Concerned with questions.......

reijo · 05-05-2005, 12:19 PM

I have been reading many of the threads posted by others on this board and I have to admit that I am more concerned that ever about taking statins. I asked about whether I would have to be on these drugs the rest of my life and was told yes. His nurse said (once I told her of my concerns) that it boils down to a choice.....the possibility of having a heart attack or taking the drug and most likely having absolutely no problems. I haven't been able to determine yet how long these drugs have been given to people in order to know long term effects, does anyone know? Is it possible that you can go to a lower dosage once your cholesterol is under control? I am taking 10 mg. of Lipitor and when my doctor looked at my chart and the last bloodwork he said that once my bloodwork was done that maybe only 1/2 of a pill work work. I was just wondering whether or not this could still work.

I'm trying to get all of my questions together to ask him when I go back to him the middle of this month. I've only been on Lipitor since about 4/13.

I hear so much about muscle aches but as you get older you have them anyway. I have a lot of aches before going on the drug, I don't know how I'll know whether the problem is just getting older or taking the medicine. What happens if you continue taking it when you are having the aches? I guess I'm just asking whether it causes further problems.

I know I'll have other questions but can't think of them now. I've tried to do some research but this board is about the best place I've found BUT it sounds as if practically everyone is suggesting to not take them. I'm not sure how my Doc will react if I choose to go this route, maybe I shouldn't be worried about that. It's really hard to know what to do.

Thanks for any advice.

MALMAN · 05-05-2005, 03:10 PM

Ask him if he ever heard of statins inducing peripheral neuropathy?

If he says no- find a new doctor!!

HubbleRules · 05-05-2005, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reijo

Is it possible that you can go to a lower dosage once your cholesterol is under control? I am taking 10 mg. of Lipitor and when my doctor looked at my chart and the last bloodwork he said that once my bloodwork was done that maybe only 1/2 of a pill work work. I was just wondering whether or not this could still work.

I hear so much about muscle aches but as you get older you have them anyway. I have a lot of aches before going on the drug, I don't know how I'll know whether the problem is just getting older or taking the medicine. What happens if you continue taking it when you are having the aches? I guess I'm just asking whether it causes further problems.

I've tried to do some research but this board is about the best place I've found BUT it sounds as if practically everyone is suggesting to not take them. .

Reijo,

To put things in perspective: most people do NOT experience side-effects from statins. If you read this board, you will find that many (including me) who think the side-effects are hushed-up and under-reported (I think they're closer to 10% than the 0.2 percent claimed by the pharmaceuticals), but even if they were accurately reported, statistics would show most people tolerate the statins.

People post the side-effects they've run into on this site, because it is one of the few places you have to go to warn people of how debilitating those effects can be. You will NOT hear this information from your doctor - they don't care, and don't have time to worry about things like drug-induced damage (being cynical here!!!).

I would strive for the lowest dose of Lipitor that gave me good results if I were you, and try diet and other lifestyle changes to help you get to a lower dose.

As far as the muscle-aches/pains go, believe me, if you experience them, they are NOTHING like the aches and pains we all get as we age. These problems are in another league altogether - they are usually much more severe, and go away very slowly if at all. You should take CoQ10 (50 - 100mg/day) while you are on Lipitor - this will help minimize any chance of muscle problems. You should still be on the lookout for any sudden, unexplained muscle-aches, weakness, tingling sensations. The reason I stress this so much, is that the damage continues as long as you're on the statin. Some people have had neuropathies for years with no improvement. It's far better to stop the statins when you first notice the side-effect to see if it goes away, than to stay on the statin until serious damage is done.

HubbleRules

JacquelineL · 05-05-2005, 04:12 PM

I think you will find that 1/2 dose of Lipitor will give you nearly the same result as the full dose. That extra 5 mg will only give you a few percentage drop in cholesterol. I cut my statin in half and never saw a difference.

JJ · 05-05-2005, 04:33 PM

reijo....If your dr. thinks after your next test maybe U can go on a lower dose, then at least he/she is trying to keep U on as less as possible. Do U know exactly what your numbers were before going on the meds., and did your dr. offer a chance for U to lower them with diet and exercise first?

I was put on 10mgs. of Lipitor and within 3 weeks my numbers really got low, but that dr. never offered to lower the dose. I think maybe if he had, I might have been able to tolerate them? Within 4 months I got sick on the meds. so they switched me to Baycol, and that really did a number on me, so I just tossed them and the dr. I am very drug sensative, so now I won't take anything, but do know many folks on Lipitor who do well. Just be cautious while taking them, and if U experience weird pains or weakness, tell the dr. Maybe U can have a good heart to heart talk and explain your concerns. Any good dr. will try to work with you, so give it a try.

Wishing U the best.....