Which Cholesterol Medicine is Best?

DEAR DR. GOTT: In March, I was on Zocor and had a cholesterol test with the following figures: cholesterol 190, HDL 64, LDL 108 and triglycerides 90.

Since my doctor wasn’t happy with these results, probably because of the LDL, he changed me to Vytorin 10/20, and I had another test six weeks later. Those results were cholesterol 167, HDL 56, LDL 86 and triglycerides 125. The triglycerides of 125 concern me. What is your opinion on which medication is better for me?

I am a 75-year-old female. I also take Aciphex and Miacalcin. I do not have high blood pressure, and I walk every day for 30 minutes, so I am moderately active.

DEAR READER: Your cholesterol and triglyceride levels are normal. I can’t comment on your doctor’s dissatisfaction with your numbers.

I believe that either drug would be appropriate because the general pattern of blood fats seems to be acceptable.

Vicks works again

DEAR DR. GOTT: I saw your column in the paper a while back on three new drugs for psoriasis. Lestoil didn’t work for me, but what does help control the plaque buildup on my hands is – yes, you guessed it – Vicks VapoRub. I know someone else who gets relief from it, as well.

It’s not a cure, of course, but after about three days of use, it greatly reduced the scaling on my hands and is as good as any of the prescriptions given by my dermatologist.

I do wish someone would come up with some drugs to treat this that don’t have so many awful side effects on other parts of the body. I just won’t go on them out of concern of becoming sicker or creating damage to other parts of my body. It is on my hands, feet and ankles and can be so debilitating at times.

My insurance company won’t authorize the new drugs unless the current ones are tried and have failed.

I feel their side effects are just too hazardous at this stage, and the newer drugs you mentioned are so expensive – over $10,000 for a course of treatment that’s not even a cure.

What are they thinking? Who can afford that?

DEAR READER: Thanks for the Vicks VapoRub tip. Other readers have written praising this treatment, but the results do vary, so I can’t give total approval. However, if it works for you, continue. Vicks is safe, easy and inexpensive.

(Dr. Gott is a practicing physician and the author of the new book “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet.” Quill Driver Books, www.quill- driverbooks.com; 800-605-7176. Readers can write to Dr. Gott in care of United Media, 200 Madison Ave., Fourth Floor, New York, N.Y. 10016.)

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