according to a friend of mine
Medical People: Lipitor vs Zocor (Simvastatin)? Which do you recommend??
by AudeSapere 28 Replies latest jw friends
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FlyingHighNow
I take dose lipitor and have had no problems.
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miseryloveselders
Statins are really just like any other drug class. Amongst Beta Blockers, you've got Metoprolol, Atenolol, Bisiprolol, etc.. There's SSRI's, with Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Citalopram, Sertraline, Lexapro. There's ARBs, with Cozaar(which just went generic), Diovan, Micardis, Avapro etc.. All the drugs in their respective classes work pretty much the same, with the exception of minor formulations and side effects. What I'm saying is, Simvastatin might work for you, or it might cause severe cramps. Pravastatin might work for you, or not. Insurance companies, and physican practices are going to promote different drugs, often based off of what rebate the drug companies are giving them. I wouldn't go too extreme when researching whatever Statin you doc recomends.
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AudeSapere
For those that are also interested, here is link to article on Mayo Clinic website:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol-medications/HB00042
Most cholesterol medications lower cholesterol with few side effects, but effectiveness varies from person to person. If you decide to take cholesterol medication, your doctor may recommend periodic liver function tests to monitor the medication's effect on your liver.
And this article which specifically addresses the Lipitor vs Zocor question (as does a pm that I received from a poster - Thank you!):
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lipitor-and-zocor/AN01722
Both Lipitor and Zocor are safe and effective in lowering cholesterol. However, you can take half the amount of Lipitor as Zocor, with the same results. For example, 10 milligrams (mg) of Lipitor has the same cholesterol-lowering effect as 20 mg of Zocor. It's possible that in people with high cholesterol, Zocor at a higher dose will be just as effective as Lipitor.
And this one which helps weigh Risk vs Benefits of taking Statins:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/statin-side-effects/MY00205
Not everyone who takes a statin will have side effects, but some people may be at a greater risk than are others. Risk factors include:
Taking multiple medications to lower your cholesterol
Being female
Having a smaller body frame
Being age 65 and older
Having kidney or liver disease
Having type 1 or 2 diabetes
Statin side effects may be linked to genetics. More research is needed before a genetic test is widely available to determine if you may have side effects from taking a statin medication.
-Aude.
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new light
I would like to know how much time this doctor spent talking about eating the right foods and exercising more.
Doctors as we know them tend to be nothing more than schills for the pharmaceutical companies. Why bother focusing on the SOURCE of the problem when you can just pop some pills and play WHAC-A-MOLE with side effects for the rest of your life?
Now the doctor has a long term customer who will always have some sort of ailment, whether due to side effects from "miracle drugs" or gross negligence of true health due to this lazy "drugs will do it for me" mentality. Meanwhile, the pill producers take the money and research the next big thing that we "need" to be saved from with chemicals.
I trust doctors to stitch wounds and perform surgeries (assuming they are necessary), but I would never be so foolish as to trust a doctor with my health.
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MsDucky
I had problems taking Lipitor, namely, weakness esp. upper body weakness. I just reread a letter that I got from my doctor a week or two ago. She said to take Niacin 500 mg daily for my elevated cholesterol. I haven't started taking that dose yet. There is some Niacin in a multivitamin that I take; but I'll give the higher dose a try soon.
Just thought you might ask your doctor about that.
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AGuest
some people may be at a greater risk than are others.
Well, since I have three out of those 5 risks (i.e., I'm female, 5'3", and a diabetic), perhaps my risk [of side effect] was higher. Personally, I'd consult with a pharmacist about a drug before I'd consult with a doctor, as mine never gave me any warnings (it was the NP and pharmacist), but did tell me to stop asap. Sooo...
Peace to you all!
A slave of Christ,
SA
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AudeSapere
newlight wrote: I would like to know how much time this doctor spent talking about eating the right foods and exercising more.
Not that you are demanding to know the personal conversations that I've had with my multiple physicians, but I will tell you that this is something that has been discussed for over 25 years. I have worked with dieticians and fitness trainers. My diet is pretty good (although some room for continued improvement) and my exercise level can certainly increase. But it certainly is not just an 'off the cuff' comment and scribble on a prescription pad.
I was like you in the past. Mostly during my JW days and the few years immediately following. Quick to criticize and lump whole groups of indiviiduals into the one big bowl of condemnation. Hyper-critical and cynical when it came to physicians. While many may indeed be too quick to write a prescription, there ARE some out there that look to treat the patient as a whole human and strive to connect on a level that enlightens the patient about cause-and-effect of lifestyle on health. I am fortunate to have found physicians that are wonderful, intelligent, compassionate, talented human beings.
Doctors as we know them tend to be nothing more than schills for the pharmaceutical companies.
If that is your entire experience, I would suggest that you be more discerning in making better decisions in the future.
AGuest - From your prior post, I thought of you when I saw the list of risks.
MsDucky - Thanks for the tip.
-Aude.
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Snoozy
Check out Zocor (statin) Lawsuits..I am awaiting my check..
This is a link to some of the problems of statins.
http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/topics/zocor
Link to raising diabetes risk:
http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/lipitor-zocor-statins-raise-diabetes-risk-8459
Link to muscle damage:
http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/statin-side-effects-linked-to-muscle-damage-4757