Anyone On Lipitor?

[yakers]

Or other prescription cholesterol reducing medication? I started on the stuff some months ago and it has brought down the cholesterol. Does seem like no particular side effects or other problems. But I hate the idea of being on something "forever". (Well, I've worn glasses/contacts since 1st grade, does that count?) Has anyone got theirs down enough to go off medication?

 

[Eagle43]

I started Zetia in February this year. It's brought my total down from 220 to 177. My HDL was always good, and remains the same. I tried every thing from oatmeal (ugh), to vitamin supplements, olive oil, to eating no cholesterol in an effort to reduce it without pills. Now, I concede it's probably genetic, and if the docs are right, it should be below 200. No side effects that I've noticed. I hate taking pills.

 

[Mr._johngalt]

Still on the "wab" diet, although I cheat. Big drop in the first month, but still high. Statins are out as my liver function is "wacko".

JG

 

[Khan]

Or other prescription cholesterol reducing medication? I started on the stuff some months ago and it has brought down the cholesterol. Does seem like no particular side effects or other problems. But I hate the idea of being on something "forever". (Well, I've worn glasses/contacts since 1st grade, does that count?) Has anyone got theirs down enough to go off medication?

I don't think you're ever supposed to go off it.

 

[donheff]

Everyone is on Lipitor. Like you, I hope there is no downside that hasn't appeared yet.

Recent studies indicate that cranking the dosage and driving cholesterol way below what has been the target is even better for us. Rich can probably catch us up on this.

 

[riskadverse]

I was on a statin for several months. I kept cutting my dosage in half and my lab tests still showed improvements. Then I started to get unusual muscle pain and I started to research statins on the Internet. While you can probably find anything to support your ideas on the Internet, I found enough to convince me to discontinue the statins. After about a year or so the muscle pains seemed to go away, and my lab tests still showed up reasonably good. I switched doctors, and asked the new doctor, based on the tests if I should be taking statins - he says "no way". Now obviously there are a thousand uncontrolled variables in this study of one, but I'm thinking I'll take my chances for a longer life without the statins.

 

[Dawg52]

I'm on Lovasatin which is a generic for Mevacor. Did the job for me and much cheaper than Lipitor. Ask your doctor about it.

 

[razztazz]

Now obviously there are a thousand uncontrolled variables in this study of one, but I'm thinking I'll take my chances for a longer life without the statins.

And it's the only test that matters. Got any data on your arteries? That's what matters, not cholesterol levels. Ask the "doctor" what your death percentage is with and without stains. He won't know. He might babble some reader's digest crap about risk but of course that wouldnt apply to YOU. Ask what the risk for YOU is. And how he knows that. He won't know

Statins have never saved a life or prevented a heart attack. There is some thin data that in old people with advanced heart disease they marginally reduced the risk of a second heart attack but it was not by the cholesterol lowering mechanism. It lowered homocystine levels. But overal mortality was not changed. (The people who didnt have a 2nd heart attack were killed by statins I guess) Watch the crestor commercials. At the bottom of the screen it says "has not been shown to prevent heart attack or heart disease."

And if you get an adverse reactio you'll be told it's not the medication, it'sa brand new disease you have. You're not getting any younger, ya know. And you must keep taking it to "lower your risk". Then ask him "What risk"? He won't know. Treating risk factors statistically is Russian Roullette for the patient. And the whole "risk" of cholesterol levels is equivocal at best while the death and crippling by statins is well documented.

http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/atpiii/calculator.asp

 

[Alex]

Call me wierd but I don't give two sh*ts about my cholesterol level. I think its all a great big scam. If cholesterol causes heart attacks, as the medical community of morons is busy selling us, why do over 60% of heart attack victims have normal cholesterol? Is this the same medical community that recommended the 'food pyramid'? I fell like Big Pharma has sold this country a bill of goods regarding cholesterol, and it is very, very profitable for them. That's my two cents.....rant over.

 

[Khan]

Call me wierd but I don't give two sh*ts about my cholesterol level. I think its all a great big scam. If cholesterol causes heart attacks, as the medical community of morons is busy selling us, why do over 60% of heart attack victims have normal cholesterol? Is this the same medical community that recommended the 'food pyramid'? I fell like Big Pharma has sold this country a bill of goods regarding cholesterol, and it is very, very profitable for them. That's my two cents.....rant over.

Back in 2001, cholesterol guidelines were changed, doubling the number of people who 'need' to take drugs.

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20020301/871.html
--------------------------------
I have no idea of my cholesterol levels.

 

[califdreamer]

I, like an earlier poster, resisted taking Lipitor but nothing I did seemed to get my total cholesterol below 200. I had sort of borderline high cholesterol numbers but I do have family history of heart disease so I decided whatever risk may be involved in taking statins is worth it.

Obviously, it's critical to check the liver enzymes or whatever they are to make sure the drug isn't getting them out of whack. I get it checked every six months. I understand the liver numbers can get out of control quickly (if they ever do) so it's important to keep on top of it.

If cholesterol causes heart attacks, as the medical community of morons is busy selling us, why do over 60% of heart attack victims have normal cholesterol?

One explanation I've heard for this is that "normal" cholesterol levels have traditionally been considered to be below 200 (total cholesterol). In fact, around 150 and lower may be the actual safe zone. So there are probably lots of people with cholesterol of, for example, 180 who may not have achieved a low enough level.

I am certainly not an expert. I just have to gather whatever info I can, weigh the risks and make decisions to protect myself as much as possible.

 

[Alex]

I, like an earlier poster, resisted taking Lipitor but nothing I did seemed to get my total cholesterol below 200. I had sort of borderline high cholesterol numbers but I do have family history of heart disease so I decided whatever risk may be involved in taking statins is worth it.

Obviously, it's critical to check the liver enzymes or whatever they are to make sure the drug isn't getting them out of whack. I get it checked every six months. I understand the liver numbers can get out of control quickly (if they ever do) so it's important to keep on top of it.

One explanation I've heard for this is that "normal" cholesterol levels have traditionally been considered to be below 200 (total cholesterol). In fact, around 150 and lower may be the actual safe zone. So there are probably lots of people with cholesterol of, for example, 180 who may not have achieved a low enough level.

I am certainly not an expert. I just have to gather whatever info I can, weigh the risks and make decisions to protect myself as much as possible.

the motto of the medical proffession is "don't think, just do what your sold". I have serious doubts about cholesterol being the cause of anything other than a really nice balance sheet for the manufacturers of cholesterol lowering medications. I own the Vanguard Healthcare Fund for exactly that reason.

If they keep moving the target total cholesterol number lower and lower, eventually every man, woman and child in the world can enjoy the benefits of lower cholesterol!! whoopeee!!!!!

 

[cube_rat]

If they keep moving the target total cholesterol number lower and lower, eventually every man, woman and child in the world can enjoy the benefits of lower cholesterol!! whoopeee!!!!!

The same thing was done two years ago with blood pressure guidelines. I believe they lowered it to 110/70. Anything higher is considered pre-hypertensive. Sooo, out comes the prescription pads for heavily touted meds such as norvasc for everyone.

The same thing has happened with antidepressants. For example, Celexa's patent was running out two years ago and you want to know what the pharmceutical company did? They changed a molecule or two in the original Celexa formula and called it: Lexapro! Of course, Forest Labs stated that "Lexapro" doesn't have the side effects like other SSRI's. Now the Forest Labs has millions, possibly billions of dollars in their medicine pipeline! Pretty ingenious.

I'm with Alex. I'm dubious with these "studies" that come out and lower guidelines for certain conditions. I'm willing to bet for every "study", there's a pharmacuetical company right behind it protecting it's multi-million dollar drug pipeline.

Ah, that felt good. Rant off.

 

[dumpster56]

the motto of the medical proffession is "don't think, just do what your sold". I have serious doubts about cholesterol being the cause of anything other than a really nice balance sheet for the manufacturers of cholesterol lowering medications. I own the Vanguard Healthcare Fund for exactly that reason.

If they keep moving the target total cholesterol number lower and lower, eventually every man, woman and child in the world can enjoy the benefits of lower cholesterol!! whoopeee!!!!!

Oh man this statin thing. My cardiologist has been a real great guy, never telling me to go on a statin. I had a cardiac cath 5 years ago, had a viral infection of the pericardium and had symptoms of a heart attack, needless to say a couple of nights in ICU at the age of 45 is a scary thing. But my arteries are clear. My cholestrol runs between 189 and 229, Hdl 50 to 60 and ldl 119 to 169 my triglicerides are always below 60.

So the running 10 miles a day and the red rice yeast suppliments I take and my diet when vegatarian gives me a nice low reading on my ldl and a high reading on my hdl all without statins. by the way my family history well STINKS, But the side effects are something I want nothing to do with and yes why do over 60% of heart attack victims have low cholestrol readings??

In addition talk to people who have been on lipitor or any other statin for a few years there is something missing, they have mental lapses, forget things repeat things i have read studies about mental issues with statin drugs along with the muscle issues.

 

[razztazz]

I, like an earlier poster, resisted taking Lipitor but nothing I did seemed to get my total cholesterol below 200.

Why does it have to be below 200? Becauise "They" say so? what's the risk? Gimme a number.

One explanation I've heard for this is that "normal" cholesterol levels have traditionally been considered to be below 200 (total cholesterol). In fact, around 150 and lower may be the actual safe zone. So there are probably lots of people with cholesterol of, for example, 180 who may not have achieved a low enough level.

What "traditional" cholesterol numbers? What year or decade did they use for "normal traditional" numbers? Fact is, in the old days... (prior to about 30 or so yrs ago) they didnt even care about cholesterol.

I am certainly not an expert. I just have to gather whatever info I can, weigh the risks and make decisions to protect myself as much as possible.

What is your risk of having a heart attack at some pont in your life (you're gonna live another 30-40 yrs, or so? ) and what is the risk of taking a statin everyay till Kingdom come? And The Kingdom will come

And what is your risk of a heat attack with and without stains? You have to know that in order to "risk" taking a drug that is known to kill people.

 

[dumpster56]

The same thing was done two years ago with blood pressure guidelines. I believe they lowered it to 110/70. Anything higher is considered pre-hypertensive. Sooo, out comes the prescription pads for heavily touted meds such as norvasc for everyone.

The same thing has happened with antidepressants. For example, Celexa's patent was running out two years ago and you want to know what the pharmceutical company did? They changed a molecule or two in the original Celexa formula and called it: Lexapro! Of course, Forest Labs stated that "Lexapro" doesn't have the side effects like other SSRI's. Now the Forest Labs has millions, possibly billions of dollars in their medicine pipeline! Pretty ingenious.

I'm with Alex. I'm dubious with these "studies" that come out and lower guidelines for certain conditions. I'm willing to bet for every "study", there's a pharmacuetical company right behind it protecting it's multi-million dollar drug pipeline.

Ah, that felt good. Rant off.

I do take my blood pressure meds though, without my pressure is way too high. And I have been running 10 miles a day for 30+ years!!

 

[cube_rat]

I do take my blood pressure meds though, without my pressure is way too high. And I have been running 10 miles a day for 30+ years!!

Please don't misunderstand my point. I'm not dismissing the need for medications for people who truly have HBP. High blood pressure can kill ya! I'm just pointing out that once the guidelines where lowered to 110/70 (sorry, I don't have the exact number), the sphere of those who were once in the normal zone are now considered "pre-hypertensive" increased expotentially.

 

[dumpster56]

Please don't misunderstand my point. I'm not dismissing the need for medications for people who truly have HBP. High blood pressure can kill ya! I'm just pointing out that once the guidelines where lowered to 110/70 (sorry, I don't have the exact number), the sphere of those who were once in the normal zone are now considered "pre-hypertensive" increased expotentially.

Agreed, I do believe the way we live here in the states is one reason BP is high. Heck everyone of the Physical education teachers in our department of 9 are on BP meds! Maybe working in a stinkin inner city hell hole for almost 30 years has something to do with it. I mentioned that my summer down in my new home in North Carolina and my pressure was even lower than it is with meds than it is now teaching these past two months. I am so glad my last day is dec 22!!

 

[cube_rat]

Yeah, work is tough on the BP. I bet your BP drops after you pull the trigger.

My blood pressure started to climb because of age and, ahem, female hormone stuff and way, way too much daily wine. I haven't had alcohol for 6 months and my blood pressure is running ~100/115 over 60/80. Way down from 140/150 over 90/100.

 

[Khan]

My BP has dropped much since retirement.

 

[Nords]

My BP has dropped much since retirement.

Mine too. 145/90 to 120/70...

 

[wabmester]

So, for those who believe that LDL levels are a scam, what exactly do you think those arterial plaques are made from?

Obviously, LDL doesn't tell the whole story. In fact, you can live quite happily with plaques. It's just that you get hosed when one of the little buggers breaks off....

 

[razztazz]

So, for those who believe that LDL levels are a scam, what exactly do you think those arterial plaques are made from?

Obviously, LDL doesn't tell the whole story. In fact, you can live quite happily with plaques. It's just that you get hosed when one of the little buggers breaks off....

What puts the LDL plaque there in the first place? Not high vs low levels. I don't know that anyone here is arguing that specifically. Cholesterol LEVELS. That is the big scam. Low choesterol people have that same plaque. And simply lowering the ldl levels will not protect against one of them things breaking off.

And how are you lowering your risk by taking statins to lower cholesterol? Since taking stains has never prevented a heart attack or heart disease in otherwise healthy people you are only increasing your risk. Death my medication.

 

[wabmester]

And how are you lowering your risk by taking statins to lower cholesterol?

I believe MRI studies have shown that statins effectively reduce vessel wall thickness and slow or reverse plaque formation. What more do you want from them? Nobody can guarantee that you won't still die from a heart attack even after improving your risk factors.

 

[RockMiner]

I take low dose Lipitor and it takes me down from 200+ to 165 or so...even if there is only a 1 in 10 chance it will prevent a heart attack that seems like a good idea to me, even though there is no such history in the family.

Also take BP meds but since leaving work I feel far less stressed and suspect my 8AM-5PM numbers are significantly better. How do you put a dollar value on that?