Lipitor Kills

[JaneV2.0]

Good point, Creaker. I think the risks have been known all along but ignored or not reported. Baycol was yanked from the market in 2001 for causing fatal muscle deterioration, and Crestor is the subject of lawsuits for similar reasons.

[ApatheticNoMore]

Only the warnings aren't just going on Lipitor, they are going on a whole bunch of cholesterol lowering drugs. I dont' know how many of these are still under patent.

The products include: Lipitor (atorvastatin), Lescol (fluvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), Altoprev (lovastatin extended-release), Livalo (pitavastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin), Crestor (rosuvastatin), and Zocor (simvastatin). Combination products include: Advicor (lovastatin/niacin extended-release), Simcor (simvastatin/niacin extended-release), and Vytorin (simvastatin/ezetimibe).

"Lipitor, which became available late last year in generic form as atorvastatin, is the world's all-time biggest selling prescription medicine with cumulative sales in excess of $130 billion. As a class, statins have helped enrich the world's largest drugmakers, but most of the major brands are now prescribed as far cheaper generic medicines."

[pony mom]

My dad takes Lipitor and there are some definite memory related side effects. He's very stubborn though, and after two open heart surgeries, a pacemaker and daily Coumadin, he's still eating whatever he wants and watching tv all day. He won't change his ways, or even drink more water (which could help his brain) no matter how much my mom and I suggest it. So, whatever happens, happens. So far there's been a procedure or surgery or drug for whatever health problems he's had so he just thinks it can all be magically fixed.

A truly grumpy old man.

[JaneV2.0]

One of my favorite blogs currently addresses just this issue:http://www.fathead-movie.com/

[Wildflower]

Thanks for the tips Wildflower. I will maybe get my mom some fish oil (dont' take it myself because I eat lots of fish), and tell her to avoid bad carbs (yesterday I shared some lemon tart, but I'll stop, it's not like I eat that that often myself, no more of that). I actually think at this point there may be more evidence showing fish oil reducing heart attack risk than statins.

The problem with most strict diets is I personally am very poor at compliance. I just can't psychologically. But I certainly agree with eating real foods. And for some reason I have an odd fascination with eastern Orthodox style fasting lately (periods of vegetarianism etc. - not true fasting as in no food - just restrictions in types of food for periods of time). Now, I'm not nor planning to convert to that religion, I'm just way too fascinated with the periods of fasting thing.

But for my mom for now I will try Wildflowers suggestions, and take any more that are given.

Tell your Mom to eat some oatmeal everyday which is very helpful in bringing down cholesterol levels. And if she doesn't want to eat it everyday she can do what my DH is doing which is eating Cheerios too. He alternates oatmeal and Cheerios. Also he cut out all potato chips, doritos, crackers, etc. He also cut out ice cream. I didn't eat these things to begin with - chocolate is my thing, but I have managed to cut down to just eating a small amount one day a week. Just wanted to share a few more helpful hints to help your Mom out. Really just eating 3 nutritious meals a day and cutting out all the sweets and junky type foods may be enough for her to get her levels much lower. And don't forget the fish oil!

[JaneV2.0]

Carb-heavy foods will send your triglyceride count (the only number I would pay attention to, personally) skyward.

[Wildflower]

Carb-heavy foods will send your triglyceride count (the only number I would pay attention to, personally) skyward.

Complex carbs in a limited amount are ok. We eat whole wheat bread, potatoes, rice, whole wheat pasta, cereal, oatmeal, veggies, fruits in small portions daily along with small amounts of protein. Each of our 3 meals contains a complex carb and protein. We do not snack. Got over that need rather quickly when we cut out the crap. Just not that hungry anymore I think due to having the sugar and junk food out of our diet and the complex carb/protein combo keeps our blood sugar stable.

Simply cutting calories will get triglycerides down. And cutting the simple sugars out of the diet will bring them down really quickly - soda, cake, cookies, ice cream, candy, donuts,crackers, chips, etc. Of course, eliminating these also eliminates lots of calories. Losing weight, however you do it, will bring down triglycerides. BTDT.

[Jemima]

I wouldn't take a statin under any circumstances. I have read repeatedly that there is only a tiny cohort of people--middle-aged men with a history of heart attack--who may be helped by these profitable medications. May being the operative word. Ask your pusher, er doctor to provide studies showing increased life expectancy for women taking Lipitor. Then find a doctor who isn't in thrall to Pharma for expensive junkets to faraway resorts.

The statistics you quote are right on - Lipitor has proven effective *only* in men over 35 who've already had a heart attack. No one knows if they're of any use for women, although they do know that women are far more inclined to get side effects, such as muscle loss.

[Jemima]

Thanks for the tips Wildflower. I will maybe get my mom some fish oil (dont' take it myself because I eat lots of fish), and tell her to avoid bad carbs (yesterday I shared some lemon tart, but I'll stop, it's not like I eat that that often myself, no more of that). I actually think at this point there may be more evidence showing fish oil reducing heart attack risk than statins.

The problem with most strict diets is I personally am very poor at compliance. I just can't psychologically. But I certainly agree with eating real foods. And for some reason I have an odd fascination with eastern Orthodox style fasting lately (periods of vegetarianism etc. - not true fasting as in no food - just restrictions in types of food for periods of time). Now, I'm not nor planning to convert to that religion, I'm just way too fascinated with the periods of fasting thing.

But for my mom for now I will try Wildflowers suggestions, and take any more that are given.

Something that helped me immensely was avoiding all foods that contained transfats or hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, which means most processed, convenience, and fast foods. IMO, they are the culprits in arteriosclerotic disease, not "high" cholesterol, which is an arbitrary number some drug company came up with in the first place.

One of the purposes of cholesterol is to patch weak areas of the veins and arteries. If too much of this patching appears to be going on, I'd say look for the cause rather than take away the cure!