Vytorin plaque
Common Questions and Answers about Vytorin plaque
vytorin
As an endpoint, investigators looked at the growth of plaques on arterial walls using non-invasive ultrasound imaging. The trial was expected to show that patients on Vytorin would have less plaque growth than patients taking Zocor alone.
However, the data actually showed no benefit for Vytorin over Zocor. In fact, while the results were not statistically significant, patients on Vytorin had more plaque growth than patients taking only Zocor. (The arterial wall thickness increased by 0.
My total cholesterol is high at 280, but for the past year I have refused to take Statins because I had a very bad experience with Vytorin that sent me to the ER. I had been taking Vytorin for about 3 years and prior to that Lipitor, Pravachol and Zocor for about another 7 years or so.
Over the past 12 years or so I have taken Lipitor, Pravachol and, when 200mg total Cholesterol wasn't good enough anymore, Vytorin, which brought it down to 160. But, at the end of all that about two years ago I wound up in the ER with severe kidney problems. The doctors said, don't worry about it, just muscle pains and sent me home.
As my mother also has issues controling hers. He has prescribed Vytorin for me. I did do the full lipid panel and the HDL was 48 and LDL was above 150. I did check glucose level and it was ok.
I have been making great efforts to sticking to my diet. Oatmeal for breakfast and no beaf, pork or shellfish. Fish at least twice per week and lots of protein from beans. I rarely eat eggs.
As to exercise.
//www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/v/vytorin/vytorin_pi.pdf
EMedTV has an article that explains some statins are associated with high liver enzymes. It says increases in liver enzymes occur in 1.7 percent of people taking Vytorin. This increase appears to be more prevalent in people who are taking higher doses.
It goes on to explain other causes of high liver enzymes.
My doctor perscribed Vytorin 10/20. This is where my health began to deteriorate. I developed both clay soft stool and chronic explosive diarrhea in the mornings (3-4X before leaving the house) and excessive tiredness. At first I didnt put the two together, I just thought it was something I was eating or drinking so I continuously changed my diet. Nothing helped. I went back to the doctor for a 1 yr follow up and mentioned the diarrhea.
You say that the angiogram two years prior to stenting showed no plaque. Could it be that there was plaque but not enough to require treatment and there was a misunderstanding? or the Cardiologist simplified things to give your husband less worry?
Generally if there are no blockages 70% or above, Cardiologist see the arteries as clear.
With regards to meds, I think that you are correct to assume your husband should be on some kind of medication.
Reading the many comments I came across one that stated lovastatin is an old medicine and is not used often. After recent cath my doctor changed my medication from vytorin ,have taken vytorin for 5 years, to lovastatin. I did ask for a cheaper medicine and lovastatin was what he came with. I have no problems or side effects . My question is lovastatin less effective then other of the same and if not why is it not used often. My engineering background comes out if I d not have proper data.
I have IBS with diarrhea. My family doctor gave me Vytorin and it caused ONE HORRIBLE bout with the diarrea.
So, my question is: Should people with IBS not take Vytorin?
If the answer is: No,they shouldn't,then why do you think this side effect is not listed on the pamphlet that comes with the drug.....or any where else?!
I have been on Vytorin for a few years and my insurance company will not pay for it anymore.
My doctor has switched me to Simvastatin (40mg) daily.My question is has anyone else made the switch and have they noticed any side-effects?
Fatigue and lethargy are side effects of atenolol, however, I do not see any information suggesting that muscle weakness is a side effect of atenolol. I see that you also take Vytorin. It appears that symptoms of ALS,( Lou Gehrig's Disease) have been reported to the FDA in a higher than expected number of patients taking statins. ALS is a progressive motor neuron disorder with symptoms such as difficulty walking or standing, difficulty with fine motor skills and muscle paralysis.
i was taking vytorin and plavix when i was told i have cll .
I have previously pointed this out to my cardiologist who then switched me from one Crestor 20 mg daily to one Vytorin 10/20 daily. The symptoms do not appear to be less but I am keeping a close check on things like BP and cholesterol levels to see it there is any clinical improvement. As yet, after 14 days, nothing that I can detect but I may be a tad premature due to old aged anxiety!!
Someone suggested that I consider inner imaging screening (EBT Hart scan). I am on Lipitor and Vytorin, I was taken off of Benicar two months ago because of the back pain and an elevated CPK 200's. Recent blood test revealed my cholesterol at 118 but my CPK at 205 and still experiencing lower back back pain. My blood pressure is 110/70 to 120/80. No prior hart problems.
Do you think I should consider this image screening?
I was on Zocor (Sinvastatin) for several years and then my doctor switched me to Vytorin, which has Zetia added to the Zocor, because my total Cholesterol hovered around 200 with the Zocor alone. The Vytorin brought it down to 160, but then you see studies that say, Vytorin and/or Zetia have no additional benificial effect as far as heart desease is concerned. In any event, I had to stop the Vytorin because of severe side effects and I mean severe.
The scan evaluates the the amount of soft plaque betwen the layes of a vessel. This soft plaque sometimes brings through the vessel inner layer and a clot forms that can be dislodged and cause a heart attack. The score is a numerical value of the degree of soft plaque for each of the 4 coronary vessels and then a total score of all 4 vessel. Then there is a prognosis of a possible coronary event within a year or more.
, 165 lbs, eat well (no red meat or pork, little dairy, etc), and active. My chol is excellent all around (thanks to 10mg of vytorin). Total chol was 215 before, 135 after. My dad had a heart attack at 49, second at 73, he is now 82.
I went for stress test and echo last week. Dr said stress was great but he saw a very small calcium deposit on lining of heart muscle, not near arteries. He was not overly concerned and said we just need to watch it during next year's test.
Someone suggested that I consider inner imaging screening (EBT Hart scan). I am on Benicar and Vytorin, I was taken off of Lipitor two months ago because of the back pain and an elevated CPK 200's. Recent blood test revealed my cholesterol at 118 but my CPK at 205 and still experiencing lower back back pain. My blood pressure is 110/70 to 120/80. No prior hart problems.
Do you think I should consider this image screening?
I found Vytorin to be the most effective, as it controls both dietary and hereditary cholesterol. When I had my first blockage twelve years ago, my total cholesterol was over 300, now it is 150.
I'd continue to question your doctor about your condition, stay active, and try not to get discouraged.
Keep us informed.
Red Star is right, research shows that inflammation of arteries can cause the plaque to erupt, resulting in blood clots in the arteries. However, first you have to control the cholesterol that can attach to the arteries, and Lipitor, Vytorin, etc do a great job. I tried Niaspam but had poor results. Whatever route you choose, do insist on quarterly blood tests to chart your progress. Stay in touch.
It has this ability apparently because it removes the excess not used by cells and in the brain. It also went on to explain how plaque can also be removed naturally by the body using certain molecules made to control calcium levels for bone growth/repair. The calcium in the plaque can be broken down and the remaining substances such as damaged red/white blood cells etc can be filtered out safely.
I am a 31 year old female with overcrowded teeth and moderate plaque. No matter how much i brush , my mouth emits a slight odour after a certain time. Could the plaque be the culprit?
I also have taken Omega3 fish oils, Lovaza, which used to be called Omacor for a number of years. It's a prescription grade oil, and highly recommended by my doctor. I take it and Vytorin 10/40. The statins don't bother me a whit, and my cholesterol is in the doctor's words, perfect. I had ldl's over 300 when I started drug therapy and had eight heart stents, believe me, high cholesterol is to be taken seriously.
ago, and a stent was inserted. This week I had a ct scan with dye. There was no new blockage or soft plaque, however there was a blood clot at the sight of the heart attack. My cardioligist said the clot is @ the sight of the damage, the apex. He said there is nothing that can be done because this far out from the MI the liklihood of the clot moving is very low. I am concerned that there is a blood clot in my body, and I can't do anything about it, or shouldn't do anything about it.
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