Cholesterol meds will not spur growth Your connections support you, Aries

Dear Dr. Roach: I was diagnosed with high LDL cholesterol 20 years ago. I have been taking higher statin doses and now take Crestor 20 mg. Due to muscle pain, my cardiologist prescribed Praluent injections of 75 mg every two weeks to lower my LDL to below 77. I am 74 and have two heart stents in my right coronary artery, but have never had a heart attack.

Praluent is a monoclonal antibody, and the literature states that it can lower your immunity. I also have lowgrade prostate cancer that has been stable since diagnosed in 2012. Is there a risk that Praluent could cause my prostate cancer to advance? — J.E.

Although taking a statin was once thought to increase cancer risk, multiple studies have since found no convincing evidence that this is the case.

Praluent (alirocumab) is in a new class of drugs, called the PCSK-9 inhibitors. They have not been used for very long, but I found no evidence that these drugs increase cancer risk either. There was some concern that the increase in bile acids seen in people treated with these drugs might predispose them to colon cancer, but initial studies have not shown any problems so far.

I believe that for you, heart disease is a larger risk to your life than your prostate cancer. Since you can’t tolerate a statin, a PCSK-9 inhibitor is more likely to prolong your life by reducing heart disease risk than it is to shorten your life by increasing prostate cancer risk.

Dr. Roach Writes: A recent column on itchy ears generated a lot of letters, mostly asking whether this was due to allergies. One person found that it was the dye from shampoo that seemed to cause the symptom. Several people wrote in that treatment with medicated selenium shampoo helped solve their problem.

As always, I appreciate helpful suggestions from readers.

Today’s Birthday: Partnership is your golden key this year. Consistent contribution amplifies your shared finances.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) (9) Now you’re in the groove. You’re especially powerful and confident, with both Sun and Mercury entering your sign today.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) (6) Work with a partner today and tomorrow. Finish old projects this month.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) (8) Maintain healthy routines. Public participation this month can yield satisfying results.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) (8) Discuss professional plans with someone whose view you respect. Your professional influence grows this month through networking.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) (8) Enjoy domestic comforts while you plan your next adventure. Opportunities arise in conversation.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) (8) Discover new ways to grow shared accounts this month. Profit together.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) (9) Bring home the bacon today and tomorrow. Create partnership and strengthen your collaboration through communication this month, with Sun and Mercury in Gemini.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) (9) Discuss ways to grow and expand a personal dream. Find solutions for your work, health and fitness this month.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) (7) Consider esoteric and spiritual concepts. Romance and fun arise in conversation.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) (8) Friends have good ideas for domestic solutions. Discuss home renovation possibilities with family.

Aries (March 21-April 19) (8) Your connections can support you with a professional opportunity. Learn voraciously.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) (9) Your wanderlust is getting worse. Begin an especially lucrative month, with the Sun and Mercury in Gemini.