Coumadin and Lipitor

[Chrisandgary]

Hi! My hubby is on coumadin for a St.Judes Mechanical aortic valve (AVR) and now has high cholestoral. He is only 35 and I hate for him to have to take anything but his cardiologist is insistent he needs medication to control it. Anyone taking lipitor while on coumadin or any other cholestoral lowering drug?

Thanks!
Christine

 

[fyrfytr]

Hey Christine,
I had AVR surgery with a St. Jude Mechanical in April. I take 7.5 mg 6 days a week and 5mg 1 day a week of warfarin and also take 80mg a day of Zocor for my high cholesterol. I haven't had any problems taking both so far. I also take a lopressor to help keep my heart rate down.
Take Care

Dave
___________________________
Surgery: 4/21/03
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
AVR, with a St. Jude Mechanical

 

[bvdr]

Hi Christine,

I'm on both coumadin and Lipitor. I get the impression from my cardiologist and the staff at cardiac rehab that they feel many many more people would benefit from being on statins such as Lipitor.

I was started on Lipitor while in the hospital following MVR. I was not pleased to have yet another drug to be taking but I have changed my mind about Lipitor. I have mild CAD although have never had a high cholesterol. I questioned the need for Lipitor but was assured it could help prevent the mild CAD from becoming something more serious.

 

[Karlynn]

I'm on Lipitor, as well as Coumadin and metoprolol. My cholesterol was 220, high, but not hugely high. My cardiologist told me that with my family history and my valve issues, I was better off starting on Lipitor now and preventing future blockages and "sludge" from sticking. I've been on it for over a year now and don't see any problems. My cholesterol was 154 in August. I'm beginning to see that Statin drugs get a similar bad rap as Coumadin.

I'm sure Al will weigh in when he gets back from his big adventure.

Karlynn

 

[Guest]

Don't leave until Tues.

Lipitor is the largest selling drug in the US. Warfarin is in the top 10. There are many, many people who take both. If there were short-term major problems we would know about them by now.

Long term for somebody who is 35 might be another question as yet unanswered. But everything we know at this time seems to point toward benefit. We do know that elevated cholesterol over a long period of time is a huge risk factor.

I think that you have to say, "We went with the best evidence available at the time. If some bad long-term effect comes to light, then we will cross that bridge when we come to it."

 

[Chrisandgary]

Bless you all! I feel so much better. Just like the coumadin issue - Not so bad once I hear from the pros!!

Take care - I will sleep better tonite ( now I can't wait for him to be on it!)

 

[Fitzy]

Hey Guys,

I am just popping in to work to make sure they cant do without me! I was just going to post to say hello when I had a mail from Les. My post op has gone brilliantly but my cholestrol has gone up since the op, I have never had high cholestrol but my family history would be bad, I was just wondering were the two connected ? i.e- cholestrol levels higher as a result of the op?
My GP is anxious for me to start on Lipitor also.

Will be in touch.

Fitzy