Lipitor

[chanu69]

My recent test result for LDL level is 2.31 and HDL level is 1.59. I am taking Lipitor 20MG for the last 6 years. Recently, my doctor advice me to stop taking Lipitor for 2 months and after that he will see my Cholestorel level result and will advice further medication.

I am little scared if I stop taking Lipitor, does it will occur any heart attack or blockage in arteriy or any other risk for me.

Would you please advice me as early as possible

[erijon]

I'm guessing he wants to see how you respond without Lipitor or on another statin since your ALT's have been high, however this level is not dangerous so I think he's just being cautious which is a good thing. If you've made changes to your diet and exercise perhaps you won't need meds at all, that would be great!

Hope this helps,

Jon

[chanu69]

He just told me that your ALT is high (75). Last Month it was 74, it increased and he also told me that he will change my medecine from Lipitor to Crestor after two months blood test results.

Please note that I have started Lipitor 10MG first 2 years. last 4 years I am taking Lipitor 20MG and 4 months befor my LDL was 3.48

[erijon]

ALT is a little high, should be under 54 if I remember correct, however, most doctors don't make any changes until you are 4 times that number. He may just want to see if your system is processing cholesterol better now. Does he give you a reason?

[chanu69]

My recent blood test result for ALT is 75 and AST is 45. Is it to high? Is it the reason?

[erijon]

A couple thoughts, first off is the fact that 20 mg is a relatively low dose for Lipitor. To truly understand what impact it has had, it would be necessary to know your starting numbers. There has been considerable discussion concerning the use of statins in healthy people with low cholesterol levels and no risk factors. In the UK, they are testing a daily med that contains a statin to healthy individuals to reduce the risk of developing CAD. It will be interesting to see the results when the study is complete. Until then, there is no real risk of stopping a statin except that your numbers may return to an unhealthy level. As Ed has said, these numbers will help keep you from developing heart disease, but the concern is any effects that the statin may be causing. You should be getting annual blood tests to check your liver functions and watching for signs of muscle damage. Having said that, statins are very safe and side effects are quite rare.

I would be interested to know why your doctor wants you off the meds as well. Has he seen something in a blood test or trying to save you money?

Let us know.

Jon

[ed34]

You won't form blockages that quickly from stopping statins.