Zocor alternative?!
Question:
Zocor alternative?
I don't have any major problem with my taking Zocor for less than one year but if there is a good vitamin or herbal that will do the same, or close to, I'd like to try it due to the potential hepatic and pancreatic issues with long term use of any statin. I'm looking to find out if there is ONE vitamin or herbal not multiple ones that help with hypercholesterolemia.
Answers: You need to take a good plant sterol supplement and fish oil capsules. Zocor is used for:
Lowering high cholesterol and triglycerides in certain patients. It also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL, "good") cholesterol levels. It is used along with an appropriate diet. It is used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to coronary heart disease. It is also used to reduce the need for medical procedures to open blocked blood vessels. It is also used in certain patients to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood vessel blockage, or chest pain caused by angina. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Take Zocor by mouth with or without food.
Do not drink large amounts of grapefruit juice (greater than 1 quart daily) or eat large amounts of grapefruit while taking Zocor . Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the risk of side effects from Zocor . Talk to your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while taking Zocor .
Continue to take Zocor even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
If you miss a dose of Zocor , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zocor . Statin use is generally well tolerated by 99% of the population
There is nothing that comes close to the potency of a statin in terms of lowering the LDL (bad cholesterol).
If you have diabetes or previous heart disease, you would be wise to remain on the statin.
If not, talk to your GP about the following:
1. nicotinic acd (one of the B group vitamins)
2. fish oil or flax seed oil 3-4 x 1gm capsules daily (1-2 isn't enough)
3. high soluble fibre diet
4. low saturated fat diet - low fat milk, lean meat, no butter etc
5. exercise increases HDL (good cholesterol)
6. stop smoking
7. lose weight if overweight
Regarding herbal remedies, if they can affect the body's function, they are a drug... if they have the potential to be beneficial, they can be harmful... the reason that that don;t come with a long list of side effects, like pharmaceuticals is that there has been no requirement to test them...
examples
St Johns Wort can cause serotonin syndrome
Echinacea can affect the liver function
Fish oil might have heavy metals in it if from polluted waters
Foxglove can cause the heart to stop
Hemlock is an ancient herbal poison
Botulinum toxin is natural, as is strychnine... both very poisonous.
Your GP is aware that only 70% of patients actually take their scripts... if you are open with them, they will be grateful for your honesty and can work with you to find a treatment acceptable to you, or at least give you the information to make an informed decision about whether or not to have treatment.
You might want to try the Niacin (nicotinic acid) and fish oil, but it can cause flushing in some people... so the GP usually avoids it, but it is just a B group vitamin... nothing special