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    Statins and Statin Combinations for High Cholesterol

    Statins and Statin Combinations for High Cholesterol



    Generic Name Brand Name
    atorvastatin Lipitor
    fluvastatin Lescol
    lovastatin Altoprev, Mevacor
    pitavastatin Livalo
    pravastatin Pravachol
    rosuvastatin Crestor
    simvastatin Zocor

    Statin combinations

    Generic Name Brand Name
    atorvastatin and amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker for high blood pressure Caduet
    lovastatin and niacin (nicotinic acid) Advicor
    simvastatin and ezetimibe, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor Vytorin
    simvastatin and niacin (nicotinic acid) Simcor

    How It Works

    Statins block an enzyme the body needs to produce cholesterol . As a result, LDL ("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 heart attack , stroke , and death in people who are at high risk of a heart attack or stroke.

    Click here to view a Decision Point. High Cholesterol: Should I Take Statins?

    How Well It Works

    Statins and statin combinations can:

    • Lower the risk of heart attack. 1
    • Lower stroke risk. 1
    • Reduce LDL by 18% to 55%. 2 This means that if your LDL is 200, taking a statin could lower your LDL to between 164 and 90.
    • Increase HDL by 5% to 15%. 2 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 is linked with a lower risk of heart disease.
    • Reduce triglycerides by 7% to 30%. 2 This means that if your triglycerides are 200, taking a statin could lower your triglycerides to between 186 and 140.

    Side Effects


    Here are some important things to think about:


    Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:

    • Trouble breathing.

    Call your doctor right away if you have hives.

    Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of a rare muscle problem called rhabdomyolysis :

    • Severe muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness.
    • Dark-colored urine.

    Statins don't cause side effects in most people. When side effects happen, they tend to include minor problems like:

    • Muscle aches (not severe pain).
    • Upset stomach.
    • Feeling tired.
    • Headache.

    These common side effects may be bothersome but are not serious. Serious side effects are rare. These include liver and muscle problems, diabetes, and temporary memory problems. 3

    The side effects of statin medicines are more likely when higher doses are used.


    What To Think About


    If you have muscle aches when you start this medicine, tell your doctor. The aches may go away with time. Or you might be able to try a lower dose or a different statin medicine.



    Taking medicine



    Advice for women







    3. Statin label changes (2012). Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics, 54(1386): 21.


    By Healthwise Staff
    Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
    Last Revised June 29, 2012

