Statins
Benefits
Action
- Prevents the liver from producing too much cholesterol.
Potential side effects
- muscle pain
- muscle weakness
- abnormal liver function
- allergic reaction (skin rashes)
- heartburn
- dizziness
- abdominal pain
- constipation
Common names
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor®)
- Fluvastatin (Lescol®)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol®, Pravigard®)
- Simvastatin (Zocor®)
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor®)
- Lovastatin (Mevacor®, Advicor®, Altoprev®)
Note
Increased muscle pain and weakness can be a sign of a rare but serious side effect and should be reported to your doctor immediately.
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Resins
Benefits
Action
- Works inside the intestine.
- The drug binds to bile from the liver and prevents it from going into the circulatory system. Bile is made largely from cholesterol, so these drugs work by depleting the body’s supply of cholesterol.
Potential side effects
- constipation
- gas
- upset stomach
Common names
- Cholestyramine (Questran®, Questran Light®)
- Colestid (Colestipol®)
Note
Any cholesterol-lowering medication can cause muscle pain, muscle weakness, abnormal liver function, allergic reaction (skin rashes), heartburn, dizziness or abdominal pain.
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Nicotinic Acid
Benefits
Action
- Blocks the production of cholesterol in the body.
Potential side effects
- flushing (most common)
- itching, tingling
- headache
Common names
Note
Nicotinic acid is a B-complex vitamin. It's found in food, but is also available in high doses by prescription.
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Fibrates
Benefits
Action
- Blocks the production of certain types of cholesterol.
- Increases HDL (good) cholesterol.
Potential side effects
- stomach pain
- gas
- heartburn
Common names
- Fenofibrate (Lipidil®)
- Bezafibrate (Bezalip®)
- Gemfibrozil (Lopid®)
Note
Any cholesterol-lowering medication can cause muscle pain, muscle weakness, abnormal liver function, allergic reaction (skin rashes), heartburn, dizziness or abdominal pain.
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