niacin vs statin

(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.

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.

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.

What is the purpose of the niacin and should a niacin supplement be administered if the medication does not contain niacin?

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.

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.

I CAN NO LONGER AFFORD NIASPAN, CAN I TAKE NIACIN OVER THE COUNTER OR VITAMIN B3 WILL IT HELP THE SAME I WAS TAKING 500MG AT BEDTIME

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.

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.

com/viewarticle/458867_4 Regarding the issue of niacin lowering the cholesterol levels, Niacin or nicotinic acid lowers low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels while raising the high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels(good cholesterol). But this medication is not recommended to be taken by your own because you may miss some important side effects. Side effects include flushing, stomach upset, vomitings,headache, dizziness,liver damage in some cases.

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.

I would think twice about Niaspan as the most recent data suggests that the HDL that is artificially created by Niacin is not as effective against LDL as naturally occurring HDL. If you're healthy, you can increase HDL with exercise, just speak to your doctor first. Lipitor is a very safe and effective drug. In addition to the cholesterol lower properties, statins are also being proven to lower inflammation which is huge.

I have very high liver enzyme values from statin use. I've been off of statins since 5-28-10. Can damage be reversed?

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.

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).

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?

Extended release niacin is arguably just as good as any drug on the market in terms of HDL and LDL effect. It can be tough on the liver but if you have normal liver function then its a legit alternative to statins (my father in law'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).

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.

I just received the results of the Berkley Heart Profile. My father died of CAD at the age of 46. My mother had a coronary artery blockage that was repaired at age 75. I'm a 54 yr. old healthy female non smoker, low BP, 5'5''/128 lb.and live a healthy lifestyle (exercise and diet). My Lp(a) was 114, very high and a fibrinogen of 475. I also see that the LDL particles are primarily large. I plan on a stress test and obtaining a good cardiologist.

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.

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).

... but in Mayo Clinic website .. they warn from statin side effects against liver .. Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks Liver damage Occasionally, statin use could cause your liver to increase its production of enzymes that help you digest food, drinks and medications. If the increase is only mild, you can continue to take the drug. Rarely, if the increase is severe, you may need to stop taking the drug. Your doctor might suggest a different statin.

In the July 2007 issue there was suggestion that 1,500mg niacin was a good statin supplement. Starting in July 2007 I followed this suggestion, taking 1,500mg slow-release niacin with the Lipitor. I have biannual blood tests. The past three tests, 7-07, 12-07, and 6-08 showed my cholesterol to be 149, 85, and 57mg. LDL 65, 26, and 16mg. Triglycerides 183, 29, and 36mg. HDL 47, 53, and 34mg. These were dramatic improvements, except for the HDL.

Advicor (lovastatin/niacin extended-release), Simcor (simvastatin/niacin extended-release), and Vytorin (simvastatin/ezetimibe).

A recent study found that adding high dose niacin to statin drug treatment in people with heart and vascular disease did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attacks and stroke) despite improving HDL and triglyceride levels (NIH News, May 26, 2011). Patients in the study were given 1,500 to 2,000 mg per day of extended-release nicotinic acid as Niaspan, a prescription drug.

40 mg is not high, it's the norm. Dosage of Simvastatin ca be as high as 80 mg. I am curious why you are on a statin with a total cholesterol of 160. What s your breakdown by LDL & HDL and do you have any risk factors of CAD currently? Plus, if your script was for 20 mg I would question the pharmacy about receiving 40 mg. Let us know when you can and we can speak more accurately about your dosage.

Due to a recently elevated (since menopause) LDL of 164, my PCP strongly recommended a low dose statin. (My total cholesterol is newly high as well at 278.) Diet and exercise have not been effective to reduce it and it clearly runs in my family---both parents and three of my four siblings are taking statins. (The one who's not is vegan, suggesting that diet can effect cholesterol.) I am a 54 y.o.

I read what the side effects are on Niaspan and they are not good at all and I don’t need to go through all that now. He was about to add a new statin to that until he realized that he was giving me too much all at once-as he said later. New Statin down the road (A big Maybe on that one)? I am going to do exactly what I did the last time 2 years ago-sans the impastation-take fish oil omega 3 over the counter-the Dr.

Niacin vs statin

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