The most successful drugs in the pharmacy are called statins. That’s shorthand for products such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin (Mevacor) and pravastatin (Pravachol).
Lipitor and Zocor are the two best-selling pharmaceuticals in the world, with annual sales of $8 billion and $5.5 billion respectively. The reason these drugs are so widely prescribed is that they bring cholesterol down dramatically. Even when patients cheat on their diets, total cholesterol frequently drops to under 200.
Cholesterol is undeniably a risk factor for heart disease, though it may not be the only one. Inflammation, measured by a relatively new test called C-reactive protein (CRP), may be even more important in the development of heart disease. Statins also lower CRP and have anti-inflammatory action.
As good as statins are at reducing the risks of heart disease for millions of people, not everyone can tolerate them. Some people develop debilitating muscle pain and weakness. Even when laboratory tests are normal, muscles may lose their stamina and strength:
“I started taking Lipitor about two years ago and it was very effective in lowering my cholesterol level. As time went on, though, I became more and more inactive until I hardly had the strength in the morning to get up and bathe. My muscles wouldn’t carry me very far and I just went from one resting place to another.
“About three months ago I became very debilitated with tremendous joint pain. I immediately quit the Lipitor. Since I have gone off the Lipitor, my energy level has increased 100 fold and as soon as I can get rid of this joint pain I will be off and running.
“Lipitor ruined the quality of my life. It caused severe bouts of depression, short spells of memory loss and is responsible for massive arthritis pain.”
Although millions take Lipitor and similar drugs successfully, those who cannot tolerate statins have other options. Many drugs lower cholesterol effectively.
Niacin has been prescribed for this purpose for decades. Not only does it lower total cholesterol and triglycerides, but it raises good HDL cholesterol, something few other medications do.
A newer drug called Tricor also reduces cholesterol and raises HDL. It is similar to an older medication called Lopid (gemfibrozil).
WelChol prevents the reabsorption of cholesterol from the digestive tract. It lowers bad LDL cholesterol. Another new drug that prevents absorption of cholesterol is called Zetia.
Anyone who would like more information on statin drugs and alternative medications may request our Guide to Cholesterol and Heart Health. Please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. C-80, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Of course, no matter what medicine someone takes to lower cholesterol, there are no short cuts to heart health. A diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fat and trans fat (hydrogenated vegetable oil) is crucial. Exercise is equally essential, and research suggests that social support can be invaluable. In addition, an aspirin a day may be an excellent preventive for those at risk of a heart attack.
The People's Perspective on Medicine