DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have been taking Lipitor for about two weeks to lower my cholesterol. A lady friend said she had to stop taking it because it gave her arthritis. My doctor never said a word about arthritis. Am I putting myself in danger with this medicine? – B.W.

ANSWER: Lipitor and five related drugs (Mevacor, Pravachol, Zocor, Lescol and Crestor) are called “statin” drugs because all their generic names end with “statin.” They dependably lower cholesterol. It seems that everyone on this continent takes one of them.

These drugs do not cause arthritis. In a small number of people they cause muscle problems. My guess is that your lady friend must have meant muscle pain and not arthritis pain. The two are often mistaken for each other. The muscle problems range from mild muscle aches to outright muscle destruction. The latter, which is quite serious, happens only to an extremely small number of users.

Serious muscle damage can be verified with blood tests that detect muscle enzymes. The enzymes are released when muscle cells die.

Prompt withdrawal of the drug almost always stops any muscle damage that results from statin use. Users should report to their doctors any muscle pain they have while taking these medicines. It’s not unusual for muscle pain to arise simply when people learn it could be a side effect. The power of suggestion is great. Potential targets for muscle damage include the very old, women, people who are extremely slender and people who have malfunctions of the kidneys, liver or thyroid gland.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My son, age 48, has a cholesterol reading of over 700 (18.13). He is now on Lipitor. Why is his reading so high? He seems to be in good health otherwise. Can stress be a big factor in this? – Anon.

ANSWER: Do high cholesterol readings run in either your husband’s or your family? Heredity can be a major influence for such a high cholesterol level.

The goal for cholesterol is a reading below 200 mg/dL (5.18 mmol/L). Lipitor is an excellent drug, and he’ll know in a short time if it works for him.

If it doesn’t, his dose of Lipitor can be raised. Furthermore, there are other cholesterol drugs that can be used in combination with it. A new one is Zetia. It has an entirely different action on cholesterol. It blocks cholesterol’s absorption, while drugs like Lipitor stop liver production of cholesterol. This is only one example of drug combinations that can be used.

Your son’s number puts him at high risk for a heart attack at a young age. He must do more than take medicine. He has to change the way he lives life. He must go on a diet where fruits, grains and vegetables are the major calorie sources and where meats, dairy products (except low-fat dairy products) and fried foods are de-emphasized. He must begin an exercise program that emphasizes jogging, running, biking or walking. If he is overweight, he must reduce. And the most important factor of all: If he smokes, he has no option but to stop.

The pamphlet on cholesterol can put this difficult and misunderstood subject into focus. People can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue – No. 201, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.50 U.S./$6.50 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a 63-year-old man in good health. In the past few years the robust sex life my wife and I enjoyed has diminished to almost zero. I am looking for a solution to erectile dysfunction. – L.L.

ANSWER: Why not try one of the medicines designed to help men with a problem such as yours? Viagra has been around for quite some time, and now there are two other similar drugs, Levitra and Cialis. Your doctor can check to see if you have any conditions that might make these medicines dangerous for you to use. One of the major roadblocks against use is nitrate medicines, commonly used for control of angina heart pain.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

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