Anybody knows if there are side effects with this blood colestoral reducing drug? (Atorvastatin)
Been taking for more than a year now.
../azul123
Been taking for more than a year now.
../azul123
Any side effects taking Lipitor?
- Thread starter azul123
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Lipitor belongs to a group of drugs that reduces your "bad Cholesterol" (LDL-C) ,called Statins. It seems to be one of the better tolerated Statins out there. Any side effects depends on individuals and how well they tolerate the statin. Other statins that reduces LDL include Crestor, simvastatin, Vytorin.
Crestor seems to be more powerful than lipitor at reducing cholesterol, but incidence of side effects is higher. Vytorin is more powerful than crestor and even more powerful than Lipitor, but is usually better tolerated than either medication. This is because it has an ingredient that reduces cholesterol uptake from your intestines too.
One of the main side effects, if any, is muscle weakness or fatigue. If you do feel this, pls see your dr as more serious cases could lead to rhapdomyolysis, which is the breaking down of your muscles.
That being said, if you do not take statins to reduce your LDL-C, you will be at risk of cardiovascular problems. Eg BP problems, heart failure, even kidney damage etc
Mainly, do watch your diet and exercise regularly. Do more cardio workouts eg jogging, swimming. Maybe pack all your camera gear and go photoshoots with it etc
Take care!
Crestor seems to be more powerful than lipitor at reducing cholesterol, but incidence of side effects is higher. Vytorin is more powerful than crestor and even more powerful than Lipitor, but is usually better tolerated than either medication. This is because it has an ingredient that reduces cholesterol uptake from your intestines too.
One of the main side effects, if any, is muscle weakness or fatigue. If you do feel this, pls see your dr as more serious cases could lead to rhapdomyolysis, which is the breaking down of your muscles.
That being said, if you do not take statins to reduce your LDL-C, you will be at risk of cardiovascular problems. Eg BP problems, heart failure, even kidney damage etc
Mainly, do watch your diet and exercise regularly. Do more cardio workouts eg jogging, swimming. Maybe pack all your camera gear and go photoshoots with it etc
Take care!
Thanks, appreciate your input... exercise and me don't seem to get along very well, and don't know why I love food which are fatty. I get annoyed if people cook chicken with the skin removed.midicity said:Lipitor belongs to a group of drugs that reduces your "bad Cholesterol" (LDL-C) ,called Statins. It seems to be one of the better tolerated Statins out there. Any side effects depends on individuals and how well they tolerate the statin. Other statins that reduces LDL include Crestor, simvastatin, Vytorin.
Crestor seems to be more powerful than lipitor at reducing cholesterol, but incidence of side effects is higher. Vytorin is more powerful than crestor and even more powerful than Lipitor, but is usually better tolerated than either medication. This is because it has an ingredient that reduces cholesterol uptake from your intestines too.
One of the main side effects, if any, is muscle weakness or fatigue. If you do feel this, pls see your dr as more serious cases could lead to rhapdomyolysis, which is the breaking down of your muscles.
That being said, if you do not take statins to reduce your LDL-C, you will be at risk of cardiovascular problems. Eg BP problems, heart failure, even kidney damage etc
Mainly, do watch your diet and exercise regularly. Do more cardio workouts eg jogging, swimming. Maybe pack all your camera gear and go photoshoots with it etc
Take care!
Been taking Lipitor 10mg daily since 18months ago but no exercise, so far I can't tell if it is working or not, my first check-up the LDL-C couldn't even get a reading and Triglycerides was 430mg/dl (normal is <130mg/dl) more than double. Early 2005 went for another check-up and it's better results showing LDL-C at 128mg/dl and Triglycerides is 330mg/dl.
Now, I am thinking that since I got my LDL-C down to correct level, any drug to take to reduce Triglycerides? I will visit the doctor soon but wants to know what drugs are out there to control Triglycerides, some doctors you know lah pushing particular drugs only, but I want to know what they gave me and ask questions about other drugs if there are better ones.
Appreciate any help. :thumbsup:
../azul123
Test results came back with better results year on year, looks like Lipitor works on me :sweat:
Total cholesterol 182, desirable is < 200mg/dL (pass)
Triglycerides 249 (from previous 330), optimal is < 150mg/dL (still need to reduce)
HDL cholesterol 39, desirable is > 40mg/dL (this is where exercise is needed) :sweat:
LDL cholesterol 93, optimal is < 100md/dL (pass)
Total cholesterol/HDL ratio is 4.67 need to be < 4.5 but quite close.
Guys, when you are above 40, it is good to check your health yearly, you'll never know what's been building up over the years, at least be on constant radar and screen your health situation before anything serious develops.
../azul123
Total cholesterol 182, desirable is < 200mg/dL (pass)
Triglycerides 249 (from previous 330), optimal is < 150mg/dL (still need to reduce)
HDL cholesterol 39, desirable is > 40mg/dL (this is where exercise is needed) :sweat:
LDL cholesterol 93, optimal is < 100md/dL (pass)
Total cholesterol/HDL ratio is 4.67 need to be < 4.5 but quite close.
Message to self:
Looking good Zul, hehehehe... don't be too happy need to improve more.
Guys, when you are above 40, it is good to check your health yearly, you'll never know what's been building up over the years, at least be on constant radar and screen your health situation before anything serious develops.
../azul123
I have been having high cholestrol for the past few years and have been seeing my specialist once every few months. I am on Zocco and another drug, Ezetrol (to be taken in the morning), added last year. Now my cholestrol level is normal and my medical appointment is reduced to once a year with half-yearly visits to the hospital to collect my medicine, including Novasc for my mild high blood.
What was it that cause your high blood cholesterol? did you find out?
My problem was I think because of my diet of cockels :nono: . I used to eat 2 kilos at one seating and regularly too (probably once a month). Boiled, pop it open and eat with chilli-garlic sauce. I did this regularly once a month and over the years it had cause me some damage.
I have not touched it for more than 3 years now, oh well...
../azul123
I think it is partly due to hereditary. Both my parents had high cholestrol and high blood pressure. The other aspect is my food intake. I used to take a lot of red meat since young and durians too. Once, during my medical appt, my cholestrol level was found to have shot sky high. After seeing the dietician, it was discovered that it was due to my fond habit of eating durians. Prior to that medical appointment, I had durians everyday for 2 weeks. Though I love durians, now I can't have it as my wife watches me like a hawk.
Hi Bro,
just fyi there are drugs around that are capable of lowering your high lipids. However, they come with their own set of side effects as well. Thus, your doctor may want you to try changing your lifestyle (i.e. more exercise, better diet!) before giving you another drug. And since your triglys are on a downward trend you may be asked to monitor maybe for another short period of time while asking you to improve your daily habits. But it really depends on the opinions on the doctor treating you based on your individual case and other medical problems if any.
On your side, you can try eating more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon or tuna. They may help reduce the levels as well. And if you don't want to exercise maybe you can pack all your big lenses and huge tripods to walk around. Confirm get good workout
with regards to docs pushing "branded" drugs, sometimes these are done for good reason. although they cost more, they may have certain specific benefits such as fewer side effects or better efficacy, differing from drug to drug. but many of these type of drugs are available in cheaper "brandless" aka generic forms, and for many people may work just as well. so if you are hesitant on starting a "branded" drug which costs (a lot) more, maybe you can ask your doctor if it is suitable for you to try a generic version. i am not so sure about GP side but most polyclinics try to prescribe generics whenever possible and only prescribe brand name drugs when the patient has certain side effects or the generics don't work as well.
hope this helps
I don't mean to undermine the advice which the others have left but I would seriously consider talking to a GP about your queries. You can never go wrong with being careful about your health.
Thanks for your insights. Exercising I guess is the best way for me although I hate to break a sweat.Hi Bro,
just fyi there are drugs around that are capable of lowering your high lipids. However, they come with their own set of side effects as well. Thus, your doctor may want you to try changing your lifestyle (i.e. more exercise, better diet!) before giving you another drug. And since your triglys are on a downward trend you may be asked to monitor maybe for another short period of time while asking you to improve your daily habits. But it really depends on the opinions on the doctor treating you based on your individual case and other medical problems if any.
On your side, you can try eating more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon or tuna. They may help reduce the levels as well. And if you don't want to exercise maybe you can pack all your big lenses and huge tripods to walk around. Confirm get good workout
with regards to docs pushing "branded" drugs, sometimes these are done for good reason. although they cost more, they may have certain specific benefits such as fewer side effects or better efficacy, differing from drug to drug. but many of these type of drugs are available in cheaper "brandless" aka generic forms, and for many people may work just as well. so if you are hesitant on starting a "branded" drug which costs (a lot) more, maybe you can ask your doctor if it is suitable for you to try a generic version. i am not so sure about GP side but most polyclinics try to prescribe generics whenever possible and only prescribe brand name drugs when the patient has certain side effects or the generics don't work as well.
hope this helps
I have never used '3rd party' drugs in fact Lipitor is branded under Pfizer and not cheap. I was concerned that the doctor may want me to switch to other drugs if my condition wasn't improving. Sometimes, it becomes a commercial thing you know... not that I don't trust my doctor but I want to know what options I have so I don't get blind-sided.
If I am well informed, I can question the doctor why not this drug versus another drug etc.. etc.. but indeed it is something I have learnt, the doctor is sometimes just guessing and it is not easy to diagnose a patient just by asking a few questions.
../azul123
Indeed good advice, I am already seeing a specialist, this is just to make sure that I question his decision so he knows that I don't want to be treated as just another patient, we cannot trust doctors entirely with our medical, the only one you can depend upon is yourself and be informed and research yourself, only you know your habits better than anyone else (next best person of course is your wife lah).I don't mean to undermine the advice which the others have left but I would seriously consider talking to a GP about your queries. You can never go wrong with being careful about your health.
I concur, consulting a specialist is the right way and also research and understand the condition is as important.
../azul123
Azul,
Lipitor is a branded drug and is still covered within Pfizer's patency, thus, there is no generic lipitor available legally in Singapore now.
To reduce TG, you might need to take another fibrate, namely a fibrate. It also helps to reduce cholesterol slightly. Think a famous one would be Lipanthyl by Fournier
Redstorm, since you're taking zocor and ezetrol, you should speak to your dr about taking Vytorin, which is a combination of zocor and ezetrol. The total cost could be cheaper than taking them separate.
Lipitor is a branded drug and is still covered within Pfizer's patency, thus, there is no generic lipitor available legally in Singapore now.
To reduce TG, you might need to take another fibrate, namely a fibrate. It also helps to reduce cholesterol slightly. Think a famous one would be Lipanthyl by Fournier
Redstorm, since you're taking zocor and ezetrol, you should speak to your dr about taking Vytorin, which is a combination of zocor and ezetrol. The total cost could be cheaper than taking them separate.
Yes I am taking Lipitor from Pfizer, it sure looks like it is working for me and I am continually taking it till my next medical.
../azul123
../azul123
Good evening folks.
My very first post though I have been trolling for months. Especially enjoy threads in Kopitiam. The Uniquely Singaporean! is so funny.
I have been on Statins for about 5 years now. Started with 30mg, now down to 10mg. For most of us on these drugs the cuplrit is our liver - producing up to 80% of blood cholesterol.
None of my family members have cholesterol problems so my liver must be doing a mickey on me. And here I am a regular rugby and soccer player and work out at the gym
Even if you don't exercise a change in diet is important. Only animal products contain cholesterol so need to cut back on that. No late meals so the food has a chance to burn out. Lots of cereals, vegetables and fruits. Fiber in your diet removes cholesterol, sort of like brushing your inards off the sticky stuff. Try it for a few months Azul and you'd be surprised at the change. I am in my mid 40s and now my total cholesterol level is below 200 (my doctor is slowly weaning me off the Lipitor) with normal blood pressure.
Contrary to popular belief shellfish are not as bad as they are made out to be. The body produces cholesterol from saturated fats and dietary cholesterol does not necessarily become cholesterol in the blood. The cause of high blood cholesterol is in other words not a diet high in cholesterol but a diet high in saturated fats, which the body itself then turns into cholesterol in the blood. Shellfish are low in fat and contain lots of vitamins and minerals.
FOOD
AMOUNT
CHOLESTEROL (mg)
Liver, chicken
3.5 ounces (100 grams)
555
Egg
1
215
Shrimp
3.5 ounces
147
Crab
3.5 ounces
127
Cheese, cheddar
3.5 ounces
105
Lobster
3.5 ounces
95
Pork
3.5 ounces
62
Beef, lean
3.5 ounces
60
Chicken, breast (skinless)
3.5 ounces
58
Oysters
3.5 ounces
47
Flounder
3.5 ounces
46
Scallops
3.5 ounces
45
Ice cream
1 cup
40
Butter
1 tablespoon
35
Clams
3.5 ounces
31
Milk, whole fat
1 cup
14
Milk, 2% fat
1 cup
9
Margarine
1 tablespoon
0
Egg white cooked
1
0
Most important don't worry, you still get to get up in the mornings
Cheers and stay well.
My very first post though I have been trolling for months. Especially enjoy threads in Kopitiam. The Uniquely Singaporean! is so funny.
I have been on Statins for about 5 years now. Started with 30mg, now down to 10mg. For most of us on these drugs the cuplrit is our liver - producing up to 80% of blood cholesterol.
None of my family members have cholesterol problems so my liver must be doing a mickey on me. And here I am a regular rugby and soccer player and work out at the gym
Even if you don't exercise a change in diet is important. Only animal products contain cholesterol so need to cut back on that. No late meals so the food has a chance to burn out. Lots of cereals, vegetables and fruits. Fiber in your diet removes cholesterol, sort of like brushing your inards off the sticky stuff. Try it for a few months Azul and you'd be surprised at the change. I am in my mid 40s and now my total cholesterol level is below 200 (my doctor is slowly weaning me off the Lipitor) with normal blood pressure.
Contrary to popular belief shellfish are not as bad as they are made out to be. The body produces cholesterol from saturated fats and dietary cholesterol does not necessarily become cholesterol in the blood. The cause of high blood cholesterol is in other words not a diet high in cholesterol but a diet high in saturated fats, which the body itself then turns into cholesterol in the blood. Shellfish are low in fat and contain lots of vitamins and minerals.
FOOD
AMOUNT
CHOLESTEROL (mg)
Liver, chicken
3.5 ounces (100 grams)
555
Egg
1
215
Shrimp
3.5 ounces
147
Crab
3.5 ounces
127
Cheese, cheddar
3.5 ounces
105
Lobster
3.5 ounces
95
Pork
3.5 ounces
62
Beef, lean
3.5 ounces
60
Chicken, breast (skinless)
3.5 ounces
58
Oysters
3.5 ounces
47
Flounder
3.5 ounces
46
Scallops
3.5 ounces
45
Ice cream
1 cup
40
Butter
1 tablespoon
35
Clams
3.5 ounces
31
Milk, whole fat
1 cup
14
Milk, 2% fat
1 cup
9
Margarine
1 tablespoon
0
Egg white cooked
1
0
Most important don't worry, you still get to get up in the mornings
Cheers and stay well.
I don't mean to undermine the advice which the others have left but I would seriously consider talking to a GP about your queries. You can never go wrong with being careful about your health.
Absolutely. There are alot of docs floating ard on CS, but it won't be professional and ethical to give anything other than general advice without a full understanding of the patient.
Azul, agree that sometimes docs may not be absolutely certain all the time, specialist or not. the nature of such health problems like diabetes and high cholesterol is that different people respond to different treatment in varied ways. thus, the importance of keeping your scheduled appointments so that he can evaluate the effect of treatment. like if you take a picture, if overexposed, check the metering and adjust accordingly.
hope i have not given you the wrong impression with "3rd party drugs". hehe ;p . i liken them to toyota compared to mercedes. for most people, both cars can get from point A to point B. but some people if they need more power, or if always langa head on toyota roof, they need to get mercedes. in this day and age, the patient is also a customer, fortunately or unfortunately depending on how you see it. the most important bit is that you have the right and you should question any drug recommendations. why drive a mercedes from the start when a toyota would do? or you can always test drive a toyota first and if cannot then get merc.
btw i totally understand your cholesterol problem. i'm not even 30, run marathons, try to maintain a healthy diet, and have the benefit of medical knowledge. yet because of genetics, i still have high cholesterol. its hard, but for the sake of the people depending on us, we have to try to stay as healthy as possible.
Firstly, welcome to Clubsnap. Glad that you chose this thread to make your first posting.
I will try that, yes... more fibre doesn't hurt.
../azul123
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