Question: After taking every cholesterol medication on the market and all of them causing muscular weakness, I tried niacin, a natural medication. But I also had side effects from niacin, namely large water blisters all over my legs that itched severely. Is there any hope that a drug can be found that I am not allergic to?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

I doubt you are allergic to every management plan for cholesterol. I have been treating patients with lipid disorders for over 30 years and there is little I have not seen. In my experience, allergy to all cholesterol medication does not exist, and I strongly suggest you seek an alternate medical consultation.

It is far more likely that you have had substandard advice, possibly mixing medications and food that we know will induce muscle cramps and side effects. All patients on statin medications should know to avoid grapefruit juice, and probably ought to be using low doses of CoQ10 as a supplement to their statin. Niacin is an excellent agent, but has side effects, especially at the high doses usually needed. The blisters you describe may be specific to the formulation you are taking, or perhaps an unrelated condition. I recommend you seek an opinion from a dermatologist without delay.