bilirubin

I'm 63 and had cholesterol levels of 240 to 260. Three years ago I had angioplasty (lucky me! So far so good - no heart damage) and the docs put me on 20mg Zocor once a day and one 325 Ecotrin once a day.  I am now at 160 to 175. Docs monitor my "blood work" at least annually and all is 'normal' except bilirubin is 1.2.

Bilirubin had been normal at last test a year ago. Bilirubin had been higher at other tests over the last 20 years, even well before taking cholesterol lowering therapies. It fluctuates.

I have a beer or wine once in awhile (12 cans a month is high. I've heard that a couple of beers before the test may encourage a higher reading of bilirubin. True? I've heard cholesterol lowering therapies such as Zocor, may raise bilirubin. True?

Should I be concerned?

Thanks

[Dr. A. Fountoulis NMD]

Diet therapies can control cholestorol levels in the blood.

My advise is to use Anti Kapha Ayurvedic diet.

Ultimate Health Center
Go NOW to Health
http://gonow.to/health

[imkindly]

Are you a medical doctor? An actual MD? Or something else?

[imkindly]

Here's a little info on the drugs you mentioned.
Zocor is for cholesterol and Ecotrin (aspirin) is probably for your heart.
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This came from:
http://promini.medscape.com/drugdb/drug_patient_handout.asp?DrugCode=1%2D6312&DrugName=ZOCOR+ORAL&DrugType=1

SIMVASTATIN - ORAL

(SIM-vuh-stat-in)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zocor

USES: Simvastatin is used to lower cholesterol and fats in the blood to help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

HOW TO USE: This medication may be taken without regard to meals. If you are taking this drug once daily, take it with the evening meal or at bedtime as directed. It may take a few weeks to months before the full effects of this medication are noticed. This drug must be taken regularly to keep cholesterol low.

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, gas, heartburn, change of taste, diarrhea, constipation, skin rash, headache, dizziness or blurred vision may occur the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify MD promptly if you experience: muscle ache/pain, fever, unusual tiredness or weakness, vision changes, yellowing eyes or skin. If this medication makes you dizzy or lightheaded, avoid driving or engaging in activities requiring alertness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking simvastatin tell your doctor if you have: liver disease, severe infection, kidney disease, heart disease, low thyroid function, history of alcoholism, allergies (especially drug allergies).
Limit alcohol intake, as this may aggravate drug side effects.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, including: warfarin, cyclosporine, erythromycin, gemfibrozil, cholestyramine, niacin azole antifungal drugs (e.g., itraconazole), clarithromycin, nefazodone, diltiazem, verapamil, protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir).
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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Here's info on "Statin" drugs (Zocor is a statin drug). This came from:
http://promini.medscape.com/drugdb/general_drug_adverse_effects.asp?DrugCode=1%2D6312&DrugName=ZOCOR+ORAL&DrugType=1


Adverse Effects
Hepatic [Liver] Effects:

Statin therapy has been associated with increases in serum aminotransferase (transaminase) concentrations (i.e., AST [SGOT], ALT [SGPT]). Increases in serum aminotransferase concentrations to more than 3 times the upper limit of normal occurred on at least 2 (not necessarily consecutive) occasions in approximately 0.1

[Concerned lady]

Dear Imkindly,

Thank you for pointing out the dangers of side effects of some drugs! That's why I take them ONLY if I'm at death's door! I look for alternatives to drugs, whenever possible. I find these alternatives from BOOKS at health food stores, and from other patients, so I don't have to reinvent the wheel, so to speak!

Such alternatives include greatly improved diet, exercise, supplements like vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, "pro-biotics" like ACIDOPHILUS/BIFIDUS, herbs (like DGL/De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice chewable tablets for Gastric Reflux, Slippery Elm Throat Lozenges for Gastric Reflux,), etc.

Thanks again for taking the time to carefully and accurately show the LONG LISTS of many ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS of some medications!!

When I used to be a nurse, I saw many cases where the patients' main problems were often due to these adverse side effects, plus the negative interactions between their many medications!!

Sincerely,
Concerned lady

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http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com