Why do we take statins 7 days a week forever?

[june_nmexico]

[color=black][/color]

I had only borderline high LDL and low HDL. Exercise and a healthy diet were already my lifestyle, so my doctor decided to try statins. Crestor caused big problems with elevated liver enzymes, and I was switched to Lescol XL, a time released fluvostatin. I have my liver enzymes checked every six months and all seems well, including normal HDL levels.

Why though, I wonder, do we take statins forever? In Ayuvedic and other homeopathic treatment, nothing is taken forever. Most treatments involve taking the prescribed formula for a period of time, then going off for a period of time. The body needs time to balance itself.

In addition to the cost of the Lescol XL, I have the added expense of 100 mg of daily CoEnzyme Q10 which is depleted by statins, plus the cost of periodic blood tests. Is this really necessary or is this driven by pharmaceutical company sales goals?

[sos_group_owner]

Hi "june_nmexico",

The problem is not cholesterol, it's "inflammation".
Please read these article by Dr Graveline...
Statin Alternatives:
http://www.spacedoc.net/statin_alternatives.htm
Stopping Statins:
http://www.spacedoc.net/stopping_statins.html

Fran

[CatMom]

I have wondered why we had to take them forever too and what they would eventually end up doing to you over a period of 15 to 20 years. I think it is all about $$$$$$.....

[june_nmexico]

[quote="sos_group_owner"]Hi "june_nmexico",

The problem is not cholesterol, it's "inflammation".
Please read these article by Dr Graveline...
Statin Alternatives:
http://www.spacedoc.net/statin_alternatives.htm
Stopping Statins:
http://www.spacedoc.net/stopping_statins.html

Fran[/quote][/i]

Thank you, Fran. I've just read these two articles and will bring them to my doctor on my appointment next month. Perhaps he will take time to read them. I also want to ask him if I can switch to regular Lescol in a lower dosage. Lescol XL is time-released, available only in 80 mg tablets which cannot be split.

One of the challenges in dealing with medication issues is the lab testing required for follow-up. For those without health insurance, or on Medicare, the lab costs can be prohibitive.

I already supplement with aspirin 81mg, omega-3, CoQ10 and vitamins B6, 12 and folic acid, thanks to Dr. Graveline's book.

Thank you for your response. It's very helpful.
June