Statins

some physicians base their choice by literally interpreting
studies done with specific statin drugs -- in other words,
instead of inferring that there is a "class effect", they
prescribe the specific drugs that were used in clinical
trials and were shown to reduce the risk of stroke and heart
attack (simvastatin is one of these).

other physicians base their choice strictly upon the
marketing recommendations of pharmaceutical
representatives -- they get used to prescribing a specific
statin and stick with it.

other physicians base their choice upon the specific degree
of lipid lowering needed in a patient -- since there are
differences in potency among the statins, a physician might
choose a different statin to treat someone with mild
hyperlipidemia versus someone with more severe
hyperlipidemia.

most physicians will base their prescribing decision upon
the specific drug / prescription plan that a patient carries
-- they will prescribe the statin that is on the patient's
approved drug formulary.

"J and b 50" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:20040324120725.03590.00000034@mb-
m01.aol.com...

Quoted message said:

I use Zocor also. Is there a reason one statin is
prescribed over another?

Good information, thank you.

jim b.

(J and b 50) said:

I use Zocor also. Is there a reason one statin is
prescribed over another?

1) Potency (some statins lower lipids more than others)
2) Drug-drug interactions (some are metabolized by different
pathways in the liver than others)
3) Cost (restricted formularies, etc.)
4) Specific clinical trials
5) Physician comfort/familiarity (possibly influenced by
drug reps)
6) Patient preference ("My Dad's on Lipitor, so I'd like to
use that.", or "I saw an ad for Zocor on TV..."😉

(J and b 50) said:

I use Zocor also. Is there a reason one statin is
prescribed over another?

My doctor researched drug interactions with my other meds
before prescribing Lipitor. That's his primary criteria for
choosing one med over another.