I finally feel validated!

[Catty1]

And yes, there are drugs out there that are needed by people, so no, they don't go out of circulation.

But as Laura mentioned, the side effects are not even listed in the med insert at the pharmacies.

Some folks like Laura and others here, are proactive and say "It is my choice to take that or not," and act accordingly.

I am concerned about the thousands of people who would never question their doctors, and believe the drug companies - all well and good. However, as has been noted by CBC and other networks, pharma companies are spending a large percentage more on marketing the drugs than on research and development. And the one that manufactures Lipitor is under fire for not advising of side effects.

I think a 'public' outcry would do much to help those who need to take a stand...those who are less proactive than others.

HUGS and good health to all.

[Laura's Babies]

Chantix, their other drug also have hidden side effects that they haven't mentioned. Those side effects are a lot like the statin drugs and those message boards are full of more complaints than praise. One poster said she would rather be a pack a day smoker for the rest of her life than feel like she is feeling.... if only she had known!

How I came to research that was Mike was acting so strange. I won't go into details but his personality changed to MEAN! He had not told me he was taking it so one day he came over complaining about a conversation with his doctors nurse and it was like they both were talking another language.. Anyway I asked him if he was on any medication and he said Chantix. I asked him "any side effects yet?" "Nope!" so I then told him how mean he has become, even to the point that he had screamed at me several times.. so we went to researching it on my computer. That was the last day he took any. He had been having horriable shoulder pain that kept him awake at night and guess what, that was one of the side effects. Joint pain is not listed as a side effect on that one either.

I know a lot of people who have used Chantix to quit with no side effects or problems, but I also know people who had problems and quit taking it. But here again, they have taken that choice out of our hands by hiding the side effects so people can not make and informed decision and make a choice that is right for them.

Grace, there are medicines I have refused to take after researching the side effects that have been disclosed with the insert. One drug I threw away after taking only 2 of them.

The scareist part is we do not know if we will ever get over thses effects and question every sudden ailment we have from now on and natural or statin induced.

Any NOW we find out that most of our drugs are made in CHINA and not here in the USA? The clock is ticking and it is only a matter of time before that has tragic consequences.

[moosmom]

I was put on Lipitor and had a bad reaction...pain in joints, achiness, abdominal pain. It was awful.

Speaking of doctors not listening...I had problems with my anti-depressant so my Nurse Practitioner changed it. I started having vertigo so I called him. He NEVER called me back. I was furious and going into panic modes. Not only did he take me off the new anti-depressant, but didn't prescribe anything else for a week!! What a friggin nightmare. I was walking into walls, walking around feeling like I was drunk.

I don't trust doctors. Especially after what they did to my daughter.

[Grace]

For those of you who have been on statins in the past, and for any still taking the drug, a question.

After you started taking the med, did your doctor order lab tests to be done in 2 months, 4 months and 6 months?

I had the initial series, and now get checked every year.

The tests are to check for the presence of chemicals released into the body if the statin is causing muscle breakdown.

Some of the tests are ALT, AST, CK. I can give you the long names if you want.

[moosmom]

He did an initial blood test. But I wasn't on it long enough for other ones.

[Grace]

So you were one of those that react badly from the beginning. My levels rose a bit, but never out of the normal range, and then went back down after my body got used to it.

[Laura's Babies]

My doc would only give me a 3 month supply and I had to see him to get another Rx and order for blood work. He'd walk in the room and ask what I was there for, I'd say blood work and another Rx. He'd say OK and leave... Cost? $100! The nurse would call the next day with the results.

My first doctor in Florida that put me on them gave me a years supply Rx, knowing I would show up for the blood work. I was to scared not to have that blood work done.