I'm vegetarian, aerobics/weight-lifter, take amprenavir, and have high cholesterol levels. With high liver enzymes from time-2-time, MD suggested I take cold-pressed flaxseed oil w/omega 3 to lower cholesterol, rather than take liver-injuring anti-cholesterol drug. After two months of 2 tbsp of oil a day, my cholesterol went down to normal (under 200). I plan to additionally include albacore tuna in my diet now. Are these good alternatives and can I continue taking this flaxseed/tuna treatment indefinitely? Would I be better taking the drugs, instead?

Amprenavir has not had the effect on cholesterol that we have seen with some of the other PIs -- how long have you been on amprenavir versus other PIs? If your cholesterol level is down to less than 200 without medications using the regimen you outlined then that generally would be preferable to taking the prescriptions meds (ie statins or fibrates). Keith Henry, M.D.