Q. I have read about how people experience muscle pain with Zetia and statin-type cholesterol drugs. That happened to me as well.
My doctor prescribed TriCor instead and it has lowered my cholesterol and triglycerides. Maybe this will help someone else.
A. TriCor (fenofibrate) works differently from statins and Zetia. It can be an effective cholesterol-lowering drug that rarely causes muscle pain.
As with many other cholesterol medications, liver enzymes should be monitored. Gallstones are another possible complication. TriCor is pricey, though, and can cost over $100 a month.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.org.
© 2007 King Features Syndicate, Inc.