Pravachol vs other lipid drugs

[Kirk Irthum]

I have been taking 20 mg of Pravachol for 2 yrs, it has done a great job until recently of keeping my cholesterol below 200. I was at 298 when I started, but it has been creeping up steadily. My doctor put me on 40 mg when I reached 247 at my last test.  After 6 wks, I am still at 240 am  now on 80 mg of Zocor despite my doctor's request to my HMO for Lipitor. (They wouldn't pay.)  After 6 wks, if Zocor doesn't work then the HMO will go for the Lipitor.  I also have cardiac regurgitation and occaisional tachycardia for which I was hospitalized before starting on the Pravachol.  Last EKG was fine.  Is the Lipitor more potent than Pravachol ?

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Pfizer (the company that make Lipitor) would certainly want you to think so.  In all actuality it may be a little bit "stronger" but in general the statins are all similar.  Certainly changing to a different type is not unreasonable if one is failing.  Of course you must do your part as well as follow a low fat, low cholesterol diet (particularly hard this time of year).  You can add this to your new year's resolution list:)

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