DEAR READER:
Niacin is an excellent alternative choice for lowering cholesterol levels. I often recommend patients to start with a relatively low-dose of 250-500 mg daily and then slowly work up to 1000-1500 mg daily, usually in increments of 250 mg. This is primarily to allow the body to become accustomed to the vitamin and reduce the chance of side effects, namely, flushing.

It is important also to have your cholesterol level checked every few months, as well as liver function, to ensure that the medication is working and not causing any damage.

Some individuals are very sensitive to the medication and cannot tolerate it well. For these individuals, I recommend omega-3 oils or flaxseed oil. These do not, to my knowledge, have any side effects but cholesterol testing is still important to determine if the medication is working. If that fails, try combining therapy such as niacin and flaxseed oil daily. This can also reduce the dosage of the niacin leading to a smaller incidence of side effects.

As for red yeast rice, I do not recommend it because it is basically a natural form of the drug Mevacor which is a statin. It is more likely to cause side effects similar to those of other statins, such as muscle/joint pain and liver damage.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Understanding Cholesterol” and “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 (per report) to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure mention the title.

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.