Lovastatin Update - High Cholesterol Message Board

goldenboys · 08-04-2006, 12:16 PM

Well finally got to see my new doctor and he was shocked I was on lovastatin. Said it was nothing but crap & for me to stop taking it immediately!!! Said the 10mg of zocor I was orginally taking I would have to take 40mg of lovastatin to get the same benefit & that was even doubtful.

Now what shocked me more was when he said he wasn't a fan of statins in general but when its genetic (which mine is) & diet & exercise doesn't help than he believes a "low" dose of a decent statin is in order but he believes that proper diet & exercise is the key for non-genetic high cholesterol. Says wait for my test to come back and we would go from there. I bet statin reps love this guy

gardeninggal · 08-04-2006, 05:15 PM

Wow Goldenboys, I can hardly believe my eyes. Now there is a doctor I would like to call my own. I do agree with him but perhaps I am just someone who can not take Lovastatin without having terrible side effects. I know that after the Lovastatin experience I would not take any statin. I do try to control my cholesterol but with more natural ways and so far it seems to work for me. Glad for you that you have found a doctor who will work with you. Good luck

NHone · 08-04-2006, 11:53 PM

Looks like some doctors are now starting to really read the reports, and not just the conclusions reached and reported by the drug companies. I suspect there will be more like him when the UCSD Statin publishes their final report in December.

Lenin · 08-05-2006, 05:43 AM

goldenboys,

What your doctor was saying is that lovastatin is "crap" because it is too weak... it IS.

He also believes that nobody should take a statin if he can lower his cholesterol to less risky levels by diet...he's right.

HE also implied that those who CANNOT lower their levels with diet and supplements and what have you (he calls these genetically high-cholesterol people) should take statins, and strong statins at that...he's right!

If you were to interpret correctly what he said, it is that he is about to recommend Zocor for you again. The decision, as it is alwways, is then yours.

He should not condemn that 10 mg. Lovastatin dose though UNTIL he has seen whatever results you are getting from it...some people do fairly well with a weak low dose statin...you might be one of them.

goldenboys · 08-05-2006, 05:46 AM

Yep he's a different doctor for sure and I do like him except that he is very conservative. Asked him for a refill of valium which I was taking for bouts of anxiety every now and then but he suggested yoga instead

. Oh well can't have everything.