DEAR PEOPLE’S PHARMACY: As a nurse for many years, I’ve seen quite a few episodes of adverse statin experiences. Most frequently, the prescribing doctor refuses to entertain the potential of statins because the trigger, although when given a doctor-approved “statin vacation,” many sufferers change into pain-free and resume regular exercise.One affected person with a complete ldl cholesterol stage of 98 learn your article on the hazard of extraordinarily low ldl cholesterol. The doctor’s response was: “The decrease, the higher.” A short while later, the affected person died of a hemorrhagic stroke, as your article had warned.Reactions to statins can spoil lives, even when some medical doctors refuse to consider the reactions are severe.A. You’ve raised one of the controversial subjects in cardiovascular medication. Most consultants are in settlement that decreasing LDL ldl cholesterol reduces the chance of ischemic strokes (these attributable to blood clots within the mind). However they don’t agree about how utilizing statins to decrease LDL ldl cholesterol impacts the chance of hemorrhagic strokes (these attributable to bleeding within the mind).The newest meta-analysis reviewed 33 statin trials (Journal of the American Coronary heart Affiliation, Feb. 20, 2024). The authors reported a small elevated relative threat (17%) for bleeding strokes amongst folks taking statins to decrease their LDL ldl cholesterol. An accompanying editorial emphasizes that “… the worry of HS [hemorrhagic stroke] threat mustn’t preclude statin use if clinically indicated.”You may be taught extra in regards to the professionals and cons of statins and different methods of managing cardiovascular threat in our “eGuide to Ldl cholesterol Management & Coronary heart Well being.” This on-line useful resource will be discovered below the Well being eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.Q. I’ve had hassle at occasions with irritation below the breast and within the groin space. Due to your web site, I discovered an incredible treatment — topical milk of magnesia.I take advantage of it as a deodorant, and I believe it really works higher than name-brand deodorants. I simply use the hair dryer after making use of it, so it doesn’t run. I do the identical for the realm below my breasts day by day. No extra irritation!A. Below-breast rash has a elaborate medical identify: inframammary intertrigo. It’s normally related to pores and skin folds the place sweat can accumulate and encourage the overgrowth of yeast.Magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) doesn’t cease sweating as antiperspirants do. Nonetheless, it does management odor if used within the armpits. We suspect that it might alter the steadiness of microbes on the pores and skin. Which may discourage the fungus that causes irritation.Q. Studying your article about medicines which are dangerous in sizzling climate helped me make sense of my expertise. I typically really feel too sizzling and have hassle with sweating.As a result of I’ve fibromyalgia, persistent ache syndrome and arthritis, I’ve been taking gabapentin and amitriptyline in addition to another meds. Even within the depths of winter, I will be discovered with few bedclothes on as a result of I really feel too sizzling! It drives my associate mad as he feels the chilly intensely. What do I must find out about these medicine in the summertime?A. Antidepressants like amitriptyline are particularly troublesome in sizzling climate as a result of their anticholinergic exercise reduces sweating. That’s the main approach the physique stays cooler, particularly when it’s sizzling and humid. Lowering perspiration makes sizzling climate riskier.Please do NOT cease any of your medicines out of the blue. That might precipitate disagreeable withdrawal signs. Your finest technique can be to remain out of the solar and attempt to hold as cool as potential.* * *Of their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon reply letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Options, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or electronic mail them by way of their web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their latest e-book is “Prime Screwups Docs Make and Easy methods to Keep away from Them.”(c) 2024 King Options Syndicate, Inc.