Ask a Healer Prescription Drugs Series

Is Lipitor Safe?
© Neva J Howell, All Rights Reserved
What to ask your doctor about lipitor safety
Featured Remedy: Lower Cholesterol Naturally

This is in response to a question one of my readers asked. My answer was so long that I divided it into several sections by subject. Her original question included needing to know if there were risks of liver damage with lipitor. This section provides some insight into assessing that and other risks of taking lipitor.

You asked about statin drug safety....

If you ask a doctor, they will most likely tell you that lipitor (one of a class of drugs called statin drugs, used to lower cholesterol) is generally safe and well-tolerated. From what I've read, you are correct in that Lipitor can cause liver damage if there is an existing liver problem. Also, Lipitor shouldn't be taken if you are pregnant.

So is Lipitor safe? If you ask a holistic health practitioner, you will likely hear serious doubts being voiced about risks outweighing benefit when it comes to statin drugs. Ultimately, the decision is up to each person facing this health challenge.

The criteria I myself would use
in deciding whether to take Lipitor:

Provided mine was not an emergency or life-threatening situation, I would try natural means of lowering cholesterol first, including fully implementing cholesterol-lowering dietary changes and taking natural alternatives to statin drugs.

If those natural means did not work to lower my cholesterol to a healthy level and the only option left was statin drug medication, I'd require these three clarifying points from my doctor:

1. Tests are done to determine that there is no existing liver or kidney problem.

2. Agreement is forthcoming from the doctor, for taking the smallest effective dose, for the shortest period of time.

3. Liver Enzymes and Kidney function are tested more than normal.

In other words, I would not tolerate any kind of wait and see language like a follow-up in three months. I would want to see my doctor at least once a month. Yes, it means drawing blood and filling a cup for urinalysis more than I might like, but I'd consider it vital followup.

Related Article on Tonic Herbs and Cardiovascular Health * Can Cayenne Tea Stop a Heart Attack?

Health Care Disclaimer: If you are currently on Lipitor for high cholesterol or arterial plaque reduction, please consult with your chosen heart specialist about lipitor side effects you may be experiencing.