Pharmacy and Medications |
Lescol vs. Lipitor
11/16/2009
|
Question:
My Dr. wants to have me change from taking 10mg of Lipitor to 20mg of Lescol because of high CPK values, and possible muscular damage. I understand that Lescol is less effective mg for mg but why can`t I simply take less Lipitor, or even take it every other day? Thanks
Answer:
The medication switch from Lipitor to Lescol is an acceptable interchange. The doctor should be aware that Lescol is indeed less effective at a mg to mg dose. Since you have had elevated CPK levels and possible muscle damage, the doctor probably wants to start you on a lower dose of Lescol and evaluate the effect of that dose. The doctor can then increase the dose as needed until the desired effect is reached. Lescol 80mg is the highest indicated therapeutic dose.
In regard to taking less Lipitor, the physician may not want to do this because of safety issues. In choosing Lescol 20mg, the doctor feels that you will still have the benefits of lowering your bad cholesterol as well as decrease the CPK values and muscular damage experienced by the Lipitor use. In comparison, Lescol is much easier on the body. Lescol has <1% risk of increasing CPK levels and muscular damage. Patients taking Lipitor have a 3-9% chance of experiencing muscle pain, a 5% risk of muscle spasms, and approximately a 2% risk of CPK increase. Based on these numbers, Lescol is seemingly the right choice for you at this time since you may have elevated CPK levels.
Lastly, it is not advisable to simply take your Lipitor every other day. This could decrease the efficacy of the medication drastically. To note, statin medications (Lipitor and Lescol) work by inhibiting cholesterol production. Due to their length of activity in the body, these medications need to be taken every day to properly decrease cholesterol production and provide beneficial effects.
Submitted by John Mallett, Pharm D Candidate
Ohio Northern University College of Pharmacy
For more information:
Go to the
Pharmacy and Medications health topic, where you can:
- Read articles on this topic
- Browse the previously asked questions
- Ask your own question.
Response by:
Join us on Facebook
