Examples
Statins
|
| Lipitor | atorvastatin |
| Lescol | fluvastatin |
| Altoprev, Mevacor | lovastatin |
| Livalo | pitavastatin |
| Pravachol | pravastatin |
| Crestor | rosuvastatin |
| Zocor | simvastatin |
Statin combinations
|
| Caduet | atorvastatin and amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker for high blood pressure |
| Advicor | lovastatin and niacin (nicotinic acid) |
| Vytorin | simvastatin and ezetimibe, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor |
| Simcor | simvastatin and niacin (nicotinic acid) |
How It Works
Statins block an enzyme the body needs
to produce
. As a result,
("bad") cholesterol levels in the blood go down,
thereby lowering total blood cholesterol levels.
Statins may be
taken alone or taken with other cholesterol medicines such as fibric acid
derivatives, bile acid sequestrants, or nicotinic acid. Statins may also be
combined with other types of medicines into one pill.
Why It Is Used
Statins are used to lower LDL
cholesterol. Statins can help lower the risk of
,
, and death in people who are at high risk of a
heart attack or stroke.
How Well It Works
Statins and statin combinations
can:
- Lower the risk of heart attack.
- Lower stroke risk.
- Reduce by 18% to 55%. This means that if your LDL is 200, taking a statin could
lower your LDL to between 164 and 90.
- Increase by 5% to 15%. This means that if your HDL is
60, taking a statin could increase your HDL to between 63 and 69. The higher
your HDL, the better. An HDL of 60 and higher protects against heart disease.
- Reduce by 7% to 30%. This means that if your triglycerides are 200, taking a statin could
lower your triglycerides to between 186 and 140.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.