May 24, 2003
LIPITOR RECALL (and My Health)
Did you know that 1 in 5 U.S. citizens has high cholesterol? You could have it too (even if you're active and thin, eat right, and are 'just' 25- to 35-years-old). As some of you may know, 40 days ago I learned that the level of cholesterol in my body was off the charts (way too high). Since that time I've attempted to change my diet, started exercising, and under my doctor's care, started taking the cholesterol lower drug Lipitor.
Today, news arrived (via my good friend Christoph, who now lives in Germany) that about 9,000,000 Lipitor pills were recalled late yesterday afternoon because of suspected counterfeiting. According to CBS Marketwatch, the Food and Drug Administration says that the counterfeit pills could be identified by the words "Repackaged by MED-PRO Inc., Lexington, Neb." on bottles with lot numbers 20722V, 04132V and 16942V. The FDA also told Marketwatch that a criminal investigation is under way.
Upon hearing such news -- which meant that the recent Lipitor refill I picked up just two days ago could in fact be part of the recall -- I immediately contacted my Pharmacist, who informed me that CVS pharmacies nationwide receive Lipitor directly from the manufacturer, Pfizer, and not from a repackager.
Phew, that's good news, because according to my doctor, Lipitor, in conjunction with changes in diet and steady exercise, can lower my total cholesterol by 29% to 45%, and my "bad" cholesterol by 39% to 60%. I'll know in approximately 60 days if the program is working. Until then, I plan on posting occasional updates on my thoughts related to the new diet and exercise regimen.
Posted by Mikal at May 24, 2003 5:44 PM
Follow your doctorís instructions, and if you deal with name brand pharmicies you should never receive bootleg drugs. On the other hand, if youíre scoring your med's on the street corner or from cheap-ass HMOs, well kidÖ it's a crap shoot. Weíre are all down with your struggle; study hard and I know you will pass that cholesterol test.
Kenny
Mikal, I had no idea...maybe I should call more often... oops
Anyhow, I'm glad to hear that you are on a program. Best of luck with it.
And, keep using Pfizer products. It helps my bottom line. Their stock got me through college, and now I'm just waiting for it to come back to Viagra levels...ahh the good 'ol days.
