DEAR DR. GOTT: What results can I expect when taking 80 milligrams of Crestor and 1,200 milligrams of gemfibrozil on a daily basis?
DEAR READER: Crestor is a cholesterol-lowering statin drug that reduces low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides, the “bad” cholesterol, while increasing high-density lipoproteins (HDL), the “good” cholesterol. The drug is used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack and to slow the process of atherosclerosis, which is narrowing of the arteries in patients with elevated cholesterol levels.
Side effects can include headache, nausea, constipation, abdominal and joint pain, yellowing of the skin and eyes, hives and more.
Dosing is commonly in the 5- to 40-milligram range taken once daily. The higher dose should be considered only if a lesser amount is found ineffective.
Gemfibrozil, classified as a fibric-acid derivative, works along the same lines in reducing LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol, but is primarily used to lower triglycerides. Similarly, side effects include abdominal pain, indigestion and diarrhea. Less common side effects include blurred vision, depression, fever, chills, an irregular heartbeat, joint pain, headache, bruising, fatigue and still more.
Of significance is a double-blind controlled study of 2,046 patients that found gastrointestinal reactions in 34 percent of the individuals and symptoms of acid indigestion in almost 20 percent of those studied.
Dosing is in the range of 600-milligram range taken orally twice daily, 30 minutes prior to meals.
I am unaware of your total cholesterol reading and its breakdown, nor do I know if other medical issues — primarily cardiac in nature — come in to play here. My guess is the 80 milligrams of Crestor should be more than sufficient, and adding the 1,200 milligrams of gemfibrozil would be the frosting on the cake, so to speak. The combination of both medications increases the risk of muscle pain and leg cramping, but I must defer to your physician or cardiologist who knows your complete history. If the medications were prescribed by the same physician, you might question whether they are both necessary, although it is an acceptable combination for some patients. If two different doctors are involved, you should be sure they both are aware of what the other has ordered.
Readers who would like additional information on the subject can order my Health Report “Understanding Cholesterol” by sending a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order made payable to Peter H. Gott, M.D., and mailed to P.O. Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website’s direct link at www.AskDrGottMD.com/order_form.pdf.
