I am suspicious of drugs from reptile or animal toxins. The Prialt is mostly a failure, and the ACE inhibitors from snake venom, did a number on me too! (drug induced lupus and increased bradykinin levels!)

If the sodium channel drugs do get approved soon, we'll have to look at the studies of the other side effects they may have closely.

For example, Lidocaine, which blocks some sodium channels also affects the heart in high doses, or some sensitive people.

It is a fine line between blocking excess actions and all actions, and many organs may be run and controlled by the Nav channels.

Here is an update on the new cholesterol lowering drug, coming out this year, perhaps...

http://www.fool.com/investing/genera...gyholnk0000001

And check out that pricetag! EGADS!

at $833 a month for something of dubious value to the patient. not to mention the side effects.

MrsD, I thought of you at 26:13 in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL5-9ZxamXc

"Statins are the most ineffective drugs ever produced by humans."

I found this video as I've been doing a lot of research to understand the science behind a low carb high fat diet, and making sure it makes sense to me.

From Dr. Michael Greger's article Why Do Heart Doctors Favor Surgery and Drugs Over Diet?

"...The physician’s obligation is to present the medical facts accurately to the patient.” For example, before starting someone at moderate risk on a cholesterol-lowering statin drug, a physician might ideally say something like:

“You should know that for folks in your situation, the number of individuals who must be treated with a statin to prevent one death from a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke is generally between 60 and 100, which means that if I treated 60 people in your situation, 1 would benefit and 59 would not. As these numbers show, it is important for you to know that most of the people who take a statin will not benefit from doing so and, moreover, that statins can have side effects, such as muscle pain, liver damage, and upset stomach, even in people who do not benefit from the medication. I am giving you this information so that you can weigh the risks and benefits of drugs versus diet and then make an informed decision.”

Yet, how many physicians have these kinds of frank and open discussions with their patients?

Of the 3 Cardiologists and 4 GPs I have seen over the years who have told me I need to be on various Statins - none.

Dave.

This is in our Health News Headlines this morning:

http://psychcentral.com/news/2015/07...men/86504.html

Dr. Golomb in San Diego does alot of research into these drugs, and it is very worthwhile to Google her to read more if you are interested.

http://news.yahoo.com/popular-choles...161903662.html

I saw this today! Interesting....

I just read the article. How much research is needed before the medical establishment stops pushing this drug? I just love how Dr. Robert Atmar states, "But until more research confirms exactly how statins interact with the vaccines, older patients should stay the course with both their medications and vaccinations." What ever happened to Err on the side of caution?