Reviews about Cholesterol Medicine

itdawn69 says "Having problems controling that cholesterol well not any more." about WelChol Welchol tablet 625mg

itdawn69 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:34:44 GMT

My husband has had high cholesterol for well over thirty years. We have changed his eating habbits and still he has high cholesterol. He has been on many so called controler medication with no luck of lower his cholesterol. Then about two years ago my doctor recommended he try Welchol. This medication stays in the stomac and keeps cholesterol from building up. I thought this may help my husband so lets give it a try.

My husband takes three tables every morning and three at night. That is right six pills in total and they are not small pills. They have no flavor at all. The size does present a problem every now and then when they go down wrong. Thank goodness this doesn't happen often. Each pill is 625 mg. each. My husband also took another cholesterol mendication as well.

His first blood test after being on the medication showed a signifigant lower cholesterol count. The second blood test took one year later showed low cholesterol instead of high. It was at this time he was taken off the...

...

lorihall2861 says "Made my heart skip!" about Zocor Simvastatin: Zocor by any other name

lorihall2861 — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:58:31 GMT

I was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat in 2004 and placed on medication that controls it. I was diagnosed with high cholesterol in May of 2008, started taking Simvastatin and 3 days later was in the emergency room having to undergo surgery to have my gall bladder out. Could have been coincidence but was real leary about taking it again. Once I recovered from surgery, I went back on Simvastatin and ended up with more complications. This time my heart began to beat even more irregular than normal, even on my regular heart medication.

I called my primary physician since her office was the one that put me on this medication, scheduled an appointment, and began to try to diagnose what was causing the problem. I thought about getting more sleep, watching caffeine, eliminating stress, but I was already doing this. I thought about the Simvastatin and decided to go off of it. I saw my primary physician the same day and she referred me to my cardiologist. By the time I went to my cardiologist,...

...

pinkbrigade says "what are you waiting on? Lipitor works!" about Lipitor Atorvastatin Calcium

pinkbrigade — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:34:49 GMT

Lipitor...me? For over twenty years I dealt with the dreaded blood work from my annual exam. I always knew that my cholesterol would be high- it runs in the family. So I just told myself, eat well for a couple of days before the appointment and it won't be as bad as it could be. Then when the doctor asks, tell him that I will work on my diet. So for those twenty years I continued on this pattern, often changing doctors every few years, probably because I knew deep down that they couldn't "catch up" with the cholesterol problem that way. Well, needless to say nothing worked- it was better some years than others, but still way to high. Then I hit 50. Ouch. And I realized how many decades I had spent fooling myself. So when I went to that dreaded blood-work review appointment I held my head high and stated "I have tried all the special diets for years and nothing has worked. I think it's time to try something else". Wow- was that really me speaking? ...

...

fransica says "lipitor the medicine to cause you pain" about Lipitor Atorvastatin Calcium

fransica — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:27:18 GMT

The medicine Lipitor does have a great advantage because it works. My complaint is that after two to three weeks after taking this I was in severe pain. I hurt from my neck down to my feet to the point that getting out of bed was to difficult. Before realizing it was the medicine causing the problems I even went to the chropractorfor my back being out. He said alot of people come to him because of this medicine. My cousin who is also my pharmacist came to see me and seen the pain I was in told me to stop taking as soon as possible that several of her customers had the same symptoms just not as severe. My grandmother when taking this had leg cramps so bad that walking was to difficult. If the side effect is causing you pain then do not take but if you are experiencing no pain then keep taking it because it does work for others everybody is different. I learned to read all side effect warnings.

...

bobbi43 says "lipitor-serious reaction" about Lipitor Atorvastatin Calcium

bobbi43 — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:18:36 GMT

Lipitor 20m, cholesterol lowing statin drug. I took Lipitor for about 5 years. It did lower my cholesterol levels to under 200 and trigliserides by about have, I started getting cramps in my legs during the 4th year. My blood tests all came back fine and the doctor attributed the cramps to syatica. I awoke one morning in the 5th year and could hardly move. I could not bend over without being in severe pain, Lifting my arms became a problem. I was progressivly getting worse day by day. My daughter, a nurse, told me tostop the lipitor. I took her advise and slowly found myself felling normal again. I have not taken this drug in over a year and feeling no more reactions to it. I now take an over the counter supplement. (red yeast rice.)

...

Rachel2697 says "This medicine changed my life for the better" about Lipitor Atorvastatin Calcium

Rachel2697 — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:15:42 GMT

My family has a history of high cholesterol. Mine was clocking in 316. My doctor was pretty unhappy with that! So, he prescribed Lipitor for me about three years ago. The results? My cholesterol numbers using Lipitor dramatically dropped from 316 to 189 and have remained there ever since! I can still eat cheese, but I do have to watch the quantity. If it weren't for Lipitor, I'm sure I was heading for a heart attack or stroke (both conditions also run in my family). Lipitor, in addition to bringing down bad cholesterol has the added benefits of helping to prevent heart attack! So, if you receive bad numbers when you have your bloodwork done, make sure to ask your doctor if Lipitor would work for you. It has the highest recommendation of all the cholesterol medicines out there and I can certainly understand why that is!

I can't say enough good things about this medication. Way to go, Lipitor!

...

AnnHaugen says "Crestor has made a difference in my Cholesterol numbers." about Crestor

AnnHaugen — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:07:55 GMT

Crestor has made a difference in my cholesterol numbers. AstraZeneca also has a great cholesterol management program that raises awareness of things in addition to medicine that help lower cholesterol -- such as diet and exercise. My favorites were the recipies, food alternatives and and elastic exercise rope. My medical condition will probably never improve enough to be able to stop taking cholerestol medicine, but my doctor recently said that my cholesterol was 'perfect' and I passed the stress test with flying colors. I have not experienced any side effects with Crestor as I did with another statin drug. Since there is no generic equivalent for Crestor, I pay a higher co-pay. (AstraZeneca also as part of their cholesterol management program also has a coupon card that reduces the co-pay for me.) In effect, as far as Crestor is concerned, I am a happy camper! I am giving 4-stars because I am currently on COBRA, and am quite concerned about what will happen if that program ends...

...

Viper9 says "Have to eat right and take your medicine." about Lipitor Atorvastatin Calcium

Viper9 — Sat, 02 May 2009 12:20:02 GMT

Lipitor 40 mg medication is the one that the Doctors have prescribed for me to lower my cholesterol to acceptable levels. This medication also helps me in my fight with Diabetes control as my last rate was 6.1, seems the older I get the more these numbers seem to increase. My waist has suddenly started to increase as well, so I am out walking around a lot more, increased my walking around at work even though it is an all concrete work room floor full of operational equipment. Lipitor was prescribed to me over 10 years ago from Zorcor, Lipitor is doing a very good job of keeping my cholesterol levels below 190. The last cholesterol check in February 09 I was at 145 taking this medicine but once a day. The last 3 months I have cut the pill in half and have been taking it in smaller doses as it has worked for me so well. With the walking and losing some 20 pounds since the first of the year, I should be well on my way in taking less as there is less of me that needs this medication. Just my...

...

ladyhighhat says "After taking Lipitor my cholesterol dropped from 202 to 132." about Lipitor Atorvastatin Calcium

ladyhighhat — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:10:58 GMT

I was put on Lipitor after it was found that I had an 85% blockage in an artery in my heart. My cholesterol was 202. After taking Lipitor for six months it has dropped to 132. This is acceptable according to my doctor. I was so glad that it was something good for a change. I want to have more time to spend with my family. I am diabetic and it is real important that I watch my cholesterol. Lipitor helps me have one less thing to worry about. I would suggest that you talk to your doctor to see if it is something that you might benefit from.

...

mustangcarol says "Hated Lipitor because of muscle side effects." about Lipitor Atorvastatin Calcium

mustangcarol — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:06:28 GMT

I took Lipitor 10mg for elevated cholesterol (so did my husband). After being on the drug for almost two years and having severe muscle aches and leg cramps we both decided to discontinue using this drug. We watched our fat intake and our cholesterol levels did come down to almost normal levels. What we both noticed almost immediately was that the muscle stuffness and the cramps stopped. During the night the calf "charlie horse" stopped and the severe aches subsided. I will never go on this medication again. I have tried the Simvistatin 10mg with minimal side effects and also with good results for my cholesterol. I have also added 1,000mg of fish oil per day to my diet and supplement in-take and this has also helped with the cholesterol levels with no bad side effects. My cholesterol increased level is due to heredity and not my overall diet...........and I will never take Lipitor again!

...

Fujimo says "Lipitor is a dangerous drug" about Lipitor Atorvastatin Calcium

Fujimo — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:11:58 GMT

I took lipitor for several years. As a person who suffers from exceedingly high cholesterol (350's) I thought my only option was a statin drug, as diet and exercise did not make a dent in my levels. I had several side effects from this drug, including wieght gain and muscle pain. Fineally I found a doctor who worked with me to lower my level naturally.Every day I take several vitamins and supplements and my cholesterol levels are a lot better. These include red yeast rice, niacin (flush free) and CoQ10.

...

finsnskins says "Lipitor lowered my overall cholesterol and improved the bad." about Lipitor Atorvastatin Calcium

finsnskins — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:04:56 GMT

I started taking Lipitor a couple of years ago after a CBC showed that my overall cholesterol was pretty high, and my bad cholesterol, I forget which it is, LDL or HDL was especially high. Also, although not specifically made for it, my triglicerides were through the roof due to my poor eating habits, which consisted mostly of sweets. I have Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome and Fibromyalgia and it has progressed over the past 33 years to where I can seldom get out of bed, cook for myself, or do any exercises. Except for occasionally being able to get out of the house to go out to dinner, I mostly eat t.v. dinners, cookies, puddings, and, unfortunately a lot of candy. So I started on Lipitor and by my first blood check up, I was in the normal range for cholesterol overall and had elevated my bad cholesterol, but the biggest surprise to me was that my triglicerides were actually within normal range, despite not changing my terrible diet. I had no side effects, so I considered...

...

Suzian says "Crestor is saving my life!" about Crestor

Suzian — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:38:05 GMT

In July 2007 I underwent open heart surgery consisting of five bypasses. I am a 38 year old mother of two with a genetic condition called hypercholesterolemia. My body produces too much cholesterol no matter what kind of diet I stick to. Through the years, I have watched my family go through numerous heart surgeries and deaths because there was no medication on the market designed to combat the genetic scope of high cholesterol. After my surgery, I was put on 20 mgs. of Crestor a day, with absolutely amazing results! My total cholesterol, which had ALWAYS been over 400, has now come down to an acceptable range (below 200). Thank you Crestor! Hopefully, I will live a long happy life with the help of Crestor! ...

philster001 says "Put Me in the Hospital" about Zocor Simvastatin: Zocor by any other name

philster001 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:46:17 GMT

I was taking this medicine and began to get muscle aches. It ended up giving me rhadomyolysis. It attacked my heart and made me feel like I was having a heart attack. This was over two years ago and my heart blood levels are still not where they should be. Be careful with this medicine....

jdo says "Zocor has unpleasant side effects" about Zocor Simvastatin: Zocor by any other name

jdo — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:17:32 GMT

I tried Zocor since Lipitor is so expensive. After taking it for 6 weeks, I started noticing that I was seriously bloated, had muscle pains, and a general feeling of yuck. I stopped the Zocor and after one day I felt amazingly better. I'll be taking Lipitor again......

RudiXeno says "Simvastatin: Generic for Zocor" about Zocor Simvastatin: Zocor by any other name

RudiXeno — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:31:45 GMT

Following some major heart surgery eight years ago, my cardiologist prescribed Zocor to control my high cholesterol. I started taking it (40mg) and predictably my cholesterol levels plummeted. So did my triglycerides. And to complete the tri-fecta, my good cholesterol was boosted nicely.

The monthly cost for this medication? Well at the time it was about $165/month. Ouch!

Life Plays Cruel Jokes

I was pretty young to need a complete overhaul of all of my coronary arteries. But, my cardiologist, after performing an angiogram said that there wasn't an artery left that wasn't seriously blocked. He said that cholesterol had left so much plaque in my arteries that surgery was my only alternative and that afterward I'd be given drugs to control my cholesterol.

The funny thing was that all my life I was attentive to heart health. Most of my male uncles died in their 40's from heart disease. Knowing this, I consulted a famous cardiologist in NY at the age of 25 or so.

After taking...

...

RudiXeno says "Vytorin: You did see this coming didn't you?" about Vytorin

RudiXeno — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:45:23 GMT

I've taken cholesterol lowering medication for years, Zocor to be specific. So, imagine my delight when last year, June I think, Merck's patent on this medication expired. Suddenly, the 40mg dose I was taking would no longer cost almost $150 a month, but rather the lowly sum of $4. Generics were available.

Oddly enough the manufacturer of the first generic was in fact Merck! Seems they could sell this stuff for almost 40 times less and still make a profit. (Picture in your mind a crack dealer wearing a suit).

Ah, but in the wings, Merck was in partnership to produce a new and improved medication, Vytorin, a combination of Zocor and Zetia. Patent protected, interestingly it was going to cost about $150 a month.

Suddenly, the TV was broadcasting the merits of this new wonder drug. It not only protected you from the cholesterol in your diet but the cholesterol you inherited from your no good relatives. I'm sure you saw these commercials. Something seemed wrong. So I did what I do. Research....

...

amahlyn says "easy to take, no side effects, works well" about Lipitor Atorvastatin Calcium

amahlyn — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:22:34 GMT

lipitor is a proven medication for treating high chlolesterol. I have tried other meds. none have worked as well and all had side effects. Insurance companies should not require physicians to go through hoops to keep a patient on a medication theat is side effect free and working for said patient....

idnor says "Do lots of research before taking this medication." about Lipitor Atorvastatin Calcium

idnor — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:46:37 GMT

My husband had been taking lipitor for a few months after open heart surgery. He doesn't even have high cholesterol. He is now having testing done for liver problems which is a side effect of lipitor. Please do research before you jump in and just take the medication your doctor prescribes....

paulotus says "This stuff is evil" about advicor

paulotus — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 06:17:32 GMT

This Stuff is evil at least it was for me......causes unbearable flushing ...turned me red as a fire engine and made me want to get out of my skin.The doctors advise was to not drink alcahol or spicey food...this worked for awhile but not for long...It became a roll of the dice every day i took it will I be able to function or be turned red. It did make my readings better mainly increased my good cholesteral.....But watching what I ate had the same affect....quit the drug took nothing and my numbers were basically the same. It is the niacin in here that is evil..Dont take this drug....