November 5th
2008
12:21 PM
I havent tried Nuvaring yet.... I just got back from the doctor with some free samples. I'm on the Ortho Evra patch currently and I have side effects that made me concerned enough to try something different. I was on the Depo shot for 4 years. I decided to get off of it after I had cycts removed from my ovaries and had pre cancerous cells removed. Which the doctors said would lower my chances of having children. I decided to take a whole year off of birth control. To give my body a chance to "recover". The only problem I had was my periods kept getting longer and longer and more frequent. Next thing I know the doctors tell me I have Polycystic Ovarian Disease. Which also lowers the chance of having children because of the irregular bleeding. The pill makes me so nautious I couldn't stand it so I thought I'd try the patch. Now I have menstrual cramps when I'm not ovulating, I'm so moody its not even funny, I'm eating all the time and tired 24/7. The only thing it did do was regulate my period. Which is what I wanted... But I've only been on it for two months. My doctor told me you cant even feel the Nuvaring and it has a low dose of estrogen so I wont be moody. But reading all of the comments and stories.... I think I'm just going to not be on any birth control and see if my body naturally regulates itself. If I was using the birth control just to avoid pregnancy it would be different, I would want to be on at least something. But I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that thinks birth control is evil and causes alot more problems than doctors tell you. So I think I'm just gonna toss my free samples of Nuvaring, get off the patch and see what my body does naturally.
-- By lindzer | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
October 24th
2008
3:15 PM
I have been on Yasmin twice now, with a 6 month break while using Yaz (got free samples). The first time was for about 2 years. Now it's been 5 or 6 months. Both times, I have had the following side effects, but did not realize they were the pills fault, until I started taking it again -- and noticed the trend. These side effects are particularly bad the first 3-4 months of Yasmin, and then my hormones seem to level out...
1. Weight gain. I have gained 5 pounds since restarting Yasmin this summer. I am dieting and exercising, and I think that if I weren't fighting as hard as I am, my weight gain would be significantly higher.
2. Facial and random body hair. Ok, gross and embarrassing. I have had random chin hair pop up, and one strange chest hair that comes right before my period. These were not an issue while on Yaz, or after my body became accustomed to Yasmin last time. I am not normally a hairy woman. Seriously!
3. Pimples. These were the worst pimples I have EVER gotten, and had to visit a dermatologist for serious medicine to counter my acne. I literally have ACNE SCARS from the huge, severe cystic acne that I have while on this pill. I do not normally wear makeup, but no makeup could cover these HUGE zits! This is awful for the first 3-4 months, and my skin flairs up on the 3rd and 4th week of the pill still. People didn't even know they were pimples, as they were so big and red. Beyond pimple size. I don't know how to explain this well enough -- literally quarter sized. I am currently on my last week of pills for the month (week before period) and have a large cystic pimple that doesn't even look like a zit, because of it's size!
4. Heavy, inconsistent periods. My period last month lasted 4-5 days (about average for me). I bled through tampons and actually had to double up. For example, I changed my tampon right before I left the house for work one day. I got to work (30 minutes) and had bled through my heavy tampon, panty liner, underwear, and into my jeans. This is NOT acceptable!
5. Grumpiness. Yes, I'm a bit grumpier and more emotional than usual, but counter that with increased exercise (also to fight the weight gain).
6. Sex drive. Point blank: I have not had an orgasm since being on this pill. I'm a married woman, and that would be nice to have once in a while.
What shall I do about this? Nothing. Apparently Yasmin is supposed to be the best pill out there for weight gain, acne, and facial hair. So, they are telling me that other pills would be even worse...? Does ANYONE have a useful suggestion for a new birth control pill that will have fewer side effects?
-- By zanicole | Reply | Private Message me
September 22th
2008
12:32 AM
i switched to femcon from nuvaring because i had terrible night sweats on nuvaring. however, i have encountered some really annoying side effects of femcon. while the night sweats are much milder, i started bleeding about a week after starting it and have not stopped. its been 12 days now and i am going crazy! i spoke with my physician and she instructed me to take the pill twice a day for a few days to stop the bleeding, but no luck. i am also having a lot of bloating. i don't think i'll put up with this for much longer. any other suggestions for better alternatives?
-- By irish4069 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
August 18th
2008
6:34 PM
i am older than most of the women here. I am 49 (yeah turning the big 50 soon) and was having very long and heavy periods with extreme irritability and moodiness. The worst symptom though, was the cramping. So my doctor suggested NV and gave me two free samples. I just came home from vacation and ripped the second damn thing out. I have been spotting non stop. My entire lower pelvic region feels like it has been invaded by a version of the alien (Sigourney Weaver style), the cramps are continuous and unrelenting. My libido has gone from "not now" to "don't even think about it....ever".
I have been trying to soldier on but I don't think we are supposed to suffer like this.
I am trying to accept that my period will come and never go away. I will have continuous cramps, will never want sex again and will be irritable and angry all the time. But I was doing that all by myself so who needs the damn Nuvaring?
August 10th
2008
8:19 PM
I have taken Cipro & levaquin or several occasions for several years. I DID NOT KNOW OF THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF THESE DRUGS ON TENDONS AND OTHER MUSCULOSKELETAL EFFECTS. A FEW DAYS AGO I HEARD A LEGAL AD ON TV WHICH CAUGHT MY ATTENTION: ' IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAS TAKEN LEVAQUIN AND SUFFERED A RUPTURED TENDON, CALL....... ' OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS , I HAVE HAD THREE ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES, TWO OF WHICH REQUIRED SURGERY AND A LONG REHAB, AND A "PROBABLE" TENDON TEAR OF MY FOREARM FOR WHICH I WAS ON LIGHT DUTY FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, REHABBING W/ PT, STEROIDS, BOTH ORAL AND INJECTIONS, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDS. AS MOST OF THESE INJURIES OCCURRED AT WORK- I AM A CCU NURSE- AND WAS TREATED BY OCC MED DOCTORS, AND THEN REFERRED TO SPECIALISTS WHEN I WASN'T GETTING BETTER, I WAS MADE TO FEEL AS IF THESE INJURIES WERE SOMEHOW MY FAULT, THROUGH POOR LIFTING TECHNIQUES,ETC. AT NO TIME DURING ALL THESE TREATMENTS FOR INJURIES DID ANY HEALTHCARE PROVIDER PUT THESE TWO THINGS TOGETHER AND ASK QUESTIONS, AND NOR DID MY OWN PHYSICIAN. THIS WOULD LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS DRUG HAS NOT BEEN WELL DISSEMINATED TO THE MEDICAL PROVIDERS.
-- By rjbinc1 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
August 4th
2008
8:44 PM
I am on my second week of taking Femcon and I am nauseous all day. It seems to get worse after I eat, and I have lost my appetite. My acid reflux has gotten 5x worse than it usually is. I was given free samples from my doctor for my PCOS, but I'm going back next week-I'd like to stop taking these and try something different! I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels like this. Thanks for the posts.
-- By stefbrig | Reply | Private Message me
August 1th
2008
6:37 PM
i was giving the "free sample" packet of Femcon Fe by my ob-gyn to help with the irregularities of my periods due to PCOS.from day one its been a major pain!a headache and insane nausea!it was awful...and this trend continued non stop through the entire 3 1/2 weeks of use.headache nausea fatigue moody tender breast heartburn...heck...i began to think i was flipping pregnant and took a test to reassure myself i wasn't and that this birth control pill was just really working me over. i know one must allow their bodies to get used to the b/c...but this was ridiculous! i finally threw in the towel last night and stopped taking them.in my third week and already i'm spotting with incredibly bad cramps nonstop.makes me think something is seriously wrong...wait i know..its this freaking pill! i think there is a hidden agenda to these pharmacal companies handing out free samples of b/c....using you as little test subjects without being up front about how bad the effects are on the body.heck...i was foolish enough to be convinced....a minty chewable birth control pill.AWESOME!...cha! they should include on the packaging"This product has the tendency to totally annihilate your sense of comfort during the entire duration of consumption".screw this pill...i'd rather deal with the side effects of my last pill which is like cake and ice cream compared to this one here!
-- By unouluvme | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
July 4th
2008
5:34 PM
My husband started on Lisinopril - 6/11/08. He also takes Coreg generic. He also takes Crestor. However, before taking Lisinopril, he had a persistent cough dating back to March. He was placed in prednisone for five days - 6/14/08. He has had chest pain, numbing of different sections of his legs, arm numbness. But, today, he threatened to attack me with a remote control and wished a tv to fall on my head.
This is psychotic behavior. Has anyone else experienced violent eposides and incoherant moments?
June 20th
2008
9:44 PM
I had a really bad case of strep throat because I thought it was a cold or flu and didn't go to the doctor for 12 days...but then I finally went because my throat hurt so bad and my glands were so swollen. I don't have insurance and maybe that's why the doctor gave me ten free samples of avelox right off the bat instead of just prescribing penicillin. I took the first dose and I would say my sore throat and swelling were 80% gone within the FIRST THIRTY MINUTES. So, definitely this is a very strong antibiotic compared to the Z-pak (zithromax) I've taken for bronchitis before. It's now day 4 and I have to say I am reluctant to take it for 10 days!! I haven't had any severe reactions, just bloating, diarrhea, dizziness, and some tiredness. And pretty strong nausea for the first hour, so I have been pushing the dose time from 9am to gradually later at night where I am not so sensitive. I am 33yrs old, healthy and eat well usually so I think my strong constitution has kept me from some of the more severe reactions I see above. HOWEVER, I do feel that it's a bit too strong! Surely there must be some way to lower the dosage of this antibiotic? I feel that it's worked well, but it just is too much like a SLEDGEHAMMER!
-- By strepgrrrl | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
May 3th
2008
9:03 PM
I have come to the conclusion that our pediatricians, allergists and various other doctors, have been brainwashed by the drug reps,possibly even bribed. My friend took her son off of Singulair almost a month ago when I told her about all of this. He already suffers from a learning disability, but she feels that his ability has improved along with his disposition and complaints of various aches and pains. She took him for his usual appointment at his allergist and told him what she had done and why and he literally YELLED at her, calling her a fool and demanded that she put him back on it. She stood her ground and refused and now is under the impression that her son will be dismissed as a patient from that practice. That won't be a problem. From what I read and what I hear, a lot of doctors are dismissing the whole deal. They can't be bothered with finding out for themselves, what the truth really is. No, they might miss out on the "perks" from the drug reps, like free samples of the deadly drug, or free pens, or a chance at a vacation in the Bahamas, and the list goes on. The drug reps are a hazard. They lack education on the drugs that they are "dealing", and if they HAVE been educated and are still promoting it,
they are no better than the crack dealers in the alley.
April 1th
2008
11:31 AM
Well after all the hype of the negative side effects of levaquin I did the 7 days and tho I felt like crap mainly due to the flu I think I seem to be fine a week after stopping. The side effects I did experience were wrenched stomach. This could of been a flu symptom or maybe a side effect of the antibiotic. Knowing that antibiotics can cause pretty much most of the symptoms that people here complain of and having experienced ten years of allergies due to antibiotics from 93 to 03 and curing myself thru education on the subject I knew before hand that taking any antibiotic is a gamble. I think the reason most people have bad experiences is due to an already compromised out of balance system. Candidiasis is a controversial subject that a lot of doctors do not believe in but recently it has made a lot of headlines both on tv and in the holistic field. So knowing I did not want another ten years of hell I bought good flora, probiotics from a health food store. I have been taking about 5 a day with meals. So far i have no side effects. I feel good. I will take probiotics for a month or so to make sure I get enough good flora back into my system. Anyone taking an antibiotic needs to know that it will kill most all benificial bacteria but does not kill candida so without the good flora which keeps candida in check candida can grow and leak into your blood stream and attack any part of the body. I personally do not agree that antibiotics should be used in a lot of situations but sometimes you have no choice. If one does not have the knowledge to use them responsibly I do believe your life can be altered dramatically. Its easy to blame the pill which in most cases you are correct in your assumption but its also your own fault and the doctors to of not educated yourself beforehand.
-- By crapshot | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
March 18th
2008
7:37 PM
I'm 17 years old.
I started taking birth control to help lighten my periods and reduce cramps. I also thought it would be nice to know exactly when they were coming.
Back in November (07), I started taking Yaz. I bled through the whole first pack. I bled halfway through the second pack until the end. I bled halfway through the third pack until the end. By the end of the third pack i already had a new prescription lined up for ALESSE.
I started taking Aviane, which is the generic version of Alesse. I started bleeding on the 13th day of my first pack until the end. I'm on my second pack and started bleeding on the 10th day.
I called my doctor and she said I needed more proestregin. So, she prescribed Loestrin. However, what she prescribed me is the the 21 pills with the 7 day period.. But I have free samples of Loestin with 24 pills and a four day period. My question is, does it matter which one, like, will the length affect anything?
After reading some of these posts it freaked me out, but everyone responds differently. I'm going to give it a shot when this Aviane runs out. Just thought I'd share my experience with other pills. Funny thing is, I have two friends who take Yaz with NO problems, and two friends who take Aviane with NO problems. All these girls are different sizes, weights, taking it for different reasons.. so once again, it affects everyone differently. Good luck, ladies.
-- By tarheelblue08 | Reply | Private Message me
March 17th
2008
10:48 PM
I dont know why I didnt research my problem before now. I have been blaming myself for a year and a half now. I started on Loestrin 24 because I was getting the free samples from a friend that worked at a doctors office. So aside from being free my period was just like spotting for a day. It was so light. But I have had absolutely no sex drive and VERY dry when I did have sex. I have also gained about 60 lbs in the time on the pill. I have always been heavy, but could usually maintain my weight at about 195. I kept blaming myself for the weight gain even though I exercise atleast 3x a week and try to eat healthy. I gained 30 lbs on the nuva ring and lost it all when I switched to Ortho Tri Cyclen...but switched again because of the free pills. I have been really depressed and crying uncontrollably a lot especially because of the weight gain. It was causing a HUGE problem with my boyfriend and I, so I just switched to a new pill. But I think I am going back to Ortho Tri Cylen. I cant believe this is happening to everyone....I am hoping that the switch will change everything for me.
-- By ashlee116 | Reply | Private Message me
February 10th
2008
12:00 PM
Been taking Lipitor for several years. I am 51
Tired all the time. Don't feel like exercising at all. since I got a flu shot have been experiencing sharp pain in upper arm near and including shoulder.
Taking Lipitor, 40 mg qd.
The arm pain feels like it's near the bone.
The only other explanation for the pain I can think of was the nurse hit a nerve when giving me the flu vaccine.
Otherwise I fear it may be from the Lipitor. I told my doctor about it. He made no response whatsoever. not even to suggest any further tests, x-rays etc. to see what might be causing the pain. Gave me free samples of...you guessed it...more Lipitor.
At next appointment I will tell him the pain is still there (3 months).
If he does nothing then I will stop taking the Lipitor and take my chances.
February 4th
2008
11:19 AM
I am new to Loestrin 24. I am 26 and have been on Ortho Tri-Clyclen since I was 16. I recently switched to a new GYN, who suggested I try Loestrin. She gave me 2 free samples, so I thought it was worth a try. Besides, I'd heard good things (on the commercials - of course). Immediately, I started noticing breakthrough bleeding, which I'd never experienced before. That lasted for a couple weeks. It was so annoying! I couldn't stand never knowing when it would happen. This past week was supposed to be my period. I knew that it would be shorter, since Loestrin has the 3 extra "active pills". But my period never came. I just started my second pack last night. I went on this site, to see what the real side effects of this pill are - the ones they don't publish on their website (before I completely freaked out). I have read that many other women have experienced no period, which made me feel a little better. I guess I won't run out and get a pregnancy test. One person asked why this was a problem, but when you're trying very hard NOT to get pregnant, a missed period hardly seems like a good thing. I need that reassurance every month that lets me know things are ok. I also have noticed weight gain and increased acne - which I didn't think to connect to Loestrin, but I'd never experienced that on Ortho. Some of these other side effects are downright scary and I'm now considering switching back to Ortho before the anxiety, mood swings and other things start!
-- By lzieg714 | Reply | Private Message me
October 24th
2007
8:06 PM
After reading all your comments here on this website, all I can say is "Thank God, I'm not the only one!" I thought I was going crazy or something. I was on Yasmin for a couple years & loved it! Then I lost my insurance & my doctor gave me some free samples of Femcon Fe. The first month I got acne, severe headaches, moodswings, was terribly nauseous & had trouble keeping food down. Now I'm on the final, 3rd month & I can't eat enough! I'm always hungry (especially for chocolate), I've gained 5lbs, still have acne & headaches, I've experienced random spotting during the month, and now this month my period's late. Ugh! I asked my doctor to switch me to another birth control- she's switching me to Tri-Sprintec. It's offered at the Walmart Pharmacy for $9 a month, which is a lot better than the $45 I had to pay for Yasmin a month. Let's hope this Tri-Sprintec works better than Femcon Fe !!
-- By onesweetangel76 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
August 13th
2007
11:46 AM
This is my first "Day" on Femcon FE and I already have the WORST headache ever since I took it. I'm also Very tired and have already taken a nap today. I previously was on Loestrim 24 for 3 months, that too was HELL!! The only reason why I am trying theses pills is because my Doctor has free samples of them. I am going back to paying $20 a month to feel like my self again!!!!
-- By pinkraya | Reply | Private Message me
July 12th
2007
5:24 PM
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF THE PROBLEMS YOUR HAVING ARE A DIRECT RESULT OF TAKING LEVAQUIN.IS THERE A BLOOD TEST THAT CAN REVEAL THE LEVAQUIN IN YOUR SYSTEM EVEN AFTER IT HAS BEEN WEEKS AND MAYBE EVEN MONTHS AFTER FINISHING THE DRUG.MY DR. PRESCRIBED IT FOR A UTI INFECTION AND JUST GAVE ME FREE SAMPLES OF IT FROM HIS OFFICE WITH NO SYMTOMS OR SIDE EFFECTS PAPER WITH IT .I FEEL LIKE MY CHEST IS GOING TOO EXPLODE AND I CANT SLEEP .I ALSO HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND TAKE LOTREL 5/10 .CAN THIS BE HARMFUL FOR ME
-- By angelbeliever1995 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
April 20th
2007
4:27 AM
I was recently diagnosed with endometriosis. For the past 6 monthss i've been dealing with cramps so bad I had to be on percocet for weeks at a time just to be able to get through my days. After my laparoscopy two weeks ago my gyn suggested that I get on bc to help supress all fo the cramps and the cysts. As of right now i'm on day 7 and I'm miserable. I cry all the time and snap at my fiance constantly. I've been eating twice as much as i used to. I'm constantly exhausted and sex? What sex? No sex drive what so ever. It's completely gone. Not to mention I'm to tired to even bother anymore. And vaginal itching is very uncomfortable. No yeast infections, just itchiness. I'm calling my doc today to see if there's another bc that would make me a little less depressed. Last night I actually thought of suicide.
Ladies, you know your bodies the best. If something is not right, tell you doctors. Bug them until they listen and treat you properly. You do not need to deal with symtoms like this just because our docs got free samples from the drug companies. Tell your doctors what's going on with you. and good luck to all of you.
April 16th
2007
6:39 PM
For a severe cold, our doctor gave my husband 3 free samples of Levaquin at 750mg to take for 3 days. A few hours after taking one capsule, he started to experienced: shivers, numbness, nausea, arrhythmia, nervousness, didn't want to be alone and had a sort of panic attack and later insomnia... and he's not the kind of guy who experience these kind of reactions ever. I was really concern.
My husband said he didn't know what was happening to him, that he felt strange and wasn't quite himself physically, he had nausea, numbness, arrhythmia and nervousness the second day too. At first, I thought it might the cold which could of got worse, but it seemed so bizarre. So after being with the same symptoms. we both knew something had to be wrong and the only thing different was he was taking Levaquin. He stopped taking it and began to sleep and slowly began to feel better. I think LEVAQUIN should be taken off the market. The side effects are horrible!
-- By tinind | Reply | Private Message me
April 10th
2007
4:39 AM
I went to my doctor last week for symptoms of a common cold or a flu. I was given free samples (5) of Levaquin and haven't felt better yet, six days later. I only took four of the pills and will never take it again. My head is constantly feeling like it's floating in space and my sense of taste has changed. I called her back about my faintness and was told to get plenty of rest and drink alot of liquids. I've been in and out of bed since Thursday; how much rest do I need?! I'm concerned about the taste change because several things that I like alot don't taste right to me anymore. Levaquin will never again enter my body!
-- By r14hill | Reply | Private Message me
March 12th
2007
1:27 PM
i went to my alergy doctor because i had some serious allergic reaction a while ago.. anyways I told him the drugs I was taking and I said lisinopril and that i was taking a 5mg tablet (after cutting it in half). Wow he got pissed.. he said to get off of that junk and that it has alot of horrible effects and its a horrible drug.. I guess my 5mg along with my very low blood pressure must of lead him to believe that id do fine whitout it.. He actually seemed like a doctor that cares about people.. not like my other one (drug dealer trying to prescribe everything). He was trying to get me free samples of my allergy medicne and gave me 50% off and stuff so It seems like he really cared about my health and not the money.. So im officially going off lisinopirl... Originally i went on it because my blood pressur ewas about 10 point shigher on the dia..
From this experience it has thought me that lisinopril is not a good thing.. I also started the DASH diet after seeing it mentioned on this board... wow i lost 10 pounds in about 2 weeks and my blood pressure was lowered about 8 point so far...I think if you are strong willed and are able to cut your sodium you should try it instead of taking this horrible medicine... Ill update all of you if my side affects finally go away. Right now its just some strong heart pumping and stomach pulling.. im still gonna do a stress test in a week just to make sure im safe.. id advise no one stop taknig their medicne just like that unless you take a few precautions like second opinions and other heart monitorings..
-- By grillwerx | Reply | Private Message me
November 11th
2006
5:47 PM
I took Levaquin 1 1/2 yrs ago............First I shoud say I am a 55 yr old man and have not been to the doctor since I was in the army.........when I was 20.....I had severe abdominal pains for about a year.. I finally told my wife about theser pains. and she made the doctors appointment for me that she has been insisting on for years.. The doctor gave me some free samples of levaquin... Free samples do no include the insert advising of side effects.(that should be illegal). any way he told me to take the drug for 7 days..Finally going to the doctor after all those years, I did as I was told.. I developed a severe rash over my entire body.. the itching was un believable.. the intensity of pleasure in itching thr rash especially my shins was indescribable.........the pain after was equal to the pleasure..I then went on predisone for 9 days to get rid of the rash.......the itchings and pleasure (tho reduced) remains. my skin has white blotches in it.. and my skin is permanantly dried out. Please tell everyone you know.........................watch for side effects, and stop taking immediately............I waited too long, and took the drug as it was prescribed.
-- By rookie004 | Reply | Private Message me
October 2th
2006
2:00 PM
Wow, I am relieved to learn I am not alone. I've been taking Yasmin for about 2 cycles after switching from Estrostep based on the idea that Yasmin helps with acne and my gyno gave me free samples. Since then I've experienced noticeable weight gain and tender breasts. Additionally I've also experienced severe insomnia, I can't remember the last time I got a good night's sleep. That being said, I attributed a lot of this to what was going on in my life. However, after I randomly decided to do more research on Yasmin and thank goodness I did, I am going off Yasmin. It's comforting to learn I am not alone in my symptoms.
-- By molldolldc | Reply | Private Message me
Levaquin (8) Femcon FE (5) NuvaRing (3) Loestrin 24 Fe (3) Yasmin (2) Lisinopril (2) Zemplar (1) Lipitor (1) Advair HFA (1) Prilosec (1) Singulair (1) Avelox (1) Welchol (1)
November 17th
2008
12:00 PM
I decided to read about side effects of Welchol. I just got back from the doctor's and she gave me some free samples of this. In the past, I had been on Lipitor and Zetia but had terrible back, hip and leg pain. I went off of those and I was fine. Started on Crestor- same pain in back, hips and legs. Now my doctor says that Welchol is not absorbed in the blood stream so there should be no side effects- only possible heartburn. After reading all of these side effects that everyone is having on Welchol, I am not going to even try it.
-- By donnatennis | Reply | Private Message meI am going to record everything I eat and try to control my cholesterol with a good ,healthy diet. I also have heard that Red Yeast Rice- available at GNC or Health food stores can lower your cholesterol. I might try that but for now I'm doing the healthy diet and exercise.