Lipitor Side Effects

Following quadruple bypass surgery on July 24th, I find myself on Lipitor again at least for a short time. This will depend on tolerance of side effects as my previous history on this statin was not good for me.

MOST COMMON side effects are:

CONSTIPATION, or diarrhea, fatigue, gas, heartburn, headache, myalgia (wide spread musculo inflammation and muscle degeneration), and rhabdomyolysis (VERY SERIOUS)

rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo=skeleton +myo=muscle + lysis=breakdown), a condition in which muscles break down quickly and spill their contents into the blood stream. Myoglobin is a protein that is contained in muscle cells, and if enough is spilled into the blood stream, it can clog the kidney's filtering system and lead to kidney failure and a variety of other serious medical consequences and complications. 

Other symptoms:

hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat

I am on this currently for 30 days and HOPEFULLY I will wean myself off it soon after. As mentioned in earlier blog posts 12-15 years ago I was on Lipitor and Tricor and could not tolerate the side effects.

When I look at the side effects of Vitamin C, Lysince and Proline compared to Lipitor, I FIND a VAST overwhelming discrepancy. I am having a follow up Nuclear stress test, treadmill EKG next week as a follow up to surgery. I am very doubtful that I will remain on Lipitor past the 30 day post op doseage. I will likely go back on CholesLo in addition to the Vit C, Lysine, Proline therapy for the long haul.

http://www.rxlist.com/lipitor-side-effects-drug-center.htm

EXCERPTS:

Lipitor Side Effects Center

Pharmacy Editor: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Prescribing Information

• Drug Description
• Indications & Dosage
• Side Effects & Drug Interactions
• Warnings & Precautions
• Overdosage & Contraindications
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Medication Guide

For Patients

• Lipitor Overview
• Lipitor in Detail with Side Effects

Lipitor (atorvastatin) belongs to a class of drugs referred to as statins. Lipitor is used for the treatment of elevated total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and to elevate HDL cholesterol. Side effects of Lipitor include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, gas, heartburn, headache, myalgia, and rhabdomyolysis.

The recommended dose of Lipitor is 10-80 mg daily. Erythromycin (E-Mycin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), cyclosporine (Sandimmune), indinavir (Crixivan) and ritonavir (Norvir) decrease elimination of Lipitor. Lipitor increases the effect of warfarin (Coumadin) and cholestyramine (Questran) decreases the absorption of Lipitor. Lipitor should not be taken during pregnancy because the developing fetus requires cholesterol for development, and Lipitor reduces the production of cholesterol. It is not known whether Lipitor is secreted in breast milk.

Our Lipitor Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Lipitor in Detail - Patient Information: Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking atorvastatin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
• fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine;
• swelling, weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all; or
• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild muscle pain;
• diarrhea; or
• mild nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the entire detailed patient monograph for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) »

Lipitor Overview - Patient Information: Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very small number of people taking atorvastatin may have mild memory problems or confusion. If these rare effects occur, talk to your doctor.

This drug may infrequently cause muscle problems (which can rarely lead to a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness), change in the amount of urine.

This medication may rarely cause liver problems. If you notice any of the following rare but serious side effects, tell your doctor immediately: yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Read the entire patient information overview for Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium)»

ANOTHER LINK TO AN ALTERNATIVE TO LIPITOR:

http://choleslo.ez41.com/

EXCERPT:

Choleslo – Scam or Cholesterol Problem SolutionTo Family history or take statins?…

June 15, 2010No comments

This week's cholesterol reduction topic is available for you to read and watch (video). Today's article will definitely help anyone who:

   * Has high CHOLESTEROL or triglycerides
   * Has a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease, strokes, etc.
   * Is currently on a prescription cholesterol reduction or "statin" drug

If you answered yes to any of the above and want real, scientific and proven information on how you can reduce your cholesterol, without having to change your diet or take harmful drugs, then please go to this special pagenow…

This information will be up till THIS Friday, midnight – PST

I'd love to hear your feedback on it, so leave a comment or use Contact Us page.
 

CholesLo, StatinsCholesLo, cholesterol, Statins, triglycerides

Read more

Cholesterol: Problem With Diet or Liver?

June 13, 2010No comments

I've been saying for YEARS that if you have high cholesterol, it's not necessarily because of diet or lack of exercise.

For many, it has to do with genetics and even more so, a problem with YOUR LIVER. In fact, there is new clinical evidence that cholesterol reduction drugs (such as "statins") MASK the problem and even make it worse (while causing even more liver damage).

While it's fresh on your mind right now, please read a new article on thisproven information about reducing your cholesterol without drugs or exercise. It will only be available till THIS FRIDAY at midnight.

I'd love to hear your feedback on it, so leave a comment or questions on the post or through our Contact Us Form.

P. S. Make sure you watch the quick 2 minute video…

CholesLo, Statinscholesterol, liver, Statins

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Choleslo – What Is It?

June 12, 2010No comments

We know you’re looking for a review of CholesLo. If you’re serious about controling your cholesterol, then please don’t rush into it. There are a few things you need to know about CholesLo and cholesterol.

Please keep reading to see:
1: important facts about Choleslo
2: other ways you may be able to lower your cholesterol
3: my personal story results

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Choleslo  (a natural cholesterol manager) is a safe natural heart health supplement that has the power to reduce cholesterol 30 points in 30 days.

Here is a summarized list of general benefits of CholesLo™ and its ingredients:

CholesLo™ is clinically proven to lower cholesterol levels between 11% to as much as 54% (depending on dosage and starting levels). And this is WITHOUT any change in diet or exercise (even though, we do recommend an improved and healthier life-style for total body health and longevity).

CholesLo™ is one of the few ALL natural over-the-counter (OTC) products that ALSO reduces TRIGLYCERIDE levels, in addition to cholesterol.

CholesLo™ greatly improves HDL/LDL ratios for improved lipoprotein profiles. Remember, just because you lower cholesterol, does NOT mean you are healthy. You need to make sure your HDL/LDL ratio ALSO improves!

CholesLo™ contains FOUR specific herbs to help detoxify and clean the liver. Cholesterol is produced in the liver and science has recently discovered that an impaired or over-stressed liver (not enough water, prescription medications, alcohol, high fat and/or protein diets, etc.) is NOT strong or healthy enough to help regulate cholesterol levels and hence, a "weak" liver can't do its job. Therefore, one of the reasons cholesterol levels rise.

CholesLo™ can be taken WITH your current cholesterol medications such as Lipitor®, Zocor®, Crestor® and similar prescription "statin" medications. But because CholesLo™ is very powerful, we DO recommend starting at a lower dosage if taking it with your current prescription drugs. In fact, many users report reducing and even eliminating their current prescription drugs after the first 30-60 days of using CholesLo™. But always consult your physician and make sure you cycle off very slowly since most of these prescription drugs are addictive!

CholesLo™ safely and effectively reduces Homocystein levels, which is over 40% more accurate at predicting heart disease, than checking cholesterol. So, just because you lower your cholesterol (diet, drugs, etc.), does NOT mean you're "safe" when it comes to heart disease, stokes or heart attacks.

CholesLo™ contains PATENTED ingredients specific for prevening heart disease and lowering cholesterol levels – such as Sytrinol®, Co-Q10, Pantestin®, Red Rice Yeast and many others!

You get all these benefits and more, plus you will lower your cholesterol by at least 15% in the next 12 weeks or the Company will pay you $100 cash. That’s the guarantee!

Get Guarantee – Learn more about CholesLo and its benefits of reducing cholesterol naturally, CLICK HERE To Get Started Before Your Cholesterol Rises Further!

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You can lower cholesterol without drugs by following some basic steps that will not only change your cholesterol readings, but also improve your health today and in the future.  So often we use a prescription drug and hope it will magically cure whatever ails us.  The truth is prescription drugs for lowering cholesterol do work.  The problem is both the short term and long-term side effects.

But even more dangerous than the side effects of prescription drugs to lower cholesterol is not getting cholesterol under control at all. 

Over time, high cholesterol can lead to numerous conditions of the heart and arteries, not the least of which are atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), stroke or heart attack.

So, it is true that you can lower your cholesterol without prescription drugs, but it is not easy. The following steps will help reduce your cholesterol:

- Eat right.  May sound simple, but diet has such a significant impact on lowering cholesterol that it should be the number one factor you look at in determining if your high cholesterol is hereditary or a matter of dietary choices.  A low fat and low cholesterol diet is the first step toward lowering cholesterol.

- Exercise.  Improving cardiovascular health is a step toward reversing the effects of high cholesterol.  Exercise itself doesn’t directly lower cholesterol, but will strengthen the heart and entire circulatory system.

- Quit smoking.  If you smoke, the plaque build up in the arteries due to high cholesterol is accelerated.  When plaque blocks the flow of blood to the heart, the muscle has to work harder to get oxygen.  This can lead to a heart attack.  If the arteries get completely blocked with plaque from high cholesterol then a stroke can occur.

- Relax.  Chronic stress can affect cholesterol levels. If you are constantly stressed and eating a low cholesterol diet, you may not see any improvement in cholesterol readings until you learn to relieve stress.

Talk to your doctor.  Not all doctors are quick to prescribe medications.  In fact, the more enlightened doctors will help you plan a diet and exercise regime that is suitable for your current overall health and abilities as a first step toward lowering cholesterol. 

It is always important to ask your doctor if your decision to follow a specific diet or exercise plan is right for you.  In addition, do not stop taking medications before consulting with your doctor.  You can lower your cholesterol with diet and exercise, and under the care of your doctor, see about removing drugs from the process.

That being said, these steps can just be too much to handle and you really need some help.  That is where a natural supplement like Choleslo comes in to the picture.

It is not a prescription drug but a medically safe supplement that can be used without medical instruction. With about 540 experiments carried out, Choleslo has proved to the most effective supplement for lowering levels of blood cholesterol.

Ingredients that make Choleslo the best there is are Sytrinol, Policosanal, Pantesin d-Pantethine, Co-Q10 (Ubidecarenone), Garlic Deoderized, Guggulsterones, Red Rice Yeast, Artichoke Leaf Extract, Phytosterols Complex, Homocysteine Reducing Formula, and Liver Cleansing Formula which includes turmeric, alpha lipoic acid, NAC, and milk thistle. All these help in reducing blood Cholesterol, Triglycerides and Homocysteine without any hidden side effects that prescribed statins have on liver, joints, muscles and energy.

So, in a nut shell, what are the benefits of Choleslo?  The product will boost your energy. When levels of blood cholesterol are high, the body tends to get tired quickly cutting down your levels of activities. With this supplement, you will gain more energy and at the same time reduce cholesterol.

Choleslo also helps in regulating your blood pressure. This means that, if you have high blood pressure, Choleslo will help in reducing the pressure as well as cholesterol. Other supplements in the market will only reduce levels of cholesterol, leaving you with high blood pressure.

Choleslo balances your body. When one has a high level of cholesterol in the blood, the body normally feels imbalanced. During this time, the body will tend to be heavier than normal. This supplement helps in getting rid of this feeling by getting your body back to its normal status.

Choleslo not only cleanses the liver but repairs it as well. The product contains a liver cleansing formula that ensures that your liver maintains a healthy state. The liver is said to accumulate high levels of lipid deposits. Once it is cleansed, there will be a reduction of cholesterol.

After you have started using Choleslo, you will begin to notice these benefits after 30 or so days. All you need to ensure is that you take Choleslo every day or as suggested. If you have any special condition, or allergies, you should consult with your doctor before administering Choleslo or any supplement.

My personal testimonial:  My husband has diabetes and after 10 years of controling it with natural herbal supplements, diet and exercise, he finally had to start on prescription medications for his diabetes.  Shortly thereafter, he was told he had to reduce his cholesterol, which up until this point had been very good.

Since I am a nurse and always like to seek natural products that do the same job as prescription medications, but without the harmful side effects, I searched and foundCholeslo.  After taking Choleslo for six months, his cholesterol levels have returned to perfect numbers and he has never suffered with any side effects.  He says he will stay on Choleslo for life!"