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Suggest Alternatives For Pravastatin, Symvastatin And Atorvastatin
In past 5 years I have been on 30mgPravastatin, 40mgSymvastatin and now 10mgAtorvastatin....each has caused a metallic taste in my mouth lasting all day and I just can no longer stand it. The change to Atorvastatin increased the metallic taste but it was prescribed due to the muscle aches from Symvastatin. what can I take to minimize the side effects and still have a safe, minimal dose of a statin?
Fri, 17 Jan 2020
Hi,
Niacin, Ezetimibe or Colesevalam are effective alternatives. Niacin (vitamin B3) helps in reducing cardiac risk in almost every way as it lowers harmful ('bad') LDL cholesterol, raises beneficial ('good') HDL, and reduces cardiac complications.
Its common side effect is itching and flushing which can be minimized or even eliminated by taking an aspirin before niacin.
Both ezetimibe and colesvelam work in the intestines, rather than the bloodstream, and so are less likely to cause side effects as seen with statins.
Ezetimibe blocks dietary cholesterol absorption from the intestines and getting into the bloodstream. Colesevelam binds cholesterol-rich bile acids in the intestine and excreted in the stool.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
Niacin, Ezetimibe or Colesevalam are effective alternatives. Niacin (vitamin B3) helps in reducing cardiac risk in almost every way as it lowers harmful ('bad') LDL cholesterol, raises beneficial ('good') HDL, and reduces cardiac complications.
Its common side effect is itching and flushing which can be minimized or even eliminated by taking an aspirin before niacin.
Both ezetimibe and colesvelam work in the intestines, rather than the bloodstream, and so are less likely to cause side effects as seen with statins.
Ezetimibe blocks dietary cholesterol absorption from the intestines and getting into the bloodstream. Colesevelam binds cholesterol-rich bile acids in the intestine and excreted in the stool.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
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