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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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High Cholesterol Levels. Prescribed Welchol. Suffering From GERD. Side Effects?

Hi I am a 51 year old woman who has a cholesterol level of 303. My doctor just took me off of Cestor 5mg bc I was experiencing muscle cramps in my lower legs. She recommended I take Welchol. My question to you is as follows Is this new medicine safe to take with a person who suffers from GERD!! I read that it can cause indigestion and constipation (which I also suffer from)! I am VERY sensitive to most medicines. Please help, as my doctor seems to think that Welchol won t be a bother to me. Maybe I should have tried a different statin first, please advise Thank you
Sat, 2 Mar 2013
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Cardiologist 's  Response
Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

The side effects are mostly class effects.
Changing to a different statin is not likely to avoid it.

Constipation and bloating are common with the later one, but not a must.
You should give a fair trial, before discarding it.

Fibrates are there too - you can go for them, if you can't tolerate it.

The other alternative is niacin / marked flushing contributes to its great non-compliance.

Your levels are quite high and you will have to take a drug...

Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck
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High Cholesterol Levels. Prescribed Welchol. Suffering From GERD. Side Effects?

Hi friend, Welcome to Health Care Magic The side effects are mostly class effects. Changing to a different statin is not likely to avoid it. Constipation and bloating are common with the later one, but not a must. You should give a fair trial, before discarding it. Fibrates are there too - you can go for them, if you can t tolerate it. The other alternative is niacin / marked flushing contributes to its great non-compliance. Your levels are quite high and you will have to take a drug... Take care Wishing speedy recovery God bless Good luck