[IM4U]

Has anyone used a nutritional substitute for Lipitor, a prescription drug for cholesterol problems? The sub comes from a waxy material of sugar cane. The name starts with "p." Do you have any info about results you had or results friends experienced? Lipitor is listed among "Statin" drugs, and they are getting some focus in the media as to harmfulness.

Thanks.

IM4U

[tickle]

I have seen no warning about Lipitor, nor have any of my clients. It is a very popular cholesterol medication and I would not advice taking anything as a sub unless it has your doctors approval.

[JudyKayTee]

Has anyone used a nutritional substitute for Lipitor, a prescription drug for cholesterol problems? The sub comes from a waxy material of sugar cane. The name starts with "p." Do you have any info about results you had or results friends experienced? Lipitor is listed among "Statin" drugs, and they are getting some focus in the media as to harmfulness.

Thanks.

IM4U

Lipitor can be dangerous if the patient has any liver problems or the possibility of liver problems - that's why blood tests must be routinely done. There have been cases - more than a few - of muscle weakness and currently the standard is to stop taking Lipitor if surgery is planned.

I have seen the studies of the substitute - and I can't recall the name, either, although I do know what you are asking about - but have not seen anything definitive.

My husband was a Doctor of Pharmacy and I have all the ongoing magazines, periodicals, educational materials, and can find nothing definitive.

[IM4U]

Hi, this is the asker of the question. I found the name--"policosanol." Sounds like a political cure, right? If so, we would probably all like a few bottles!

After a sparring match with my cardiologist, I am taking policosanol for a few weeks and then getting a lab visit. I had run out of lipitor and had not renewed it when we had our friendly discussion.

I did have a "cardioversion" last week to get my rhythm back. I am grateful for that successful "shot" of electricity. I have considerably more energy. I guess running out of the proper rhythm saps a lot of strength.

As a kid, I chewed a lot of sugar cane and enjoyed the juice. Maybe in a sense I am returning to my childhood. Hope it works!

Thanks for your interest.