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Was On Pravastatin. Prescribed With Lipitor. Should I Continue Pravastatin As It Is A Weaker Statin?

Posted on Tue, 26 Nov 2013

Question: I read that the FDA recently warned that some statins such as Lipitor cause an increase in diabetes risk and memory problems. I have been on pravastatin but my Dr. wants me to take Lipitor. Would it be better to use a weaker statin like pravastatin? My cholesterol is 118 and my Dr. wants it lower. I am pre-diabetic. Thank you for your input.

Answered by Dr. Prabhakar C Koregol (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Yes they are known to cause diabetes mellitus but Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for posting your query on XXXXXXX Yes most of the statins are known to increase the risk of diabetes but to very small extent. But benefits are far far more than the risks, so whenever there is indication for statins they should be used. There is not much of a difference in risk of DM between two. But atorvastatin is better and well documented statin than pravastatin. Please go ahead and ask your doctor to switch to the other medicine. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Prabhakar C Koregol (1 hour later)

What LDL do you treat to? What cholesterol level do you treat to? When do you treat tryglycerides.? Thanks for your reply!

Answered by Dr. Prabhakar C Koregol (21 hours later)

Brief Answer: Depends on overall risk profile Detailed Answer: In people with heart blocks and diabetes you treat any LDL more than 70, in other people we target 100. Total cholesterol and triglyceride need to be kept below 150, but primary target is LDL. When we say treatment, it also includes diet and exercise in addition to medicines. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications. Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad