Heart attacks usually occur in men when they are 40-55 years old and in women when they are 50-65 years old. Unfortunately, they can sometimes occur when people are in their mid-twenties. Now my BMI is 19, which is way off the high of 25, yet the Cholesterol is all over the place. It seems that while we do take in Cholesterol from our diets, our liver also manufactures it. Therefore if High Cholesterol runs in your family as you state it does, my advise spend the money, because you are risking Heart Attack and that will cost you a lot more money! Good Luck

Q: Which cholesterol medication works the best?
Looking for differents meds used for this problem and a little feed back.

A: that’s true, diet really is the best way. but the medication that is the most effective would be the statins like Lipitor. Of course, they are not for everyone.

Q: Is lescol stronger than lipitor?

A: Lescol (fluvastatin) and Lipitor (atorvastatin) belong to the same class of drugs (HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, better known as statins) and they both work similarly. Lipitor is the more potent of the two drugs, which means that it will cause a greater reduction in cholesterol at a given dose, but the difference is not super huge. I don’t know of any head to head studies that suggest that one will help people live longer than the other, and probably there won’t ever be any done (not really cost-effective).
If I were prescribing an anticholesterol drug, I would prefer Lipitor (of the two) but I would not change someone on lescol over if it was working for him without side-effects.

Q: is it safe to take policosanol when taking lescol also?

A: ask a Doctor . i don’t know .

Q: what are side efects of CHOLESTROL reducing drugs such as LESCOL.?

A: Rare cases of muscle problems and liver problems have been associated with the use of fluvastatin and other similar medicines. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by a fever or flulike symptoms or yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, dark colored urine or pale colored stools. These may be early symptoms of muscle or liver problems.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking fluvastatin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
decreased urine or rust-colored urine; or
blurred vision.

Q: How to reduce cholesterol that your liver makes?
I have high cholesterol that I come by genetically. I have used Crestor, Lescol, and many other cholesterol lowering drugs but I get severe muscle problems with these meds. I want to reduce it naturally but have tried Niacin, Omega 3, and many vitamins to no avail. Does anyone know how to reduce it naturally. I am not overweight and never have been. All my family are slim. Thanks

A: In your case, try to have a balanced life and diet in order not to “add” more cholesterol to the one produced by your liver. And the most important part is not to give up: changes take time to appear, it is a slow process, but you keep on doing the right things (do not give up Niacin, omega 3 (fish) or any other natural alternative).

Q: can lescol ( Fluvastatin) cause thrush or a white tongue?
I have had thrush for a month and been taking nystatin for it. It started getting better. I have a week ago stopped taking my lescol for high cholesterol because i think it may be why i got the white tongue. Am still on my nystatin and started to take my lescol again a few days ago and my tongue is beginning to burn again. I have tried looking for side effects of lescol but have not found one that has to do with thrush… Anyone ever have that problem?

A: I’m not aware of that as a common or even uncommon side effect of fluvastatin. If you’ve had the thrush confirmed as that then it’s probably what it is and I have really no useful ideas, but I know that some allergic reactions to medications can present as a thrush-looking rash on the inside of the mouth. This might be more likely if it’s only one side of your mouth or tongue as opposed to covering it.

Q: Need info about Cholesterol Pills, one is named zitia and the other is named Lescol?
Need pill that does NOT contain Statins

A: statin drugs have side effects like aching muscles and then possibly muscle damage. statins also prevent the body from making coenzyme Q10. CoQ10 is vitally important, it protects the hearts ability to beat strong. if you do not take coq10 along with a statn then you run the risk of weakening the heart. doctors do not believe this but you can look it up in alternative medicine websites. i have lowered my cholesterol from 225 to 185 in 6 weeks by just taking a supplement called Policosonol. many companies sell it and try to find a brand that uses sugar cane husk instead of bees wax as the source of the policosonol. I think the brand i used was from Natural Factors.

Q: My Dr has me on satins so far all of them cause muscle pain so more intense others less?
The Dr told me if the muscle pain is bareable to keep taking the current statin Lescol . I don’t feel comfortable taking any statin when it’s states muscle pain is serious problem. What do others think ?

A: I can’t buy into any therapy that has the amount of known side effects that statins do. Most doctors that I deal with go right to statin therapy and bypass what the guidelines are for cholesterol reduction. The national standard is dietary modification including adding a good quality fiber and plant sterols. I’ve rarely seen them take patients through that first. There are very effective ways to change the diet (not always the tastiest stuff in the world) and a few good fiber sources around that I’m aware of. I would aggressively do (not try…says Yoda) those and show the doc the results so you can get off the drug. Personally, I’d stop taking it right away but that’s just me. Hope this helps. Jeff the nurse in Nashville (Cardiac ICU)

Q: Do any of these rx drugs get you fucked up.?!?
ChlorproMAZINE Hydrochloride
Cimetidine
Equetro
Zyvox
Verapamil
Hydrochloride Extended-release
Lescol XL
Zocor (simuastatin)
Augmentin XR
Cefpodoxime

any of them?!

thankks (=
not looking for remarks..

asking..

DUH !

A: One is an antibiotic(for infections),One is an Antihistimine(for allergies)….what are you doing,going through your parent’s Medicine Cabnit?!?

I’m not going to “help” you…but I’m sure we have plenty of people who will,they believe in “helping” kids get “high safely” around here!

Why don’t you go join a sport…or something useful that will encourage your health/body….NOT DESTROY IT

Q: I need some help with my book…?
I need soem help figuring out some magical creatures, that haven’t been used… so far I’ve come up with:

Whiffler: A bright magenta sugar glider thing that smells alot.

Moonshee: A person that turns into a Banshee upon the full moon.

Lescol: A little grey snake like thing with wings, that turns colors upon it’s mood.

A: the best place to go for help with character creation is wikihow.com. Just type in charater creation in the search box. I’ve reffered to it a lot myself while writing my book.

Q: What is the current research regarding LDL levels in the overall lipids/cholesterol testing?
I read an article a few years back that was from Johns Hopkins University(the Medical research dept)stating that the latest research supported that an LDL level of 100 or less is best and to be pursued as the norm. One doctor was even qouted as saying anyone with an LDL of more than 100 is a heart attack just waiting to happen. Is this correct with current research? Though my doctor disagreed with my studys of this, he allowed me to be on Lescol for a few years until now. He doesnt think I need it. I am not a high risk person in the factor of family history(none), diabetic, am a non smoker, non drinker, and borderline close to optimum BMI. I still believe I should be at LDL of 100 or less. I was recently taken off Lescol and LDL went from the 100 I had been at, to LDL of 117. My doctor feels this 117 is well within normal. Any medical input would be welcome.

A: The goal LDL depends on the patient and any risk factors he/she may have. A patient who’s just had a heart attack, LDL of 80 or less. 2 Risk factors : < 10o. If you are not diabetic and have no risk factors, I'd concentrate on exercise & diet. No need for meds yet.

Here are some links:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/atp3upd04.pdf

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/prof/heart/index.htm#chol

Q: Niacin pin prickles. Bad? Worth it?
I was taking 1500 mg of Slo-Niacin a day on the advice of my nurse practitioner for cholesterol. Due to a rash, I reduced ithe time-released niacin to 1000 mg. After a month of that dosage, I stopped it, due to rash and skin tingling like pin pricks. I can’t take Lipitor or Lescol XL due to extreme effects, like a bad case of flu & muscle achiness & dizziness, etc. I take fish oil capsules daily, and I have 1/4 cup flax seeds, which I grind and put into water with Crystal Light. I have cut out margarine and butter for the most part. I exercise pretty regularly. But I still have bad cholesterol numbers. I was hoping that niacin would help. But I am now off niacin completely. Is it bad for me, like the cholesterol RX’s were?

A: Your NP could use a lesson in treatment of cholesterol. The only good long acting niacin product on the market @ this time is Niaspan. It is a pelleted form of immediate release niacin that is realeased over ~ 12 hours. Niacin is primarily used for treating hypertryglycidemia, elevations in triglycerides, not generally for elevated cholesterol. Slow release preparations of niacin have been shown to be potentially dangerous and may increase cardiovascular problems!
Niacin itself is a drug that you need to work up to the proper dose slowly, because the #1 reason for stopping it is flushing and itching. The usual starting dose of Niaspan is only 500 mgs and it is suggested that you stay on it until all flushing stops. It is also suggested that you take Ibuprofen or benedryl about 15 minutes before you take the niacin, in order to stop flushing. It is also recommended that you take it at bedtime so that the flushing will occur while you are sleeping.
There are several anti-cholesterol medications that may help that are unrelated to lipitor and lescol. Zetia is one of them, and it works by reducing absorption of cholesterol from the GI tract.
There is a super concentrated form of fish oil called Omacor that has also been shown to be of benefit in reducing cholesterol. The daily dose of Omacor is 800 mg. twice daily and is equivalent to taking 12-14 fish oil caplets at a time.
Plant sterols and stanols have been shown to help lower cholesterol in low doses, but can cause a stanol overdose syndrome if overdone, So the dose is 1 or 2 tablets twice a day. Use Cholest-off by Nature Made!
It is not recommended that you stop Niacin the way you did, because to restart it, you will have to endure several days of flushing.
Niacin can have side effects of elevating your Uric Acid levels which can lead to Gout. It can also elevate you blood sugar and cause a syndrome indistinguishable from type 2 diabetes mellitus, therefore your NP should monitor both your blood glucose and uric acid levels as well as your kidney function.
The prime goal in lowering your cholesterol is to get your LDL cholesterol below 70 (new value) or 100 (old value). You should increase your HDL to over 55 and preferably over 60. This can be done by exercising, not smoking, and being female.
Your total cholesterol should be below 130 (new value) and 150 (old value). Tryglycerides (circulating fats) should be below 150.
There is some evidence that triglycerides are nearly as important as cholesterol in developing vascular disease and should be treated aggressively if necessary. Besides niacin, a drug called Tricor has been used to treat this.
Exercise, Diet and Weight Loss are also important factors in controlling triglycerides and cholesterol. Do not smoke as this raises your bad cholesterol (LDL and VLDL) levels and lowers your good cholesterol levels (HDL).
There are some familial diseases known as hyperlipidemias which are inherited problems with handling cholesterol and/or triglycerides that may make you problem worse if you have one of them.
I suggest you sit down, talk to your NP and have her explain exactly what your condition is and ask why you are on Niacin and not Niaspan and ask what her plans are with you. Also I feel that you should begin Omacor and Zetia if necessary to lower cholesterol and Tricor if necessary to lower triglycerides.
Flax seeds are good unless you have diverticulosis. Margarine is probably not safe at all, stick with olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, and other monosaturated oils or small amounts of butter
Good Luck

Q: My mother is taking Pravastatin. She has muscle pain. Doctors do not take as drug related. Best treatment.?
Zocor and Lipitor, which are taken to lower cholesterol, can produce symptoms that mimic the flu. Doctors can easily miss the connection, but muscle aches may signal tissue breakdown. That can lead to serious kidney damage.
Bottom Line Yearbook 2002 by Bottom Line Personnel, page 13
As it turns out, at least 81 more deaths were connected to Baycol’s sisters — Mevacor, Pravachol , Zocor, Lescol, and Lipitor.
Prescription Medicines, Side Effects and Natural Alternatives by American Medical Publishing, page

A: Yes thats right, this is a rare complication of statin usage. If your mother develops muscle pains, tenderness or weakness, she needs to see her Doctor asap. If your mother can’t tolerate statins then Fibrates are next line therapy. Your Doctor should be giving your mother regular kidney and liver function tests. Are these normal?

Despite what you read in the media, the vast majority of people do not experience serious side effects when taking statins. All musle aches and pains when taking statins should be fully investigated though.

The risk of myopathy and the potential for rhabdomyolysis is lowest with pravastatin compared to Zocor and lipitor. This is likely because the drug is more hydrophillic, thus penetrates the muscle less.

Q: What are the side effects to Lopid?
I need to start taking Lopid because of elevated triglycerides, but are concerned with the side effects.

A: Serious side effects that you should tell your doctor about:
-an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat;
-nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or clay-colored stools;
-yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice);
-rash or itching;
-sores in the mouth or on your lips;
-swollen legs or feet;
-chills, fever, or blood in the urine; or
-muscle aches, pain, or cramping.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur:
-indigestion;
-headache, dizziness, or drowsiness; or
-decreased sex drive.

Q: What is the best way to reduce the triglyceride levels without damaging the liver by taking Lopid?
My triglyceride levels are up to 450. I am not obese I just don’t exercise at all. I have been getting away from carbs all together, is that good?

A: These web sites give more information http://www.healingdaily.com/conditions/triglycerides.htm and http://cholesterol.freesourcenow.com/triglyceride-levels.html

Q: If I start taking Lopid (Gemfibrozil) for a tri level of 270, will I have to stay on it for life?

A: Gemfibrozil controls high cholesterol and triglycerides but does not cure them. Continue to take gemfibrozil even if you feel well. Do not stop taking gemfibrozil without talking to your doctor.

Q: Is it safe to take Pravastatin with Lopid ?
This the way the medications are spelled on the prescription bottles.

A: Ruthie,
Severe Interaction – Pravastatin Oral may interact based on the potential interaction between SELECTED HMG-COA REDUCTASE INHIBITORS and SELECTED FIBRATES. Pravastatin, which is a type of statin, is licensed to treat a number of conditions, including high cholesterol and high triglycerides. It is also used to prevent heart disease and heart-related problems.
Gemfibrozil – Lopid – is a medication used to lower the levels of triglyceride in the blood. BEFORE taking these two medications together, CONSULT your doctor and Pharmacist.

ALL ANSWERS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED, IN ANY FORUM AND ESPECIALLY IN THIS ONE. – MANY ANSWERS ARE FLAWED.

It is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis before trying to find a cure. Many diseases and conditions share common symptoms.

The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Hope this helps
matador 89

Q: What if I need to suddenly stop taking Lopid?

A: Nothing, but better substitutes are available.

Q: what is lopid, and what Is the side affect?

A: Lopid is a medicine used in treating lipid imbalance in the body. Its active ingredient is gemfibrozil, which lowers lipid levels by increasing the receptor that is used in lipid metabolism. You can look up lots more info on Wiki.
Side effects: muscle pain, gallstones and gastrointestinal problems (stomach ache, diarrhea, etc).

Q: Why do I have poor libido after taking Lopid?

A: Many high cholesterol drugs have this as a side effect.

You are more susceptible to it than others. Have you thought about Lipitor, as that is not considered a side effect?

Q: has anyone ever gotten yeast infection while on tricore or lopid?

A: I don’t know about tricore or lopid, but sometimes if you’re taking antibiotics you are more prone to yeast infections bc the antibiotics kill not only the bad bacteria but also the good bacteria in your body that prevents yeast infections.

If you’re on antibiotics, a good thing to do is to eat yogurt, which helps replenish the body with good bacteria and helps prevent yeast infections.

Q: Do the hormones, progesterone and insulin have anything to do with each other?
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in February. 2000mg metformin, 5 mg glucotrol, 1200mg lopid. Since then all of the problems I have been having with lack of progesterone, periods lasting for 3 months and aweful yeast infections, deforming leg cramps, insatiable thirst, and a few more symptoms are all fixed, I hope. My question is does my period problems have anything to do with my having diabetes or vise versa.
In January my BS was 480+ , my A1c was 10.8, my Triglycerides were 846. now my BS is 106, last check my A1c 9.0, and Triglycerides are 511. period and yeast problems are better. I’d like to say everything is great, but don’t want to jinx it. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experiences.

A: Very good question, first of all I know that sugar feeds yeast and you will continue to have yeast problems while your sugar is on the high side. I know this becuase my Gyn diagnosed me just from the type of yeast I had. I have very similar symptoms to yours, my thirst got so bad I would drink tons and tons of water and still have sticky dry mouth. I found out that this is the reason people go into a diabetic coma, they dehydrate. I had a hysterectomy a few years ago because of uterine cancer, so my periods are not effected now, but I used to have terrible ones. I take 2000mg of metformin per day as well but not the other meds. Go speak to your doctor and go and see help in the natural area as well. I believe that the two can go hand in hand when common sense is applied. For instance if your blood sugar is way way high, an herbal remedy may not bring it down fast enough and you can have long lasting damage from it.

Main thing is eat like they tell you and stay away from sugar until you have yourself balanced. Then do in moderation. It’s hard but you can do it… God knows if I can anyone can.

Q: Lopid or CoQ10?
Has anyone in here switched from lipitor to CoQ10? I need to know if you did this as opposed to taking a different cholesterol medicine.

A: CoQ10 is not a cholesterol medicine – it is a coenzyme used in metabolism. I wouldn’t mess with prescription meds (Lipitor) without a dr.’s ok.

Q: If a physician orders Lopid 600mg qam and 300mg qpm, how many doses will a 60 count, 600mg tablet bottle be?
I need this answer for my Pharmacy Tech Class. It comes from page 515, question 12 in Math Calculations for Pharmacy Technicians by R. Fulcher, published by Elsevier. Any help you can give is appreciated!
How many INDIVIDUAL doses, I think is what the professor wants to know. Thanks!
So, would 40 days be 80 doses since its twice a day? Thanks. I appreciate the help.

A: Take the number of tablets you have (60) and divide by the number you need per day (1.5) This gives you 40 days worth of medication.

Now:

40 days * 2 doses/day = 80 doses.

Q: where can I find a low cholesterol/low fat diet without joining an on-line diet club?
I have extremely high triglycerides and am being treated with
2 meds (tricor and lopid). I am also diabetic ( treated with glucophage)

A: There’s a great, free support group for Weight Watcher Followers on iVillage.com. No fees, just information and ideas!

http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-fbwwatchers

Q: What can be done to lower the cholesterol and trygricerids levels; I can’t do exercise and on diet every day!
I always use LOPID pills 600mg when I feel bad: tired, sleepy, weak, etc.
Is there a better treatment?
Both levels always go high: Chol: 245 and trygl: 425 average and then I lower then down to 200 average.
I’ m tired of this game; need some help.

A: Ask your physician about a statin to help lower the LDL and total cholesterol. Ask about Tricor, Zetia, and/or Niaspan or Niacin to help lower your Triglycerides. To lower your LDL and total cholesterols, stay away from cheese, red meat, and any type of animal fatty foods. To lower your triglycerides, limit your sweets, alcohol, carbohydrates (which quickly turn into sugar in the body), this includes natural sugars (as in fruits) also…it is still sugar. No more than about 3 servings of fruits a day, including juices. If you like carbohydrates, choose high fiber carbs. And you should think about diet and exercise EVERY day, don’t wait until it is too late.

Q: what do scabies look like and what treament should you use?
I have had skin problems for 4 yrs and been to 4 to 5 dermtogists and my md. They have given me creams and drops of medication for my hair. I have tried antibacterial soap and tar shampoos but my scalp and skin is flaking and driving me crazy. One dr said granulomas Annulare: one told me Dermatis severe: one told me eczema neurotic itching. I need help bad…………….I thought maybe it was my medications lexapro, lowpressor for b/p lopid for my chlorestrol and I take ativan prn not often

A: It will not hurt to do the whole treatment for scabies since the lotion is just for killing the tiny bugs. But what are you going to do if it does not make the itching go away? Normal people if they just keep scratching day after day will damage their skin and it will be severe dermatitis and they will REALLY itch then. You need to think how to protect your skin from yourself. There are a ton of lotions and creams. Anything with steroid and oil could coat the raw nerve endings on your skin and promote healing and cut down on the itching sensation. Itching is really a form of pain. The skin nerves are complaining at a milder level when itching. Ice will numb a spot completely for a short time. Do not freeze skin spot for more than 15 or 20 min, Apply ice instead of itching. There is a skin anesthetic called Emla used to make the skin numb before you give an injection through that spot. Maybe a doctor will give you an Rx for some? Just to give the skin a chance to get well? You have to make your skin the first priority in your life and keep applying the healing creams no matter how tired of it you get. Get the movie Caro Diario and watch it. You have a fellow sufferer. The actor/director Nanni Moretti , most famous in Italy, itched for a whole year and saw a lot of skin doctors before he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He is well now. So you cannot stop looking for the right doctor. When did this rash first start and what was it like then.? I had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and had 11/2 years of the most terrible rashes before my lymph node was noticed to be large. If you think it might be lexapro go back the the doctor who gave it to you and negotiate to be off of it and on something else long enough to see if your skin improves. Try taking that ativan every night for a while a bedtime to try to not scratch at night and sleep well. You need to feel as well as possible. Do not give up. Good luck!

Q: Is a fibrate a safe medicine?
Just got lopid and was wondering if is is effective and safe

A: Yes, Lopid (gemfibrozil) has been proven by the FDA to be both safe and effective at lowering cholesterol, otherwise, it would not be commercially available. If you have any other questions about it, feel free to email me.