rowland34,

Thanks for your question.

Doctors usually try to minimize the amount of medication taken for medical conditions.  However, when weighing the risks of medication verses the risk of developing problems like heart and vascular disease, we must add medication to control these risks.  Keep in mind, that in all cases, dietary restriction of cholesterol and fats is a must in addition to medication. 

First of all, the synthroid is used for the treatment of hypothyroidism, or inadequate thyroid homone.  This drug can be combined with most any other drug.

The crestor and the welchol are often combined together, and it is not unusual to see that Zetia is also added to existing therapy.  These three drugs work differently from each other.  The crestor works in the liver to cut the production of cholesterol.  The zetia works in the intestine by blocking reabsorption of cholesterol in the gut.  And the welchol works by binding bile salts in the intestine.  Biles salts, when reabsorbed are used as building blocks in the liver for the production of cholesterol.  Studies have shown that statin drugs like crestor when combined with welchol, significantly reduce lipid levels.  I was unable to find any contraindication of combining welchol with zetia.

Be sure to review our website for tips (in addition to your medication) on lowering your lipid levels.  This would include diet suggestions as well as exercise and other lifestyle changes.

Best wishes.

Martin Cane, M.D.