DEAR DR. GOTT:
What are statins and how do I know if the pills I take are statins? What are they for and what are the side effects?
DEAR READER:
Statin drugs are effective in lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart attack and death in patients with known coronary artery disease. Lipitor (atorvastatin), Lescol (fluvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin), Zocor (simvastatin), and Crestor (rosuvastatin) fall into the statin category. If you are on any of these medications, you are taking a statin.
The most common side effects are elevated liver enzymes and leg cramping. If you are on a statin, your doctor should schedule periodic laboratory testing to determine if your levels are within normal limits. If the cholesterol level remains high despite the medication or the liver enzymes start to rise to dangerous levels, he or she will likely make a determination to change to another drug that will be more effective.
I don’t wish to be offensive but it is just plain foolish to be taking any drug without knowing what it is, why you’re taking it and how long. It is also important to know if it should be taken with food or on an empty stomach, if there is an equally effective yet cheaper generic brand and what the consequences might be if you miss a dose. Because statin drugs can have serious side effects, it is often necessary to undergo a trial period of two or three weeks to determine if you can tolerate it. Diet modifications must be made before any cholesterol-lowering medication is prescribed. A low fat, low salt diet may even eliminate the need for statins and should be continued once you have been diagnosed with elevated cholesterol levels.
I urge you return to your primary care physician with a list of questions. Take a spouse, relative or friend with you if you wish. Two heads are often better than one when it comes to remembering important information. You owe it to yourself to be an informed consumer and your doctor owes it to you to explain why he or she is recommending you subject your body to medication.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Consumer Tips on Medicines”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped, number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott