Are statin drugs really that bad for you?

Quote












Merck and Bristol Myers have tried several times to get simvastatin and pravastatin approved for OTC in the US. They actually got the UK to OK sale without a prescription. Obviously all the while sitting on some data the complete set of which has recently resulted in the 80 mg warnings. Under a doctor's care these are truly useful medicines. But clearly, taking too much can really be hazardous. In spite of knowing this fact, when left up to Merck and Bristol Myers they would actually suggest a control that makes exactly that overdose a lot more likely. OTC problems always arise from the more is better syndrome - like acetaminophen and its occasionally fatal toxicity. It's all about the patient, after all. Another reason why the public (and in this case the FDA) trusts these pharmaceutical giants about as far as they can throw them.
 






Anonymous said:
Merck and Bristol Myers have tried several times to get simvastatin and pravastatin approved for OTC in the US. They actually got the UK to OK sale without a prescription. Obviously all the while sitting on some data the complete set of which has recently resulted in the 80 mg warnings. Under a doctor's care these are truly useful medicines. But clearly, taking too much can really be hazardous. In spite of knowing this fact, when left up to Merck and Bristol Myers they would actually suggest a control that makes exactly that overdose a lot more likely. OTC problems always arise from the more is better syndrome - like acetaminophen and its occasionally fatal toxicity. It's all about the patient, after all. Another reason why the public (and in this case the FDA) trusts these pharmaceutical giants about as far as they can throw them.
Click to expand...

With due respect, are you sure it is not lovastatin (Mevacor)? Merck has tried twice with lovastatin to go OTC unsuccessfully. All drugs, prescription and OTC, have their own LD50 data. Those were filed initially for approval years ago and are public domain information. You can OD on OTC Tylenol, Prilosec, Motrin, etc. Don't look at everything as a conspiracy. May be the FDA does not want the dumb public to scream bloody murder when they OD on a newly approved OTC medicine. Or people keep eating burgers and taking OTC lovastatin pills? BTW, lovastatin is already available OTC in the form of red rice yeast, sold as health supplement at all health food stores.
 












Medicating yourself for a non-threatening cholesterol level is worse. And if one avoids attempting lifestyle changes for borderline high cholesterol and instead jump into statin therapy instead, one is doing themself no particular favor. HIgh cholesterol is not like the common cold. It is symptom of a potentially serious problem and a signal that one ought to be doing more than popping a few OTC pills. It has never been merely a choice between statins or high cholesterol.
 






Anonymous said:
Medicating yourself for a non-threatening cholesterol level is worse. And if one avoids attempting lifestyle changes for borderline high cholesterol and instead jump into statin therapy instead, one is doing themself no particular favor. HIgh cholesterol is not like the common cold. It is symptom of a potentially serious problem and a signal that one ought to be doing more than popping a few OTC pills. It has never been merely a choice between statins or high cholesterol.
Click to expand...

It is if you've modified diet, exercise, and eliminate alcohol. Headed to the doc this a.m., HDL's never above 28, HDL's were 27 the week after completing an Ironman. TG above 250, so I'm at exactly the point of a choice between the two. I sure hope you guys are able to get your HDL drug approved!
 






Anonymous said:
It is if you've modified diet, exercise, and eliminate alcohol. Headed to the doc this a.m., HDL's never above 28, HDL's were 27 the week after completing an Ironman. TG above 250, so I'm at exactly the point of a choice between the two. I sure hope you guys are able to get your HDL drug approved!
Click to expand...

The curse of being a male who is supposed to have lower HDL than a female in general. Someone said it is all about genetics. Been exercising regularly for a long time and have LDL down to an incredible good number with the help of statin. But HDL and TG are not budging. A safe HLD raising drug would be welcome.
 






Anonymous said:
It is if you've modified diet, exercise, and eliminate alcohol. Headed to the doc this a.m., HDL's never above 28, HDL's were 27 the week after completing an Ironman. TG above 250, so I'm at exactly the point of a choice between the two. I sure hope you guys are able to get your HDL drug approved!
Click to expand...

How old are you? Male, I'm guessing?

I'm guessing you have non-alcoholic fatty liver...and some bad genes....

Sorry.
 






Anonymous said:
The curse of being a male who is supposed to have lower HDL than a female in general. Someone said it is all about genetics. Been exercising regularly for a long time and have LDL down to an incredible good number with the help of statin. But HDL and TG are not budging. A safe HLD raising drug would be welcome.
Click to expand...

Sounds like diet might be playing a role.....check it out...may have easier solution with dietary changes.
 












Anonymous said:
It is if you've modified diet, exercise, and eliminate alcohol. Headed to the doc this a.m., HDL's never above 28, HDL's were 27 the week after completing an Ironman. TG above 250, so I'm at exactly the point of a choice between the two. I sure hope you guys are able to get your HDL drug approved!
Click to expand...

Doesn't sound like you are medicating yourself if you are headed to the doctor. It sounds like your suggests exactly why these drugs should be administered under a doctor's care and not OTC.
 






Top Bottom
Back
Quote