Lipitor is a statin prescribed by doctors to reduce high cholesterol levels. While it can cut a patient's risk of having a heart attack or stroke, Lipitor also has a reputation for causing some unpleasant side effects. According to Lipitor.com, users can experience headaches, joint pain, diarrhea, upset stomach, fatigue and liver problems. Thankfully, the damage caused by this medication can almost always be reversed. Other People Are Reading Will Taking CoQ10 Counteract Side Effects of Statins? Long-Term Effects of Taking Lipitor Things You'll Need Coenzyme Q10 supplements Telephone Show More Instructions 1 Take 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 per day. According to Dr. John Briffa, who works in a private practice in London when he is not lecturing or writing about nutrition, statins deplete the body of coenzyme Q10, resulting in muscle pain. Many statin users have seen results after taking a daily supplement for just one month.

• Take 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 per day. According to Dr. John Briffa, who works in a private practice in London when he is not lecturing or writing about nutrition, statins deplete the body of coenzyme Q10, resulting in muscle pain. Many statin users have seen results after taking a daily supplement for just one month.


• Decrease the amount of Lipitor you take. According to Jay S. Cohen, author of "Over Dose: The Case Against the Drug Companies," the standard dosage of Lipitor is stronger than many patients can tolerate. Demand that your doctor take the time to correct your prescribed dosage because it is likely that you are taking too much at the recommendation of Pfizer Inc., the pharmaceutical company that markets Lipitor.


• Stop taking Lipitor altogether. Once the drug is out of your system, its debilitating side effects will likely subside, including any damage that the drug is causing to your liver. That is not to say that you should not take any statins if you require medication to keep your cholesterol in check, but it is possible that Lipitor is not the right drug for you. Speak to your doctor about using a different medication such as Crestor or Zocor.


• Schedule acupuncture sessions. The American Cancer Society announced that acupuncture can help reverse side effects caused by hormone therapy. While high cholesterol levels bears no relation to breast cancer, the side effects of Lipitor and drugs for hormone therapy are strikingly similar. Like Lipitor, hormone therapy drugs can cause fatigue, joint pain, headaches and diarrhea.

Crestor, the brand name for the statin drug rosuvastatin, and Pravachol, the brand name for the statin drug pravastatin, are both designed to lower levels of bad cholesterol while increasing levels of good cholesterol circulating in the blood. They come in different dosages that you can compare. Other People Are Reading Pravastatin Vs. Lipitor Pravachol Side Effects Instructions 1 Realize that every patient has different medication requirements, and that your doctor will determine whether you should take a statin such as Crestor or Pravachol, and at the correct dosage. After you try a certain dosage level, blood tests will help your doctor understand how effective the medication is and whether it needs to be adjusted.

• Realize that every patient has different medication requirements, and that your doctor will determine whether you should take a statin such as Crestor or Pravachol, and at the correct dosage. After you try a certain dosage level, blood tests will help your doctor understand how effective the medication is and whether it needs to be adjusted.


• Be aware that the usual starting dose for Crestor is 10 mg, and for Pravachol it is 40 mg, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.


• Keep in mind that the maximum daily dose for Crestor is 40 mg, and for Pravachol it is 80 mg.


• Realize that Crestor is a synthetic statin drug and Pravachol is a natural statin derived from fungi.


• Know that Crestor comes in four dosages, according to the Drugs.com website, which also notes that the medicine is available as film-coated tablets. Drugs.com states that the 5 mg tablet is round and yellow, while the 10 mg tablet and the 20 mg tablet are round and pink. The 40 mg tablet is oval and pink.


• Understand that Pravachol comes in four dosages, according to Drugs.com. The site also notes that the 10-mg tablet is a pink, rounded rectangle, the 20 mg tablet is a yellow rounded rectangle, the 40 mg tablet is a green rounded rectangle and the 80 mg tablet is oval and yellow.

Klonopin was approved to be used in the United States in 1997. It can be taken orally in dosages from 0.5 mg to 2.0 mg tablets. It was approved as a short-term treatment and it is not meant to be taken over a long period of time. When taking Klonopin you should be closely monitored by your doctor because taking it can cause liver damage and doctors have to test you regularly to make sure this is not happening. Other People Are Reading Which Is More Effective for Severe Anxiety - Klonopin or Xanax? Elder Female Depression Symptoms Function Klonopin is used to treat panic disorders, seizures and anxiety.

• Klonopin is used to treat panic disorders, seizures and anxiety.


• Klonopin may interact badly with propantheline, antifungal medications such as Nizoral, MAO inhibitors and psychiatric medications such as Haldol and Serentil.


• Klonopin should only be taken for a short period of time, preferably no longer than nine weeks.


• Klonpin can cause serious side effects such as depression, thoughts of suicide, agitation, tightening of the chest and possibly painful urination. Less serious side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, memory problems and slurred speech.


• You should not take Klonopin if you are allergic Xanax, Librium, Valium or Ativan. Also, if you are pregnant, Klonopin can cause harm to your baby.

Before the introduction of statins, doctors often prescribed niacin to their patients with elevated cholesterol counts. This practice is less common now, because like any other drug, niacin can trigger side effects, some of them serious. Other People Are Reading Niacin & Cholesterol Reduction Ideas Side Effects of Niacin Background Niacin is vitamin B3, a water-soluble substance that helps regulate metabolism. According to Harvey Simon, M.D., niacin helps diminish overall cholesterol counts by lowering triglyceride levels, which statins do less effectively. Niacin also elevates the levels of HDL, sometimes called "good" cholesterol, in the blood.

• Niacin is vitamin B3, a water-soluble substance that helps regulate metabolism. According to Harvey Simon, M.D., niacin helps diminish overall cholesterol counts by lowering triglyceride levels, which statins do less effectively. Niacin also elevates the levels of HDL, sometimes called "good" cholesterol, in the blood.


• The website www.drugs.com describes two types of niacin products: fast and controlled release. Since niacin is a vitamin, it is available over the counter, though doctors also can order prescription-strength niacin from pharmacies.


• Dr. Simon notes that the recommended daily allowance for niacin is 18 mg, but the dosage needed to affect cholesterol counts is much higher than that. Doctors typically prescribe 500 mg per day to begin and may raise the dose to three times that if there's no discernible improvement.


• At such high dosages, the prospect that the patient may suffer side effects becomes a possibility. Michael Richman, M.D., describes the most common side effects as flushing, peptic ulcer disease and gastritis, hyperglycemia, diabetes in patients who were borderline diabetic before taking the medication and liver toxicity. In addition to these symptoms, Dr. Harvey reports instances of itching and headaches, gout, blurred vision, nausea, fatigue and erectile dysfunction. Dr. Richman states that flushing is the most common side effect and "is also the most common reason patients stop using the medication." A patient prone to this side effect will begin flushing within 20 minutes of ingestion and may experience it for as long as an hour. This side effect is annoying and uncomfortable, but not potentially life-threatening. Diabetes and liver toxicity are the most worrisome side effects. Dr. Richman says that diabetics can continue taking niacin under their doctor's care, but patients whose liver enzyme levels reach or exceed three times the norm should stop taking it.


• The jury is still out on whether massive doses of niacin are a better course of treatment than statins. Research into the subject does not conclusively prove that niacin lowers cholesterol levels effectively enough to make it the preferred medication for these condit...

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Cholesterol is a fatlike, waxy substance that's present in all parts of your body. Cholesterol is needed to keep your body functioning properly, but too much cholesterol can clog arteries, which can lead to blood clots, heart attacks and heart disease. Cholesterol-lowering multivitamins are supplements you may consider adding to your daily routine. Other People Are Reading The Effects of Banana on Blood Sugar What Vitamins Reduce Cholesterol? Lower Cholesterol With Multivitamins Stanols and sterols are naturally occurring plant fibers. In humans, they reduce the production of cholesterol and remove the buildup of cholesterol from your arteries. Many cholesterol-lowering medications contain stanols or sterols, and many manufacturers of multivitamins and other specialty vitamins are including them in their products. Margarines and other food products are also often enriched with stanols and sterols.

• Stanols and sterols are naturally occurring plant fibers. In humans, they reduce the production of cholesterol and remove the buildup of cholesterol from your arteries. Many cholesterol-lowering medications contain stanols or sterols, and many manufacturers of multivitamins and other specialty vitamins are including them in their products. Margarines and other food products are also often enriched with stanols and sterols. According to Dr. Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, niacin, a B vitamin, is also capable of reducing cholesterol. It works by lowering triglycerides and breaks down dense cholesterol deposits into lighter particles that can be flushed from the body. Look for multivitamins that contain stanols, sterols or phytosterols, a soybean-based sterol that also lowers cholesterol. Multivitamins that contain higher doses of vitamin B should also be considered. Centrum Cardio is a multivitamin that contains phytosterols and high levels of vitamins B6 and B12. Combined, these key ingredients promote heart health while lowering cholesterol by slowing down its production and reducing triglycerides.


• High levels of cholesterol can be reduced by eating a well-balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, reducing the consumption of fatty foods and exercising regularly. Maintain a diet that is low in saturated fat. Reduce or eliminate your consumption of butter, vegetable oil, stick margarine and lard. Eat red meat in moderation, and include more fish in your diet. Stock up on fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as they all contain dietary fiber that is effective in lowering cholesterol. Exercise regularly to tone and maintain muscles, lose weight and promote your cardiovascular health. Incorporate at least 20 minutes of exercise every day, even if you simply hit the pavement for a brisk walk after coming home from work.

Hypercholesterolemia is elevated cholesterol in the bloodstream. The treatment for high cholesterol includes a class of drugs called statins that are cholesterol-lowering medicines. Other People Are Reading Replacement Food for Statin Drugs Holistic Treatments for High Cholesterol What Are Statins? Statins are drugs that work to reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. They are only available by a prescription from a doctor.

• Statins are drugs that work to reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. They are only available by a prescription from a doctor.


• Statins are ordered for hypercholesterolemia after lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise have failed over at least a three-month period. Once started, statins should still be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise.


• Cholesterol is produced during the night by the liver, and statins are usually taken at bedtime to counteract this. If the dose of medicine is very high it can be split into a morning and night dose.


• Some common statins used to treat high cholesterol are Lipitor, Crestor, Pravachol, Zocor and Mevachol. Doctors typically try statins until they find the one that best works for the patient.


• Side effects are not common, but if you experience muscle soreness, vomiting, stomach pain or weakness, call your doctor.


• Statins should not be used by pregnant women or people with liver disease.

Paracetamol is the generic name for Tylenol, and is primarily sold in Canada and European countries, though it can also be obtained in the United States. Paracetamol contains the drug known as acetaminophen and it is mild, and used for different purposes. Paracetamol is not known for carrying many side effects when the medication is taken as directed, though there are some rare and serious side effects that you should be aware of if you plan on taking it. Other People Are Reading The Side Effects of Co-Codamol Tablets Side Effects of 500mg of Paracetamol Usage Paracetamol is most commonly used for pain relief and fever reduction. It primarily takes care of simple fevers, headaches, joint pain and other small aches and pains. Paracetamol, however, does not relieve the stiffness, redness and swelling that rheumatoid arthritis causes, but it has been known to relieve some of the pain associated. Paracetamol is sold over the counter and comes in a variety of forms, such as chewable tablets, capsules, suppositories, liquid, powder and pills. It can be used on any age range, from infants to adults, in different doses.

• Paracetamol is most commonly used for pain relief and fever reduction. It primarily takes care of simple fevers, headaches, joint pain and other small aches and pains. Paracetamol, however, does not relieve the stiffness, redness and swelling that rheumatoid arthritis causes, but it has been known to relieve some of the pain associated. Paracetamol is sold over the counter and comes in a variety of forms, such as chewable tablets, capsules, suppositories, liquid, powder and pills. It can be used on any age range, from infants to adults, in different doses.


• Very few people develop side effects from usage of Paracetamol. However, as with any drug, they can occur, and should be watched for with anyone who takes it. The following side effects rarely occur, but should be reported to your physician if you notice any of them occurring after taking Paracetamol. A fever with chills or a sore throat not associated with prior illness can be a sign of an allergic reaction to Paracetamol. Sores, white spots in the mouth and lips, and oral ulcers are also another side effect that can occur. Skin rashes or hives have been noted as a more common side effect, and in some cases, unusual bleeding or bruising has also been reported. Weakness, tiredness and pain in the lower back or side that may be sharp or severe is another side effect that comes with intolerance to Paracetamol. If any of the aforementioned side effects are noticed, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible to determine if you should continue taking it.


• Some side effects of Paracetamol are even less common, but more severe than those previously mentioned. The most serious concern with Paracetamol is the effect is has on the liver, and therefore certain things must be attended to immediately. Yellow eyes or skin can be a sign that the liver...

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Pantoprazole is a prescription medication characterized as a proton pump inhibitor. This means pantoprazole decreases the amount of stomach acid produced. It is used typically to treat conditions such as erosive esophagitis--an excess of stomach acid that has irritated the esophagus. Other People Are Reading Side Effects of Protonix The Effects of Pantoprazole Long-Term Side Effects Long-term use of pantoprazole might make it difficult for your body to absorb vitamin B12. In addition, the risk of hip fracture is increased in any patient taking long-term high doses of proton pump inhibitors. According to Drugs.com, researchers have found the following side-effects to occur in greater than 1 percent of patients taking pantoprazole in 10-, 20- and 40-mg doses for up to 12 months: headache, abnormal liver function tests, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

• Long-term use of pantoprazole might make it difficult for your body to absorb vitamin B12. In addition, the risk of hip fracture is increased in any patient taking long-term high doses of proton pump inhibitors. According to Drugs.com, researchers have found the following side-effects to occur in greater than 1 percent of patients taking pantoprazole in 10-, 20- and 40-mg doses for up to 12 months: headache, abnormal liver function tests, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.


• Animal studies have shown a link between stomach cancer and pantoprazole use, although the cancer risks for humans is unknown.


• The American Journal of Gastroenterology documented the findings of a long-term treatment program for patients with severe acid peptic disease who took pantoprazole. Study results conclude that "Pantoprazole is effective, safe, and does not seem to be associated with large increases in serum gastrin or alterations in gastric endocrine cells."

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Statins are drugs prescribed for millions of patients to lower high cholesterol levels and to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Statins block the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver and effectively lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Since the introduction of the first statin, Mevacor, in 1987, other drug manufacturers have developed their own statin drugs including Zocor, Lipitor, Lescol, Pravachol and Crestor. As a class, statins are among the most widely used drugs. However, side effects of the drugs may be an issue for susceptible patients, especially since most people who are prescribed for statins will take them for the rest of their lives. Other People Are Reading How Is the Statin Drug Made? Side Effects of Zocor on the Pancreas Common side effects Generally, statins are well tolerated. Common side effects may include headache, constipation, diarrhea, rash, stomach pain and muscle pain. The latter is the most common side effect, and may appear as a soreness or weakness in muscles. Usually the pain is mild; however in some cases it can be severe enough to interfere with ordinary activities such as walking or climbing stairs.

• Generally, statins are well tolerated. Common side effects may include headache, constipation, diarrhea, rash, stomach pain and muscle pain. The latter is the most common side effect, and may appear as a soreness or weakness in muscles. Usually the pain is mild; however in some cases it can be severe enough to interfere with ordinary activities such as walking or climbing stairs.


• Occasionally, statins elevate liver enzymes in patients. Mild enzyme increases are generally benign, and patients usually continue their treatment. More severe enzyme elevations are usually reversible upon discontinuation of the therapy. However, if left unchecked, severe liver enzymes may lead to permanent liver damage. For this reason, patients who take statins should have their liver enzymes checked periodically during their first year of treatment. Statins should not be given to patients with active or chronic liver disease.


• In rare cases, statin-induced muscle breakdown can lead to release of muscle contents in the blood stream and development of rhabdomyolysis. In severe cases, this can lead to kidney failure and death. One statin, Baycol, was withdrawn from the market in 2001 after being implicated in over 60 deaths due to rhabdomyolysis.


• Certain individuals are at greater risk of developing side effects while on statins. Risk factors include taking multiple medications, having kidney or liver disease, having diabetes, having a smaller body frame, being 65 or older, and being female.


• To reduce statin side effects, doctors may recommend a number of different strategies. In some cases, lowering the dose may alleviate the problems. Switching to another statin drug also helps some patients. Doctors may also make changes in other medications that patients are ta...

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Lipitor is a statin prescribed by doctors to reduce high cholesterol levels. While it can cut a patient's risk of having a heart attack or stroke, Lipitor also has a reputation for causing some unpleasant side effects. According to Lipitor.com, users can experience headaches, joint pain, diarrhea, upset stomach, fatigue and liver problems. Thankfully, the damage caused by this medication can almost always be reversed. Other People Are Reading Will Taking CoQ10 Counteract Side Effects of Statins? Long-Term Effects of Taking Lipitor Things You'll Need Coenzyme Q10 supplements Telephone Show More Instructions 1 Take 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 per day. According to Dr. John Briffa, who works in a private practice in London when he is not lecturing or writing about nutrition, statins deplete the body of coenzyme Q10, resulting in muscle pain. Many statin users have seen results after taking a daily supplement for just one month.

• Take 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 per day. According to Dr. John Briffa, who works in a private practice in London when he is not lecturing or writing about nutrition, statins deplete the body of coenzyme Q10, resulting in muscle pain. Many statin users have seen results after taking a daily supplement for just one month.


• Decrease the amount of Lipitor you take. According to Jay S. Cohen, author of "Over Dose: The Case Against the Drug Companies," the standard dosage of Lipitor is stronger than many patients can tolerate. Demand that your doctor take the time to correct your prescribed dosage because it is likely that you are taking too much at the recommendation of Pfizer Inc., the pharmaceutical company that markets Lipitor.


• Stop taking Lipitor altogether. Once the drug is out of your system, its debilitating side effects will likely subside, including any damage that the drug is causing to your liver. That is not to say that you should not take any statins if you require medication to keep your cholesterol in check, but it is possible that Lipitor is not the right drug for you. Speak to your doctor about using a different medication such as Crestor or Zocor.


• Schedule acupuncture sessions. The American Cancer Society announced that acupuncture can help reverse side effects caused by hormone therapy. While high cholesterol levels bears no relation to breast cancer, the side effects of Lipitor and drugs for hormone therapy are strikingly similar. Like Lipitor, hormone therapy drugs can cause fatigue, joint pain, headaches and diarrhea.

Read the whole post...