Niacin vs statin drugs

Common Questions and Answers about Niacin vs statin drugs

niaspan

Avatar n tn (forum) suggested using, in addition to Fish oil for tri-glycerides, niacin. And he said statin users should take CO-enzyme Q 300 mg. But I do not know if these are general recomendations based on research or if they fit my own profile, which is Triglycerides 89 (lowest they have been) HDL 51 (has fluctuated between 50 and 68)) LDL 86 (lowest yet) CK protein 290 (where normal is 40-180).---> I HAVE NO MUSCLE PAIN ALT 29.
Avatar m tn I have high LDL chololesterol and was told I have to take a statin drug. One doctor gave me a RX for Lipitor 20 mg SID. Another doctor gave me a RX for Lovastatin 20 mg SID. The Lipitor will cost me $130/mo., the Lovastatin will cost $5/mo. Aside from the obvious cost difference, which RX is better? The bottom line is that I really do not want to take a statin at all BUT if I have to take one, I want to take what will work the best at lowering my LDL levels.
Avatar m tn t have enough self control to lose any weight. I had muscle pain and memory loss with statins, flushing and finally facial swelling with niacin supplements. The memory loss was so bad, I sold my veterinary practice and retired BEFORE the lawsuit. I ran for exercise until I wore out my left knee, now I walk. Again, these labs are before any medication.
Avatar n tn Background: I have engaged a Niacin regimen to cut cholesterol (vs. using statin drugs) because Niacin also raises HDL and cuts LPa and triglycerides (while statins only cut LDL). I have been on this regimen since 2003 and the effect on my cholesterol/triglycerides and LPa has been more than as hoped for. Just as with statin drugs, it is necessary to get regular blood tests (ideally every 6 months) to ensure there is no liver damage.
Avatar n tn Are you taking Red Yeast Rice to take the place of the statin drugs? Sounds like you also need some Magnesium to help with the muscle spasms and pain. MSM is also recommended for the pain. I hope this info is helpful.
Avatar n tn Believe it or not, I am taking 5 Niacin tablets in the morning and 5 at night for high trigylcerides. I can't remember the strength, but this is what is oredered by my doctor. In addition to that of course I have to take a statin and Tricor. Good news is that Tricor will have a generic out in May. I was also told by my pharmicist that Plavix has a generic coming out in July. Ask your pharmicist if there is a generic of Niaspan due out any time soon.
Avatar f tn Elevated liver enzymes as a result of statin use does not necessarily mean there is liver damage. Stopping the drug frequently results in normalization of liver enzymes. And occasionally changing to a different statin solves the problem of elevated liver enzymes while maintaining an improved cholesterol level.
Avatar n tn However, these drugs also block the manufacture of important nutrients like CoQ10. CoQ10 is essential for a healthy heart and energy production. Statin drugs are often associated with side effects including nausea, headaches, dizziness, sleep disturbances, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, shortness of breath, memory loss, liver problems, muscle weakness, muscle pain, peripheral neuropathy and cardiomyopathy due to a depletion of Coenzyme Q10.
Tbd What is the purpose of the niacin and should a niacin supplement be administered if the medication does not contain niacin?
Avatar m tn I just started getting MS spasms; however, last year I was taking a statin & 1000 mg/day of Niacin (*not* niacinamide, which does does not produce the flush) and started having severed cramps in my buttocks/thighs to the point where I could not walk my dog. Found out that niacin is contraindicated for use w/statins, quit taking it. Niacin can lower cholesterol at high doses (my plan). I now take 500 w/out side effects.
Avatar m tn I found this interesting podcast from Chris Kresser - RHR: How Your Lipoprotein(a) Level Affects Your Risk of Heart Disease. So from that info find a good quality fish oil. I believe Krill Oil is even better but it's more expensive. There is also niacin (look for non flush niacin) and L-carnitine. And of course look at your diet. You can check out what to eat and avoid on this article from Authority Nutrition: A Paleo Diet Meal Plan and Menu That Can Save Your Life.
Avatar n tn Hello, You are right in saying that statins may cause memory loss. Statin drugs cause terrible side effects for some users, including mental confusion, memory loss and a general loss of mental focus. The cardiovascular benefits of statins are well established,but the effects of these agents on the human brain are not as well established. The more lipid-soluble the statin, the greater propensity it has to cross the blood-brain barrier and affect the central nervous system.
Avatar m tn I worried about the same thing years ago when statin drugs were developed, and refused to take them. It was amazing how quickly I embraced them when I had a couple heart attacks! I've taken them for twelve years, and get periodic blood tests, liver function is great. I worry more about the wine than the statins! I'd procede with confidence, take the pills.
Avatar n tn Brand name and generic versions of statin drugs must carry these warnings on their labels, the FDA today announced. The products include: Lipitor (atorvastatin), Lescol (fluvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), Altoprev (lovastatin extended-release), Livalo (pitavastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin), Crestor (rosuvastatin), and Zocor (simvastatin).
Avatar f tn Is it safe for me to take Centrum Cardio Vitamins (with plant phytols) to help lower my cholesterol? Also, does buffered niacin (or non-flushing niacin) work equally as well as regular niacin in helping to lower cholesterol? And is it safe to take with coumadin?
Avatar n tn s cholesterol used to clock in at about 270 and he had the same reservations as your husband about drugs - niacin has worked very well for him - his cholesterol is now sub 150 and has been for 10+ years). You could say that extended release niacin is sort of a drug in itself but btw that and a statin I'd personally try the niacin first.
Avatar n tn I would suggest you have a CT scan for calcium scoring which will help know if you have plaque in your coronaries and if you do then you need aggressive treatment which would clearly include a statin agent --these drugs do reduce the plaque progression and maybe niacin as well.
Avatar m tn Sorry to hear of your issues, some can't tolerate a statin, that much is true. However, your issues may not be from a statin if you did not have the same experiences with the red yeast rice as it is also a statin, not many understand that. If you experienced no issues on red yeast rice you may want to try another statin, talk to your doctor. You could also ask about fibrates of fenofibrates which work in your intestines to help control the absorption of cholesterol.
Avatar n tn Having said that, your PVCs may be anxiety related to statin use. There are many cases where side effects from control groups of statin users and placebo users occur at the same rate. This is a classic placebo affect which you may also be experiencing.
519736 tn?1253986826 Prior to this he was advised to use Slo Niacin. When he began the lipitor, his dr. did not tell him to stop taking the Slo Niacin. He has been taking them together daily. Last week he experienced more frequent, loose bowels, but did not feel "sick"..This went away and he started to have muscle pain in the chest and upper back and his legs..that began 3 days ago. The muscle pain is preventing him from getting any sleep. he has missed the last 2 days of work.
Avatar n tn My cardiologist at Mayo Clinic agreed with me that I was right in going off statins right away (I presented facts and figures and time lines) and suggested that I take plenty of fish oil, watch my diet, keep my weight down, and take niacin (he withdrew that suggestion when I told him a previous physician had suggested niacin as an alternative but what it did was cause serious diarrhea, which is a sign of niacin toxicity).
Avatar m tn Your doctor might suggest a different statin. Certain other cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as gemfibrozil (Lopid) and niacin (Niacor, Niaspan), increase the risk of liver problems even more in people who take statins. Although liver problems are rare, your doctor will likely order a liver enzyme test before or shortly after you begin to take a statin. You shouldn't need any additional liver enzyme tests unless you begin to have signs or symptoms of trouble with your liver.
Avatar n tn Fenofibrate in combination with a Statin drug can cause severe Rhabdomyolysis. I know because I have gone through it. My muscle pain got so severe that I couldn't even move my arms and I wound up in the ER with kidney (also a muscle) pain so severe, I was climbing the walls.
Avatar m tn actually i also had high chol at 218 and low hdl 40, also organic red rice can help to lower chol it contains many statin compounds (chol lowering drugs were copied from this).
Avatar f tn I take my Niacin in prescription form. There are statin meds that come with niacin in them so you need only to take one med.Joan.
Avatar n tn Does anyone know, if you start taking statin drugs if you have to be on them for life? Or after being on a statin to lower your cholesterol, you can stop taking them if you are successful in lowering your numbers.