cholesterol - High Cholesterol Message Board

robert1943 · 05-12-2009, 06:15 PM

I am taking Liptor 80 mg. will a generic drug be as effective
need to change because of insurance on medicare

rudiraven · 05-13-2009, 09:21 AM

I think 80 mg of Lipitor is way too much. What are your cholesterol numbers? Are you experiencing any side effects like sore muscles, memory problems, etc. What generic is the Dr. putting you on? The dosage may be different with a different statin.

ACE28 · 05-13-2009, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robert1943

I am taking Liptor 80 mg. will a generic drug be as effective
need to change because of insurance on medicare

The only statin drug more effective in lowering cholesterol than Lipitor 80 mg.
is Crestor 40 mg. Crestor is also an expensive drug. There are no generic substitutes currently available more potent than Lipitor. Your doctor may have to contact the Insurance Company to inform them that their is no generic equivalent to 80 mg of Lipitor, and that you cannot be switched because of your dangerous cholesterol levels. I would think that your cholesterol numbers are dangerously high for a doctor to prescribe 80 mg of Lipitor. If they are not, than 80mg appears excessive. The next most potent generic statin available is Zocor/Simvastatin. Maybe it's worth a try anyway.