lipitor side effects?

Question

is it o.k. to stop taking lipitor when blood work comes back ok> one sr. says you should never stop, another says you can. what do I do?

Answer 1

Lipitor treats the symptoms and not the disease!!!

Lipitor helps correct the amount of total cholesterol in your system. If you stop taking it, you take away the correcting factor, and your body will most likely revert to it's higher levels of cholesterol.

If it is cost you are concerned about, speak with your doctor about generics. I take a generic for the same problem and it works fine for me.

Another thing that is good in reducing cholesterol is Niacin. Some doctors will prescribe it as Niaspan. Some people can take it and some cannot. I couldn't because of the side effects of flushing, and severe prickling in areas of the skin.

Don't just stop taking it without first discussing all the options with your doctor.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

my mother was on lipitor for 3 years. she also experienced muscle pain and weakness. Even after she got off lipitor, she still has muscle weakness. Her doctors believe it is directly related to lipitor. She is now on a drug called Niespan (spelling?). Her cholestrol is lower then it was on lipitor and she has not had side effects.

Answer 3

Your doctor should take blood tests every three months to check your lipid levels( HDL,LDL,CHOL,Triglycerides) liver enzymes and CK. Most people need to stay on Lipitor unless they change their diet to eliminate high fat foods.Some forms of high cholesterol are hereditary and no matter what your diet it will stay high.Liver enzymes are run because some people can develop liver problems while on Lipitor.Also a ck is run(muscle enzyme) because a rare condition can develop while on the drug.Any muscle soreness or weakness should be told to your Dr.

Answer 4

That's really a hard question to answer. My eating habits are the reason I have high cholesterol. I've changed my diet and exercise regularly. My doctor was able to lower my dosage. Someday, I may be able to stop taking it altogether. Some people aren't so lucky. There are cases where people have to take cholesterol medication the rest of their lives, simply because their bodies naturally produce a high level of bad cholesterol.

Both doctors would be correct, technically speaking. It depends on your individual case. Your case may be similar to mine. You may eventually be able to stop taking it. Diet and excercise are instrumental. Cheerios, wheat cereals, and oatmeal will absolutely DESTROY cholesterol. Eat a bowl every day!

Good luck!