Donna,

Thanks for your question. 

First of all, I'm glad to hear that your husband is doing so well on his present medication.  But remember, his cholesterol is doing well on the Crestor.  Unless he is having side effects, or cost is an issue, I'm not sure why a change would be considered.

Crestor is a cholesterol lowering drug in the Statin class of medications.  There are several different statins on the market, some stronger (more effective) than others.  Other statins include Mevacor, Zocor, Lipitor, Pravachol, Lescol, and several others.  Of these, Crestor, Zocor, and Lipitor are considered the stronger meds in this class.  Some are now available as generic (Mevacor and Zocor). 

Another alternative is Zetia which works in the intestine rather than the liver.  In many cases Zetia is added on to a statin for better control of cholesterol.  It is also available with zocor in a single pill called Vytorin. 

In addition to the statins and the zetia, there is Omega 3 Fish Oil and niacin formulations that are effective in lowering cholesterol, but not to the same degree.

Of course, along with medication, a low fat diet, fresh fruits, and vegetables are also important, as well as a regular exercise program.

Your next step would be a discussion with your husband's physician about alternatives.  Again, unless you have a good reason to switch to another medication, staying on the Crestor would seem like the logical decision at this time.

Best wishes.

Martin Cane, M.D.

Joseph Robinson

12/ 4/10 1:40pm

My doctor agrees with your comments above.  Using a statin drug - Crestor and Lipitor, I have bad leg cramps in the morning.  When I stop taking the drugs, the cramps cease.  The doctor recommends omega 3 oils,but says this is primarily for triglyceride control not for cholesterol .  I am not attempting to cut the dosage of Crestor (1/2 pill once or every other day) to see if this helps.  Perhaps the Omega 3 oil and niacin would help both the triglyceride AND cholesterol.  I would appreciate you comments.