Anyone using Lipitor: High blood cholesterol

My doctor has asked me to go on Lipitor and I just wish to hear from anyone who is currently on this prescription and whether you have had any side effects. I am against taking it but doctor strongly urges me to reconsider due to my history of prolonged high blood cholesterol. A change of diet and exercise seems to have no effect over these past 3 years. It probably is hereditry.

My hubbie has been taking Lipitor for the past yr. Same as you we tried exercise and diet change for about a yr and little impact. No side effects but it has made a big difference to his levels.

Thanks, Kiwimmic. Does he need to check his liver function every so often, as my doctor recommends this if using this statin? I appreciate your reply. Helps me in gathering some further info. before making the big decision. I just don't want to be taking this pill for the rest of my life as it is only effective as long as you keep using it.

But, I can't bring my levels down with diet and exercise s I may have no choice!!!

Exyoqi, thanks for info. I have read some of this info before. My problem is that I have tried alternative approaches for the last few years and my blood cholesterol seems to be rising, suggesting it runs in the family. I need to take action now. I am on a high vitimum C, take omega 3, flaxseed oil, moderated my diet, tried coconut oil etc and do regular exercise but still no effect. My doctor now say take Lipitor.

Yes my hubbie does have to have a blood test from time to time (cant recall if annual or 6 monthly). We had the same rest of life gulp, but for the advise we were given (initially USA then here) it appeared the right way to go for him.

Lipitor. Anyone else currently using it.

I am very concerned about advise to eat only raw food in Hong Kong. You can get all kinds of infections such as Hepatitis A and typhoid in HK with uncooked food.


Regarding your case, so far we have no idea what is your cholesterol level esp LDL and HDL. Without these readings, no one should give you any advice. You seem to have done all the right thing. In some people, it is genetic that their body make more cholesterol (2/3 of chol is made by liver). If it runs in your family than the chance is that your chol is usually >7 which put you in a high risk group for cardiovascular disease.


Have you done a cardiovascular risk calculation?

It is a risk calculator which you put in you age, HDL and chol level, smoking status etc to work out you predicted risk for heart disease in 10 years. You can change the figures, say reducing your chol and do a re-cal then you can estimate the benifit to see is it worthwhile to take medication.


In about 1-3% of patients taking Lipitor, it may cause liver function abnormalities but usually mild. That is why it is important to have a liver function test 1 month after taking it and also recheck chol to see what level it drops to.


If the 1 month liver function is normal then you are safe to take it but should have it checked yearly. On the other hand you can ask your doctor about Ezetrol which is a drug that does not enter the body but blocks cholesterol absorption inthe guy. It does not have the problem with liver like LIpitor. But after all it depends on you cholesterol level and your overall risk profile.


Hope the info can help you.