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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
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Pharmacy and Medications |
Is Taking Blood Tests Every 3 Months for Lipitor Necessary?12/17/2008 |
I have been taking 10 mg of Lipitor for over 5 years. The results on LDL/HDL have been very good. The doctor requires that I have blood tests every 3 months even though in 5 years I have never had any issues or problems with any of the tests. When I ask if I can go to every 6 months or even every 4 months, he says "something may change" and he insists on continued testing every 3 months. Is there a recommended testing level that I can refer to when I next meet with him.
Thank you for your question. Obtaining blood tests every three months for the sole purpose of monitoring the safety and effectiveness of Lipitor does seem a bit excessive. However, without knowing your complete medical history, including other medications you may be receiving, it may be appropriate. There may be other valid reasons your doctor wants to obtain labs this frequently.Please note that NetWellness is a forum intended for consumers, not medical professionals, and provides information only, no diagnosis or second opinion.
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Darrell Hulisz, RPh, PharmD Associate Professor Department of Family Medicine University Hospitals School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University |
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Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) 
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