September 19, 2006 in Features

Find alternatives to statin drugs

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Dear Dr. Gott: Are there any drugs other than the statin drugs that I can take for high cholesterol? I have tried Zocor and Lipitor, both of which caused great muscle pain.

My internist brushed me off by saying if I could not tolerate Zocor (after trying Lipitor) not to come back (for a cholesterol check). I wrote and told him I could not tolerate it and asked if there was any nonstatin drug that would help. I never got a reply.

I am 73 years old, in good health – not overweight. I do exercise and take fish oil. The reason for concern is a family history of stroke and heart attacks.

Dear Reader: Reactions to statin drugs can be a problem, so you must avoid them. You are already taking fish oil, a reasonable choice. I suggest that you consider adding niacin as well. And consider changing doctors.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Understanding Cholesterol.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: I am writing to you about my husband, who just recovered from a sinus infection. He turned 75 this past week and has been quite healthy most of his life. Over the past 15 years, he has developed an allergy to antibiotics. He has had numerous antibiotics, and every one has given him a rash, and he had to stop them after several days. This time the doctor said he didn’t know how to treat him, as he has tried most of them. However, the sinus infection needed medication, so my husband said he would have to take the chance.

He took the pills for six days and had to stop, as he was covered with a terrible rash. His left foot swelled up immensely. It turned out to be gout, which he has had in very minor ways before, but nothing like this. The doctor told him that he is the only person he has ever had who is so allergic to antibiotics. He said he worries that he won’t be able to treat him if he gets really sick. This has been five weeks ago, and he is still peeling all over. His foot was helped with other medication, but I wondered if you’ve ever come across this type of situation before.

Dear Reader: Antibiotic allergies can be serious, even fatal, in many people. Your husband appears to have multiple allergies. What he needs at this point is more information about which drugs he must avoid.

The most prudent approach is for him to be examined and tested by an allergist, who will be able to identify the culprit(s) and offer alternative therapy. Ask your husband’s physician for an appropriate referral. This is not something that should be put off. Get to an allergist now.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Allergies.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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