Why is Lipitor Considered the Most Effective Cholesterol Reducing Drug

Lipitor can be considered the most effective cholesterol reducing drug because it not only lowers overall cholesterol levels, but it also reduces LDL or bad cholesterol levels in the body and decreases triglyceride levels as well.

Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like, waxy substance found in the bloodstream that helps in producing cell membrane, some hormones, and serves other bodily functions. However, a high level of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk for heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

High LDL cholesterol levels can clog the arteries and can cause arteriosclerosis, while high triglyceride levels can also affect the heart.

Lipitor has an excellent safety profile, and according to its manufacturer Pfizer Inc., it has been studied at length during development and marketing for over the past decade.

It is also backed by more than 400 ongoing and completed clinical trials. Generally well tolerated, Lipitor can be taken with many other medications. However like all drugs, Lipitor may cause side effects in some people.

The side effects include; gassiness, stomach pain, indigestion and constipation. These side effects are usually mild and tend to go away after a while.

Extremely effective when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, Lipitor is more potent than most other cholesterol lowering drugs. Studies show that at its lowest dose of 10 mg, it reduces the relative risk of a heart attack by 36% compared to placebo.

This study was conducted by the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial: Lipid-Lowering Arm (ASCOT-LLA), and was the basis of the FDA approving Lipitor. Because of these significant benefits the ASCOT-LLA trail was ended nearly two years ahead of schedule.

The safety report of the group treated with Lipitor was as good as to that of the group treated with a placebo. The trial involved nearly 11,000 people with borderline cholesterol and no previous history of heart disease, but with high blood pressure and at least three risk factors for heart disease, such as family history, age, smoking, diabetes and obesity.

The FDA has also approved Lipitor to reduce the risk of angina or chest pain and to reduce revascularization procedures, such as angioplasty.

Lipitor may interact with certain other cholesterol-lowering drugs and with some immunosuppressive medications. Speak to your doctor to make sure that Lipitor is right for you.

You Should Not Take Lipitor If:

• you have liver disease or possible liver problems
• you are pregnant, could become pregnant or are breast-feeding
• you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Lipitor or
• you drink alcoholic beverages

Lipitor and alcohol can damage the liver; speak to your doctor about how much alcohol you can drink while on this drug. Lipitor is a prescription medication that should be taken under a doctor’s supervision only.

Since Lipitor can cause liver problems, it is important that you follow your doctor’s instruction while on this medication and go for periodic liver function tests.