Guest guest Posted March 9, 2005 Report Share Posted March 9, 2005 Hi , I just received this in my mail and was ready to post it to the list, but you beat me to it!! It is good information for anyone who is taking statins or has had a doctor recommend them. Thanks Ann-Marie Statins FDA Public Health Advisory on the Statin Drug Crestor (rosuvastatin) The following information was published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, (FDA) on March 2, 2005 Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals today released a revised package insert for Crestor (rosuvastatin). The changes to the label include results from a Phase 4 pharmacokinetic study in Asian-Americans and highlight important information on the safe use of Crestor to reduce the risk for serious muscle toxicity (myopathy/rhabdomyolysis), especially at the highest approved dose of 40 mg. At this time, the FDA is also making statements about the muscle and kidney safety of Crestor based on extensive review of available information. Background Crestor, a member of a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs commonly referred to as " statins " , was approved in the U.S. in August 2003, based on review of an extensive clinical database involving approximately 12,000 patients. These data supported the safety and efficacy of Crestor for use in lowering serum cholesterol, but also showed that Crestor, like all statins, rarely could cause serious muscle damage (myopathy and rhabdomyolysis). In the approved labeling, the FDA identified in the WARNINGS section of the product label those patients in whom more careful monitoring was warranted when prescribed Crestor. In a section titled: " Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis " , the label states that patients who are of advanced age (> 65 years), have hypothyroidism, and/or renal insufficiency should be considered to have a greater risk for developing myopathy while receiving a statin. Physicians are warned to prescribe Crestor with caution in these patients, particularly at higher doses, as the risk of myopathy increases with higher drug levels. Based on these concerns, from the time of original approval, the FDA required Astra-Zeneca to make available in the U.S. a 5-mg dose that could be used in patients requiring less aggressive cholesterol-lowering or who were taking concurrent cyclosporine. The maximum recommended dose in the FDA-approved label is limited to 10 mg daily in patients with severe renal impairment or who are also taking gemfibrozil. Description of current changes to the Crestor label In a pharmacokinetic study involving a diverse population of Asians residing in the United States, rosuvastatin drug levels were found to be elevated approximately 2-fold compared with a Caucasian control group. As a result of these findings, the " Dosage and Administration " section of the label now states that the 5 mg dose of Crestor should be considered as the start dose for Asian patients and any increase in dose should take into consideration the increased drug exposure in this patient population. Results of this pharmacokinetic study are further discussed under the " Clinical Pharmacology " and " Precautions " section of labeling. The " Warnings " and " Dosage and Administration " sections of the label have been revised to more strongly emphasize the risks of myopathy, particularly at the highest approved dose of 40 mg. In order to minimize risks of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis (the most severe form of statin muscle injury), the revised label now explicitly states that the 5 mg dose is available as a start dose for those individuals who do not require aggressive cholesterol reductions or who have predisposing factors for myopathy. This includes patients taking cyclosporine, Asian patients, and patients with severe renal insufficiency. It also emphasizes that the 40 mg dose is not an appropriate start dose and should be reserved only for those patients who have not achieved their cholesterol goals with the 20 mg dose. This information is included in a bolded paragraph under the " Dosage and Administration " section that also reminds prescribers who switch patients from other statins to initiate therapy only with approved doses of Crestor and titrate according to the patient's individualized goal of therapy. Healthcare professionals are reminded of the following key safety messages from the Crestor label: . Start doses and maintenance doses of drug should be based on individual cholesterol goals and apparent risks for side-effects . All patients should be informed that statins can cause muscle injury, which in rare, severe cases, can cause kidney damage and organ failure that are potentially life-threatening . Patients should be told to promptly report to their healthcare provider signs or symptoms of muscle pain and weakness, malaise, fever, dark urine, nausea or vomiting Review of Crestor muscle and kidney safety Concerns have been raised about the possible increased muscle toxicity of Crestor compared to other statins on the market and about possible adverse effects on the kidney. The FDA has conducted an extensive review of Crestor data from pre-marketing and post-marketing clinical trials as well as adverse event reports submitted to the agency. Muscle Crestor, like all statins, has been associated with a low incidence of rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle damage). Data available to date from controlled trials, as well as post-marketing safety information, indicate that the risk of serious muscle damage is similar with Crestor compared to other marketed statins. As with all statins, some individuals taking Crestor will experience muscle side effects, most commonly mild aches and very rarely severe muscle damage. Like all drugs in this class, risks of muscle injury can be minimized by adhering to labeled warnings and precautions, carefully following dosing instructions, and instructing patients to be aware of and to report possible side effects to the physician. Finally, like all statins, Crestor should be prescribed at the lowest dose that achieves the goals of therapy (e.g., target LDL-C level). Kidney Various forms of kidney failure have been reported in patients taking Crestor, as well as with other statins. Renal failure due to other factors is known to occur at a higher rate in patients who are candidates for statin therapy (e.g., patients with diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure). No consistent pattern of clinical presentation or of renal injury (i.e., pathology) is evident among the cases of renal failure reported to date that clearly indicate causation by Crestor or other statins. Mild, transient proteinuria (or protein in the urine, usually from the tubules), with and without microscopic hematuria (minute amounts of blood in the urine), occurred with Crestor, as it has with other statins, in Crestor's pre-approval trials. The frequency of occurrence of proteinuria appeared dose-related. In clinical trials with doses from 5 to 40 mg daily, this effect was not associated with renal impairment or renal failure (i.e., damage to the kidneys). It is recommended, nevertheless, that a dose reduction and an investigation into other potential causes be considered if a patient on Crestor develops unexplained, persistent proteinuria. Ongoing controlled clinical trials of Crestor and other statins, epidemiologic studies of the safety and side effects of Crestor, and ongoing pharmacovigilance by FDA will continue to provide information on the balance of risks and benefits of Crestor and other members of this important class of drugs. This information will be made available and, as appropriate, applied to drug labeling in a timely fashion. (This ends the information from the FDA.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2005 Report Share Posted March 9, 2005 We talked about the statin drugs a while ago. L. Wortmann gives a compresensive review article (Lipid Lowering Agents and Myopathy) on Medscape that is quite positive about statins as far as their benefits, but does make a strong statement: " Patients with ......... mitochondrial myopathy should not use these medications " The doc had suggested statins for me, but after each of us doing some reading the recommendation was changes to Ezetia, Ezetial, or Ezetembibe. Same drug, not sure of the spellling and those notes are burried deep too right now. I had read that the statins sometimes " uncover " an underlying mito cytopathy. I know others here spoke on this topic back then too. I personally will try to avoid them if at all possible. And I don't trust the info from package inserts on side effects necessarily. I like to take meds that have been on the market for a while, to see what is being written about them independently. Sorry, just my natural skepticism about the drug industry. > > FDA Public Health Advisory > on the Statin Drug Crestor > (rosuvastatin) > > > > The following information was published by the U.S. Food and Drug > Administration, (FDA) on March 2, 2005 > > Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals today released a revised package insert > for > Crestor (rosuvastatin). The changes to the label include results from > a > Phase 4 pharmacokinetic study in Asian-Americans and highlight > important > information on the safe use of Crestor to reduce the risk for serious > muscle toxicity (myopathy/rhabdomyolysis), especially at the highest > approved dose of 40 mg. At this time, the FDA is also making > statements > about the muscle and kidney safety of Crestor based on extensive > review > of available information. > > Background > > Crestor, a member of a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs commonly > referred to as " statins " , was approved in the U.S. in August 2003, > based > on review of an extensive clinical database involving approximately > 12,000 patients. These data supported the safety and efficacy of > Crestor > for use in lowering serum cholesterol, but also showed that Crestor, > like all statins, rarely could cause serious muscle damage (myopathy > and > rhabdomyolysis). In the approved labeling, the FDA identified in the > WARNINGS section of the product label those patients in whom more > careful monitoring was warranted when prescribed Crestor. In a section > titled: " Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis " , the label states that patients who > are of advanced age (> 65 years), have hypothyroidism, and/or renal > insufficiency should be considered to have a greater risk for > developing > myopathy while receiving a statin. Physicians are warned to prescribe > Crestor with caution in these patients, particularly at higher doses, > as > the risk of myopathy increases with higher drug levels. > > Based on these concerns, from the time of original approval, the FDA > required Astra-Zeneca to make available in the U.S. a 5-mg dose that > could be used in patients requiring less aggressive > cholesterol-lowering > or who were taking concurrent cyclosporine. The maximum recommended > dose > in the FDA-approved label is limited to 10 mg daily in patients with > severe renal impairment or who are also taking gemfibrozil. > > Description of current changes to the Crestor label In a > pharmacokinetic > study involving a diverse population of Asians residing in the United > States, rosuvastatin drug levels were found to be elevated > approximately > 2-fold compared with a Caucasian control group. As a result of these > findings, the " Dosage and Administration " section of the label now > states that the 5 mg dose of Crestor should be considered as the start > dose for Asian patients and any increase in dose should take into > consideration the increased drug exposure in this patient population. > Results of this pharmacokinetic study are further discussed under the > " Clinical Pharmacology " and " Precautions " section of labeling. > > The " Warnings " and " Dosage and Administration " sections of the label > have been revised to more strongly emphasize the risks of myopathy, > particularly at the highest approved dose of 40 mg. In order to > minimize > risks of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis (the most severe form of statin > muscle injury), the revised label now explicitly states that the 5 mg > dose is available as a start dose for those individuals who do not > require aggressive cholesterol reductions or who have predisposing > factors for myopathy. This includes patients taking cyclosporine, > Asian > patients, and patients with severe renal insufficiency. It also > emphasizes that the 40 mg dose is not an appropriate start dose and > should be reserved only for those patients who have not achieved their > cholesterol goals with the 20 mg dose. This information is included > in a > bolded paragraph under the " Dosage and Administration " section that > also > reminds prescribers who switch patients from other statins to initiate > therapy only with approved doses of Crestor and titrate according to > the > patient's individualized goal of therapy. > > Healthcare professionals are reminded of the following key safety > messages from the Crestor label: > > . Start doses and maintenance doses of drug should be based on > individual cholesterol goals and apparent risks for side-effects > > . All patients should be informed that statins can cause muscle > injury, > which in rare, severe cases, can cause kidney damage and organ failure > that are potentially life-threatening > > . Patients should be told to promptly report to their healthcare > provider signs or symptoms of muscle pain and weakness, malaise, > fever, > dark urine, nausea or vomiting > > Review of Crestor muscle and kidney safety > > Concerns have been raised about the possible increased muscle toxicity > of Crestor compared to other statins on the market and about possible > adverse effects on the kidney. The FDA has conducted an extensive > review > of Crestor data from pre-marketing and post-marketing clinical trials > as > well as adverse event reports submitted to the agency. > > Muscle > > Crestor, like all statins, has been associated with a low incidence of > rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle damage). Data available to date from > controlled trials, as well as post-marketing safety information, > indicate that the risk of serious muscle damage is similar with > Crestor > compared to other marketed statins. As with all statins, some > individuals taking Crestor will experience muscle side effects, most > commonly mild aches and very rarely severe muscle damage. Like all > drugs > in this class, risks of muscle injury can be minimized by adhering to > labeled warnings and precautions, carefully following dosing > instructions, and instructing patients to be aware of and to report > possible side effects to the physician. Finally, like all statins, > Crestor should be prescribed at the lowest dose that achieves the > goals > of therapy (e.g., target LDL-C level). > > Kidney > > Various forms of kidney failure have been reported in patients taking > Crestor, as well as with other statins. Renal failure due to other > factors is known to occur at a higher rate in patients who are > candidates for statin therapy (e.g., patients with diabetes, > hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure). No consistent pattern > of > clinical presentation or of renal injury (i.e., pathology) is evident > among the cases of renal failure reported to date that clearly > indicate > causation by Crestor or other statins. > > Mild, transient proteinuria (or protein in the urine, usually from the > tubules), with and without microscopic hematuria (minute amounts of > blood in the urine), occurred with Crestor, as it has with other > statins, in Crestor's pre-approval trials. The frequency of occurrence > of proteinuria appeared dose-related. In clinical trials with doses > from > 5 to 40 mg daily, this effect was not associated with renal impairment > or renal failure (i.e., damage to the kidneys). It is recommended, > nevertheless, that a dose reduction and an investigation into other > potential causes be considered if a patient on Crestor develops > unexplained, persistent proteinuria. > > Ongoing controlled clinical trials of Crestor and other statins, > epidemiologic studies of the safety and side effects of Crestor, and > ongoing pharmacovigilance by FDA will continue to provide information > on > the balance of risks and benefits of Crestor and other members of this > important class of drugs. This information will be made available and, > as appropriate, applied to drug labeling in a timely fashion. (This > ends > the information from the FDA.) > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 -do you also take a coq10 aupplement? perhaps you could ask your doc and husband's doc about supplementing statin with coq10--olsen In , " gillianstumps " wrote: > > sunny/RH, > > Thank you both ..I shall have to have a very serious discussion with my > Doctor > I truly appreciate the information that you have posted and know that > none of us are medically qualified but the links are helping > me...an 'informed patient' are the words that come to mind..As I am > hypothyroid and on another cholestral drug as well I must admit I went > eeeeekkk when I read your posts..the cardio said I had to keep taking > the statins when I listed my meds for her, she has a core group of > mito. patients..so at least she expects the unexpected > > my husband had a heart attack and was of course automatically put on > statins once again Simvastatin he has complained of muscle aches ever > since..really does make one wonder... > > Gillian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 -No I am not on Q10...I am one of the ones on the list who had a bad reaction to it...hhhhmmm but that was whilst I was off the statins, now you have given me more food for thought here.. Gillian -- In , " mauderegan " wrote: > > -do you also take a coq10 aupplement? perhaps you could ask your > doc and husband's doc about supplementing statin with coq10--olsen > In , " gillianstumps " wrote: > > > > sunny/RH, > > > > Thank you both ..I shall have to have a very serious discussion > with my > > Doctor > > I truly appreciate the information that you have posted and know > that > > none of us are medically qualified but the links are helping > > me...an 'informed patient' are the words that come to mind..As I > am > > hypothyroid and on another cholestral drug as well I must admit I > went > > eeeeekkk when I read your posts..the cardio said I had to keep > taking > > the statins when I listed my meds for her, she has a core group of > > mito. patients..so at least she expects the unexpected > > > > my husband had a heart attack and was of course automatically put > on > > statins once again Simvastatin he has complained of muscle aches > ever > > since..really does make one wonder... > > > > Gillian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 Gillian There has been talk about idebinone ( I hope I spelled it right) as possibly beeing good to take. It is a close cousin to Q10. I hesitate using the technical terms, for fear of getting them wrong. I know 2 people who seemed to like Idebinone better, and our local " mito doc " has recommended it. Something for you to check out. I cannot find my references for it at the moment ( I really need time to dig and try to remember) but when I read about it I thought it made sense, and was thinking myself to try to substitute it for the Q get sometime. Just another thought for your and your doc's consideration. It is good to share experiences. I always am appreciative of others'. Regards Sunny > > -No I am not on Q10...I am one of the ones on the list who had a bad > reaction to it...hhhhmmm but that was whilst I was off the statins, > now you have given me more food for thought here.. > Gillian > > > -- In , " mauderegan " wrote: > > > > -do you also take a coq10 aupplement? perhaps you could ask your > > doc and husband's doc about supplementing statin with coq10--olsen > > In , " gillianstumps " wrote: > > > > > > sunny/RH, > > > > > > Thank you both ..I shall have to have a very serious discussion > > with my > > > Doctor > > > I truly appreciate the information that you have posted and know > > that > > > none of us are medically qualified but the links are helping > > > me...an 'informed patient' are the words that come to mind..As I > > am > > > hypothyroid and on another cholestral drug as well I must admit > I > > went > > > eeeeekkk when I read your posts..the cardio said I had to keep > > taking > > > the statins when I listed my meds for her, she has a core group > of > > > mito. patients..so at least she expects the unexpected > > > > > > my husband had a heart attack and was of course automatically > put > > on > > > statins once again Simvastatin he has complained of muscle aches > > ever > > > since..really does make one wonder... > > > > > > Gillian > > > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained > herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of > this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are > reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the > postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their > own treatment. > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends > one is automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of > the attack. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 I have been researching this whole cholesterol issue. It is complex, and my understanding is not good enough to share anything but general impressions. I do want to say that I think as patients who are considering/needing statins, it would be wise to research all alternatives. The literature is very stong about statins reducing coronary risk, and that is certainly important. But, imo the total picture of all coronary risks should be looked at, and all the alternative treatments should be known to us as patients. Two tests that are getting more press these days as far as coronary risk factors are homocystine and C Reactive Protein (must be the coronary form?) I was comfortable declining the statins because those two tests were " good " for me. I am trying to reduce my intake of hydrogenated fats as well as the saturated fats. This can be complex, but learning the content of these two fats in the food we eat frequently, and making appropriate substitutions, can also be helpful. There really is a lot of knowledge out there about reducing coronary risk factors, and I think all patients would be well served to learn what they can do to reduce their risk (including lowering LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol) by all methods, not just relying on a pill. I am not speaking against meds, but for patient education and patient choice, and combining/selecting from all methods for each individual. > > sunny/RH, > > Thank you both ..I shall have to have a very serious discussion with > my > Doctor > I truly appreciate the information that you have posted and know that > none of us are medically qualified but the links are helping > me...an 'informed patient' are the words that come to mind..As I am > hypothyroid and on another cholestral drug as well I must admit I went > eeeeekkk when I read your posts..the cardio said I had to keep taking > the statins when I listed my meds for her, she has a core group of > mito. patients..so at least she expects the unexpected > > my husband had a heart attack and was of course automatically put on > statins once again Simvastatin he has complained of muscle aches ever > since..really does make one wonder... > > Gillian > > > > > > Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained > herein are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of > this e mail is entirely responsible for its content. List members are > reminded of their responsibility to evaluate the content of the > postings and consult with their physicians regarding changes in their > own treatment. > > Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends > one is automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of > the attack. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 well I for one take a statin...my paternal grandfather died of a heart attack, my father had 3 coronary's and my mother died of a heart attack. You would not believe my pre-statin cholesteral and tri-glycerides numbers and believe me it had nothing at all to do with my diet as from the age of 10 I ate heart healthy. I tried pravachol first and had horrible side effects then tried lipitor and had horrible side effects for the past 3 years I have been on zocor. With no side effects and a wonderful reduction in my #'s .....I have been diagnosed for 12 yrs with MELAS. Every mito person is different what works for one may not work for others. What is true for one is not necessarily true for others. Work with your dr's to try to find the best course for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 Realize that many doctors are not knowledgeable about pharmacology (well, not as knowledgeable as they should be), so an " informed patient " may have more knowledge than they do. Good doctors will listen to their patients, and find the best solutions for the patient's individual situation. I've known many patients who've called pharmaceutical companies to get the " lowdown " on a drug, but few doctors who would take the time to do that for a patient. BTW, if any of us are medically qualified, diagnosing or recommending treatment would be even more unethical than a layperson doing so. There are many disclaimers on sites that specifically offer opinions from medical doctors. It is so hard for us with mito, because everything is so YMMV and helpful amounts/types of meds (including supplements) vary from patient to patient. It's like we all have little notebooks and are comparing notes, because we have no other choice. Take care, RH > > sunny/RH, > > Thank you both ..I shall have to have a very serious discussion with my > Doctor > I truly appreciate the information that you have posted and know that > none of us are medically qualified but the links are helping > me...an 'informed patient' are the words that come to mind..As I am > hypothyroid and on another cholestral drug as well I must admit I went > eeeeekkk when I read your posts..the cardio said I had to keep taking > the statins when I listed my meds for her, she has a core group of > mito. patients..so at least she expects the unexpected > > my husband had a heart attack and was of course automatically put on > statins once again Simvastatin he has complained of muscle aches ever > since..really does make one wonder... > > Gillian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 I'd suggest requesting your doctor to order a CoQ10 level blood test. Also, I think there is a more detailed cholersterol test available, that looks at whether the distribution of the MDL's (middle density lipoproteins) is good or bad. I'd think that might be important for those with very high cholesterol. YMMV, I am not a medical doctor. Take care, RH > > > > > > sunny/RH, > > > > > > Thank you both ..I shall have to have a very serious discussion > > with my > > > Doctor > > > I truly appreciate the information that you have posted and know > > that > > > none of us are medically qualified but the links are helping > > > me...an 'informed patient' are the words that come to mind..As I > > am > > > hypothyroid and on another cholestral drug as well I must admit > I > > went > > > eeeeekkk when I read your posts..the cardio said I had to keep > > taking > > > the statins when I listed my meds for her, she has a core group > of > > > mito. patients..so at least she expects the unexpected > > > > > > my husband had a heart attack and was of course automatically > put > > on > > > statins once again Simvastatin he has complained of muscle aches > > ever > > > since..really does make one wonder... > > > > > > Gillian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 Sorry for the quick trigger finger, here's my post A note on statins in other countries: http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php? s=670707b55b4419b7c171f587170594fd&p=57572#post57572 Take care, RH > well I for one take a statin...my paternal grandfather died of a heart > attack, my father had 3 coronary's and my mother died of a heart attack. You would > not believe my pre-statin cholesteral and tri-glycerides numbers and believe > me it had nothing at all to do with my diet as from the age of 10 I ate heart > healthy. I tried pravachol first and had horrible side effects then tried > lipitor and had horrible side effects for the past 3 years I have been on zocor. > With no side effects and a wonderful reduction in my #'s .....I have been > diagnosed for 12 yrs with MELAS. Every mito person is different what works for one > may not work for others. What is true for one is not necessarily true for > others. Work with your dr's to try to find the best course for you. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 I am on a statin and have been for about 10 months now. I increased my CoQ10 when I was put on it by 400 mg a day. I have not had any problems and my cholesterol has lowered. Because my problem is elevated tryglicerides even though my total numbers are in the normal range, we’ve added Zetia to the picture to bring tryglicerides down. Dr Cohen told me to take the statins for cholesterol as high cholesterol is not good and could create a serious problem. This is why we began them. Alice -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 One more interesting link on statins: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/statins.htm I think if people have *serious* cholesterol problems, statins may be good to try, but I hear more and more about people who have low risk factors (like me - I have 220 cholesterol, low normal HDL, and a bit high LDL, but no other risk factors) getting prescribed statins. My doctor and cardiologist agree I shouldn't go on any cholesterol- lowering medications, and I decreased my levels using ground flax seed (which has a nice amount of omega-3's). I'm glad you've had success with the statin and the CoQ10 increase One thing is that I grew up adding wheat germ to my cereal, so eating the ground flax seed on ice cream or (when I was not on a low carb diet) cereal was an easy choice for me. I also have high blood ammonia, but good liver panels, so there is more of a fear of liver involvement based on my condition. I tried salmon oil pills, but I had a fishy aftertaste that I couldn't get rid of (probably because I have esophageal erosions or impaired swallowing). Take care, RH > I am on a statin and have been for about 10 months now. I increased my > CoQ10 when I was put on it by 400 mg a day. I have not had any problems and > my cholesterol has lowered. Because my problem is elevated tryglicerides > even though my total numbers are in the normal range, we've added Zetia to > the picture to bring tryglicerides down. Dr Cohen told me to take the > statins for cholesterol as high cholesterol is not good and could create a > serious problem. This is why we began them. > > > > Alice > > > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 > > > > -- > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 -Thank you, that is a most informative link to read.. maybe some of these links should be stored in the *files* sectionto help others as well Gillian -- In , " ohgminion " wrote: > > One more interesting link on statins: > http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/statins.htm > > I think if people have *serious* cholesterol problems, statins may be > good to try, but I hear more and more about people who have low risk > factors (like me - I have 220 cholesterol, low normal HDL, and a bit > high LDL, but no other risk factors) getting prescribed statins. My > doctor and cardiologist agree I shouldn't go on any cholesterol- > lowering medications, and I decreased my levels using ground flax > seed (which has a nice amount of omega-3's). > > I'm glad you've had success with the statin and the CoQ10 increase > > One thing is that I grew up adding wheat germ to my cereal, so eating > the ground flax seed on ice cream or (when I was not on a low carb > diet) cereal was an easy choice for me. I also have high blood > ammonia, but good liver panels, so there is more of a fear of liver > involvement based on my condition. I tried salmon oil pills, but I > had a fishy aftertaste that I couldn't get rid of (probably because I > have esophageal erosions or impaired swallowing). > > Take care, > RH > > > > I am on a statin and have been for about 10 months now. I > increased my > > CoQ10 when I was put on it by 400 mg a day. I have not had any > problems and > > my cholesterol has lowered. Because my problem is elevated > tryglicerides > > even though my total numbers are in the normal range, we've added > Zetia to > > the picture to bring tryglicerides down. Dr Cohen told me to take > the > > statins for cholesterol as high cholesterol is not good and could > create a > > serious problem. This is why we began them. > > > > > > > > Alice > > > > > > > > > > -- > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > > Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 > > > > > > > > -- > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > > Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 Have had all the blood work and have it repeated every 3 mos or so as I am diabetic. Also anyone taking statins needs to have periodic checks on their liver (simple blood test) Obviously there are many factors to be considered when taking any medications and so thorough checking into things and several different remedies many be needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 my tri-glycerides and cholesterol were through the roof as well...and yes it is hereditary in my family as several members suffer from hyperlipedimia as well. Of course, our diabetes can also play havoc with our cholesterol levels as high blood sugars cause a rise in cholesterol. Glad the diet is working out for you at the moment (smile) you never do know what is coming around the bend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 my tri-glycerides and cholesterol were through the roof as well...and yes it is hereditary in my family as several members suffer from hyperlipedimia as well. Of course, our diabetes can also play havoc with our cholesterol levels as high blood sugars cause a rise in cholesterol. Glad the diet is working out for you at the moment (smile) you never do know what is coming around the bend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 Is high cholesteral and triglycerides a mito thing? Kim > well I for one take a statin...my paternal grandfather died of a heart > attack, my father had 3 coronary's and my mother died of a heart attack. You would > not believe my pre-statin cholesteral and tri-glycerides numbers and believe > me it had nothing at all to do with my diet as from the age of 10 I ate heart > healthy. I tried pravachol first and had horrible side effects then tried > lipitor and had horrible side effects for the past 3 years I have been on zocor. > With no side effects and a wonderful reduction in my #'s .....I have been > diagnosed for 12 yrs with MELAS. Every mito person is different what works for one > may not work for others. What is true for one is not necessarily true for > others. Work with your dr's to try to find the best course for you. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 Is high cholesteral and triglycerides a mito thing? Kim > well I for one take a statin...my paternal grandfather died of a heart > attack, my father had 3 coronary's and my mother died of a heart attack. You would > not believe my pre-statin cholesteral and tri-glycerides numbers and believe > me it had nothing at all to do with my diet as from the age of 10 I ate heart > healthy. I tried pravachol first and had horrible side effects then tried > lipitor and had horrible side effects for the past 3 years I have been on zocor. > With no side effects and a wonderful reduction in my #'s .....I have been > diagnosed for 12 yrs with MELAS. Every mito person is different what works for one > may not work for others. What is true for one is not necessarily true for > others. Work with your dr's to try to find the best course for you. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 Good idea. > > > -Thank you, that is a most informative link to read.. > maybe some of these links should be stored in the *files* sectionto > help others as well > Gillian > > > -- In , " ohgminion " wrote: > > > > One more interesting link on statins: > > http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/statins.htm > > > > I think if people have *serious* cholesterol problems, statins may > be > > good to try, but I hear more and more about people who have low > risk > > factors (like me - I have 220 cholesterol, low normal HDL, and a > bit > > high LDL, but no other risk factors) getting prescribed statins. > My > > doctor and cardiologist agree I shouldn't go on any cholesterol- > > lowering medications, and I decreased my levels using ground flax > > seed (which has a nice amount of omega-3's). > > > > I'm glad you've had success with the statin and the CoQ10 > increase > > > > One thing is that I grew up adding wheat germ to my cereal, so > eating > > the ground flax seed on ice cream or (when I was not on a low carb > > diet) cereal was an easy choice for me. I also have high blood > > ammonia, but good liver panels, so there is more of a fear of > liver > > involvement based on my condition. I tried salmon oil pills, but > I > > had a fishy aftertaste that I couldn't get rid of (probably > because I > > have esophageal erosions or impaired swallowing). > > > > Take care, > > RH > > > > > > > I am on a statin and have been for about 10 months now. I > > increased my > > > CoQ10 when I was put on it by 400 mg a day. I have not had any > > problems and > > > my cholesterol has lowered. Because my problem is elevated > > tryglicerides > > > even though my total numbers are in the normal range, we've > added > > Zetia to > > > the picture to bring tryglicerides down. Dr Cohen told me to > take > > the > > > statins for cholesterol as high cholesterol is not good and > could > > create a > > > serious problem. This is why we began them. > > > > > > > > > > > > Alice > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > > > Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: > 4/13/2005 > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > > > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > > > Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: > 4/13/2005 > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 I’ve done a very poor job at adding new links and files for the last year and I do apologize for that. I just added this to the links rather than the files to keep it legal. It would help me if the group would remind me to do this when there is something they’d like to keep as a reference on the site. It’s very easy to do and members can do it too. Alice _____ From: Laurie Fitzgerald Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2005 6:43 AM To: Subject: Re: Re: statins * Good idea. > > > -Thank you, that is a most informative link to read.. > maybe some of these links should be stored in the *files* sectionto > help others as well > Gillian > > > -- In , " ohgminion " wrote: > > > > One more interesting link on statins: > > HYPERLINK " http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/statins.htmhttp://www.nhlb i.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/statins.htm > > .. -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 I do also – like clockwork. Alice _____ From: Vcgpg@... Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2005 7:18 AM To: Subject: Re: Re: statins * Have had all the blood work and have it repeated every 3 mos or so as I am diabetic. Also anyone taking statins needs to have periodic checks on their liver (simple blood test) Obviously there are many factors to be considered when taking any medications and so thorough checking into things and several different remedies many be needed. .. -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 I was told by my doctor that my particular triglyceride problem is hereditary and has nothing to do with diet or even exercise. Given the fact that the mito is the hereditary factor in our family and that my maternal grandmother’s death certificate read that she died of heart failure, I expect that this is a Mito factor for us. I have heard before that high triglycerides is indeed an issue for Mito patients as well but don’t have any resources to back this up. Here again – as medically recommended – we are fighting the effects of the disease by treating the symptoms. I am taking Omega 3 as well but this is something I added myself. I’m also trying to add more fish to my diet. I can’t add much in the way of carbs because they do a number on my BS readings. I get my carbs from fruit and vegetables during the day but these are complex carbs. I’ve actually started a diet program that is giving me hope. I’ve been on it for a week and in that week, my BS readings have leveled off to normal except for 1 day when I drank tonic water with quinine. It’s too bad that I didn’t read the label before I drank it because it was high in carbs and my sugar jumped over 200 within ½ hour. It never normally goes over 200. I poured the rest of the bottle out and went back to mostly water and my sugar readings are back to normal. This morning when I got up, which is the worst time of the day for me normally, my reading was 99. I go for blood work again next month and will know in June if we have found the answer to dropping those dangerous T readings. I don’t feel too bad about mine though as I have a friend who has had triglyceride readings in the 3000 range. I do have a feeling that she has something going on that may be the reason for this as she is quite symptomatic including deafness but right now – they are working to resolve the very severe cholesterol problems. Alice -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 I forgot to add to this that my BS readings have been low enough since I started the new diet plan that I totally stopped taking the Glyburide except for the day when I made the mistake with the tonic water. I keep a very close watch on the BS readings thru the day and they are normal. Taking the pill would drop me to a hypoglycemic level so I discontinued it. I monitor my BS 4 – 6 times a day as recommended since they do tend to jump around and the doctor feels that I must do this to judge what I need to do with regard to my medication but I never dreamed that I could go off it completely since Diabetes is so prevalent in my family. I’m sure I’ll have the need to go back on the meds when my body realizes I’m trying to trick it but for now, the very level readings are helping me with the balance issues as well. They’re not gone but I’m doing better. Alice _____ * .. -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 I am the only one in my family with this cholestral problem so it *may* possibly be just one of those things....He suspects that it may be tied up with my unstable Hashimotos which is also known to have cholestral ramifications.. my GP always takes the attitude that he refuses to say that *everything* is Mito. as no-one actually knows..and just tries his absolute best to treat whatever problem he sees occuring..He is getting used to my weird reactions though ROFL My biggest relief is no diabetes..You all seem to struggle so very much with that aspect of the illness.. The other point of interest to my medics is that I am the only family member with high BP... and my GP still wants to know why he had a letter where my Mito Doc has said he is testing my serotonin ???? We are very curious about that..(suggestions gratefully received) must now go for appt and ask for that Q10 blood test Gillian > I was told by my doctor that my particular triglyceride problem is > hereditary and has nothing to do with diet or even exercise. Given the fact > that the mito is the hereditary factor in our family and that my maternal > grandmother's death certificate read that she died of heart failure, I > expect that this is a Mito factor for us. I have heard before that high > triglycerides is indeed an issue for Mito patients as well but don't have > any resources to back this up. > > > > Here again – as medically recommended – we are fighting the effects of the > disease by treating the symptoms. I am taking Omega 3 as well but this is > something I added myself. I'm also trying to add more fish to my diet. I > can't add much in the way of carbs because they do a number on my BS > readings. I get my carbs from fruit and vegetables during the day but these > are complex carbs. I've actually started a diet program that is giving me > hope. I've been on it for a week and in that week, my BS readings have > leveled off to normal except for 1 day when I drank tonic water with > quinine. It's too bad that I didn't read the label before I drank it > because it was high in carbs and my sugar jumped over 200 within ½ hour. It > never normally goes over 200. I poured the rest of the bottle out and went > back to mostly water and my sugar readings are back to normal. This morning > when I got up, which is the worst time of the day for me normally, my > reading was 99. > > > > I go for blood work again next month and will know in June if we have found > the answer to dropping those dangerous T readings. I don't feel too bad > about mine though as I have a friend who has had triglyceride readings in > the 3000 range. I do have a feeling that she has something going on that > may be the reason for this as she is quite symptomatic including deafness > but right now – they are working to resolve the very severe cholesterol > problems. > > > > Alice > > > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 > > > > -- > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 14, 2005 Report Share Posted April 14, 2005 sounds as if your doc is up on the potential problem with statins and their effect upon coq10. it must be very difficult for all specialties to remain up on new info about drugs they do not deal with directly. maude > I am on a statin and have been for about 10 months now. I increased my > CoQ10 when I was put on it by 400 mg a day. I have not had any problems and > my cholesterol has lowered. Because my problem is elevated tryglicerides > even though my total numbers are in the normal range, we've added Zetia to > the picture to bring tryglicerides down. Dr Cohen told me to take the > statins for cholesterol as high cholesterol is not good and could create a > serious problem. This is why we began them. > > > > Alice > > > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 > > > > -- > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. > Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.8 - Release Date: 4/13/2005 > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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