What Fibrates Are Available To Treat High Cholesterol Levels
Fibric acid derivatives
- Increased bleeding time.
Adenosine triphosphate-citric lyase inhibitors
The FDA has approved bempedoic acid to lower cholesterol. Bempedoic acid works in the liver to slow down cholesterol production. The medication comes in 180-mg tablets taken once per day with or without food. It should be taken with statin medications, but there are dosage limitations if taken with simvastatin or pravastatin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rosuvastatin
Do I have to take rosuvastatin at bedtime?
Rosuvastatin may be taken at any time of the day. This is different from other statins that work best when they’re taken at night. This is because some statin medications do not stay in your body for very long , and the body makes the most cholesterol at night.
Does rosuvastatin make you gain weight?
No, weight gain is not a typical side effect with rosuvastatin .
Are rosuvastatin and atorvastatin the same?
Rosuvastatin and atorvastatin are different medications, though both belong to the same class of medications known as statins. Both are strong statins that work to lower your cholesterol levels.
Does rosuvastatin make it hard to fall asleep?
Some people have reported insomnia and nightmares with rosuvastatin , but these are not common side effects.
Can I drink alcohol while taking rosuvastatin ?
Drinking alcohol while taking rosuvastatin can raise your risk of liver problems or serious side effects. Take care to avoid drinking a lot of alcohol while taking rosuvastatin .
Cholesterol Levels In Dialysis Patients
In a study of dialysis patients, those with higher cholesterol levels had lower mortality than those with low cholesterol.51 Yet the authors claimed that the inverse association of total cholesterol level with mortality in dialysis patients is likely due to the cholesterol-lowering effect of systemic inflammation and malnutrition, not to a protective effect of high cholesterol concentrations. Keeping an eye on further funding opportunities, the authors concluded: These findings support treatment of hypercholesterolemia in this population.
Don’t Miss: Are Pork Chops Heart Healthy
What Are Warnings And Precautions For Simvastatin
Warnings
- This medication contains simvastatin. Do not take Zocor if you are allergic to simvastatin or any ingredients contained in this drug.
- Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
Contraindications
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors , gemfibrozil, cyclosporine, and danazol
Effects of Drug Abuse
- There are no known effects of drug abuse.
Short-Term Effects
- See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Simvastatin?”
Long-Term Effects
- See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Simvastatin?”
Cautions
- Non-serious and reversible cognitive side effects may occur.
- Increased blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin levels were reported with statin intake.
- Heavy alcohol use, history of liver disease, renal failure.
- Monitor LFTs before initiating treatment and thereafter when clinically indicated reports of fatal and nonfatal hepatic failure in people taking statins.
- Discontinue if markedly elevated CPK levels occur or myopathy is diagnosed or suspected.
- Increases in HbA1c and fastingserumglucose levels were reported with simvastatin.
- Severe electrolyte, endocrine, or metabolic disorders.
- Grapefruit juice increases simvastatin systemic exposure avoid large quantities of grapefruit juice .
Simvastatin and myopathy risk:
Pregnancy and Lactation
The Good Bad And Ugly Of Cholesterol
Youve probably heard the terms good cholesterol and bad cholesterol and you might have wondered what they really mean.
There are a few different types of lipoproteins in your blood that are responsible for carrying cholesterol to your cells.
- Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is considered bad since it contributes to plaque and clogs up your arteries, which can lead to heart attacks.
- High-density lipoprotein cholesterol is the good cholesterol because it cleans up LDL cholesterol and clears arteries as it moves through the body.
You need cholesterol. It produces hormones and vitamin D, forms the foundation of your cell membranes, and it also helps you digest fat.
However, when your ratio of LDL to HDL gets out of whack, you can run into trouble.
This is where statins come in. They block an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which in turn lowers the production of LDL cholesterol in the liver.
When your lab reports come back and the doctor sees that your cholesterol is too high, all too often the first line of defense is a quick prescription for a statin. Instead of looking at the big picture, too many people look for an easy way to fix the problem fast.
Statins are a little like pulling out a roll of duct tape when your car breaks down on the side of the road. It might be able to hold things together just long enough to get you down the road, but underneath it all, theres something still broken that needs to be fixed.
Don’t Miss: Shrimp Bad Cholesterol
Interactions Between Rosuvastatin And Other Medications
Rosuvastatin may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with rosuvastatin . Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Amprenavir
Alternatives To Statins For Lowering Cholesterol
Overview
Your best treatment option for high cholesterol depends on many factors. Before your doctor recommends a prescription medication, they will look at several things, including your family medical history, your risk for heart disease, and your lifestyle.
Many doctors prefer to start with changes to diet and exercise. If those changes dont have enough effect, you might start taking medication to help the process along.
Statins are one commonly prescribed medication for controlling cholesterol, but these drugs might not be right for everyone. There are several treatment options for high cholesterol, including other medications and lifestyle changes.
Also Check: How Do Cheerios Lower Cholesterol
What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Statin Therapy
Statins are tolerated well by most people, but they are associated with some side effects. Some of these side effects will go away as your body adjusts to the medication. Side effects include muscle and joint aches, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. In addition, statins are associated with two potentially serious side effects, liver damage and muscle problems.
People who take statins should have periodic liver function tests, because occasionally statins can cause an increase in liver enzymes. If this increase is slight, you can continue with your recommended statin therapy. However, if it is high, your doctor will most likely recommend that you discontinue taking the medication, since increased liver enzymes can lead to permanent damage. Certain drugs can increase the risk of liver damage in people taking statins these medications include gemfibrozil and niacin, so talk to your doctor if you take either of these medications.
How To Safely Come Off Statins
Its possible for some people to stop taking statins safely, but it can be especially risky for others. For instance, if you have a history of heart attack or stroke, its not recommended that you stop taking these drugs. This is because youre more likely to have another such problem when you discontinue statins.
However, if you dont have a history of heart attack or stroke and you want to stop taking statins, your first step should be to talk to your doctor. They can help you find out what your risk factors are, and if stopping statins is a safe move for you.
If your doctor thinks that you could safely stop taking your statin, they can suggest a plan for it. This plan may involve stopping statins entirely, or it may involve reducing your statin usage. Another option is to continue taking the statin but to add a supplement. One of these options is likely to address whatever problems taking statins causes for you.
If your doctor will be helping you stop taking statins entirely, some options they might suggest include switching to a different drug or adopting certain lifestyle changes.
Recommended Reading: Mayo Clinic Low Cholesterol Diet
What Are Statins And Why Are They Used In The Treatment Of Lupus
Statins are medications that lower the level of cholesterol in your blood by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver. Cholesterol is a natural component of the fats in your blood stream and the cells of your body. However, people with high levels of cholesterol in their blood face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which can lead to chest pain, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
When too much cholesterol circulates in the blood, the substance can cause deposits to form on your artery walls. Plaque is dangerous because it can block the flow of blood to various parts of your body, including your heart and brain. Studies have shown that people with lupus are more likely to have clogged arteries that can lead to heart attack and stroke at a younger age. This increased risk is caused by elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, and inflammation, conditions that occur often in people with lupus. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids can provoke or compound these symptoms. For this reason, the cholesterol-lowering properties of statins are commonly called upon for lupus patients.
Muscles Aches And Weakness
Muscle aches and weakness are frequently reported with the use of statins. Patients could experience mild discomfort or soreness, and they may also notice unusual tenderness in the muscles. Some patients could have more severe muscle pain that makes it hard to exercise or to perform daily activities. Research suggests patients on statins have a five percent chance of developing muscle pain, and it is often cited by patients as a major reason for wanting to discontinue the medication. Normally, the majority of muscle pain associated with statins occurs in the lower legs. Patients should always speak with their prescribing physician immediately if they notice any muscle pain while on statins. It may be possible to switch to a lower dose or another medication that does not have this side effect. To make it easier to cope with muscle pain, patients should try to avoid overly vigorous exercise, and taking a temporary break from statin treatment may help.
Get more details on the common side effects of taking statins now.
Recommended Reading: Pork Cholesterol Amount
What Else Should I Know About Atherosclerosis And Statins
Statins are used specificially for preventing and treating atherosclerosis that causes chest pain, heart attacks, strokes, and intermittent claudication . Lupus, medications such as corticosteroids, family history, and other factors can predispose a person to atherosclerosis however, only your doctor can decide whether statins are the right choice for you based on your total cholesterol level, LDL level, and other risk factors. Most people are placed on statins only if lifestyle changes are not sufficient enough in reducing their cholesterol levels. However, keep in mind that if you begin taking a statin, you may be on it for the rest of your life.
Eating a low-fat, low-calorie diet is also essential in preventing or slowing atherosclerosis. Focus on what you can eat, not what you cant. For example, fish, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes are all great choices. In addition, try to limit stress and exercise regularly. Walking, biking, stretching, yoga, and Tai chi are all great activities for people with lupus because they are easier on your joints but help to improve muscle, bone, and heart health. If you are overweight, weight loss can help to reduce your cholesterol.
Pharmacist Tips For Rosuvastatin
Rosuvastatin can interact with antacids. These medications should be taken at least 2 hours apart.
Alcohol should be limited to no more than 2 servings per day. Taking rosuvastatin while using alcohol can increase your risk of liver damage.
Patients of Asian descent may need to start with a lower dose . Studies have found that Asian patients may have higher amounts of rosuvastatin in their bodies.
Tell your doctor if you develop sudden muscle pain, fever, weakness, dark urine, or yellowing of the eyes or skin these may be signs of serious side effects.
Prices for rosuvastatin start at just $5.25 with a GoodRx coupon. Theyre fast, easy-to-use and free!
Don’t Miss: Does Tuna Have Good Or Bad Cholesterol
Vitamin D To Improve Statin Tolerance
Lately, vitamin D has been in the news as a possible remedy for statin-related muscle soreness. Studies have shown patients with statin-related muscle soreness may be more likely to be vitamin D deficient.
Not surprisingly, Radford adds, vitamin D supplementation has been named as an answer to eliminate statin-associated muscle soreness. Several small studies have demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation in deficient patients does, in fact, improve statin tolerance.
For many reasons, its important to identify vitamin D deficiency in our patients, says Radford.
From a cardiovascular perspective, I strongly recommend patients treated with statins also have their vitamin D deficiency treated in an effort to avoid muscle soreness and statin intolerance. Of course, that means they have had their vitamin D levels measured.
Muscle And Joint Problems
Some Lipitor patients report various types of muscle injuries after taking the drug. Although the likelihood of muscle disease is minimal with statins alone, researchers determined the risk is substantially elevated among patients who take statins at the same time as other medications such as certain antibiotics, antifungals and treatments for HIV and hepatitis C.
Lipitor can cause serious muscle problems that can lead to kidney problems, including kidney failure, according to the drug label. You have a higher chance for muscle problems if you are taking certain other medicines with Lipitor.
Recommended Reading: Potatoes And Triglycerides
Muscle Pain And Weakness Is A Side Effect Of Statins
Myopathies, or muscle symptoms such as weakness and pain, are another side effect of statins.
Myopathies range from mild myalgias, or muscle pains, to a life-threatening condition known as rhabdomyolysis. The most common myopathy associated with statin use, myalgia, only occurs in about 1 out of every 1,000 patients taking statins.
The chance of experiencing this statin side effect increases as you get older, with higher doses and while taking certain other medications. These symptoms will usually appear within four months of initiating statin therapy.
Rhabdomyolysis, another myopathy that can occur with statin use, is extremely rare and deadly if not properly treated. It occurs in one person out of 10,000 individuals taking statins.
What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests during your treatment , especially if you develop symptoms of liver damage.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking atorvastatin.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Don’t Miss: How Much Cholesterol In Pork Chops
What Statins Are Available To Treat High Cholesterol
Available statin drugs
- Increased blood glucose levels.
- Reversible memory issues.
If youre unable to take statins because of the side effects, youre said to be statin-intolerant. If you are taking a statin, you should avoid grapefruit products because they can increase side effects. You should limit the amount of alcohol that you drink because combining alcohol and statin usage can increase your risk of liver damage. You may want to talk with your provider or pharmacist if you are concerned about any other types of interactions.
PCSK9 inhibitors
PCSK9 inhibitors are designed to attach to a particular liver protein, which results in lowered LDL cholesterol. This class of drug can be given with statins and is usually for people at high risk of heart disease who have not been able to lower their cholesterol enough through other means.
So Are Statins Worth It
It depends on who you are, what your cardiovascular risk is, and the possible benefits.
At a population level, this is something known as the number needed to treat . Or, to put it another way, how many people have to take statins to prevent one heart attack?
For people with a low risk for cardiovascular disease, 217 people would have to take a statin to prevent one non-fatal heart attack. So 217 is the NNT. But when you look at people with a high risk for cardiovascular disease, only 39 people have to take a statin to prevent one non-fatal heart attack. So the NNT for high-risk people is much lower than for low-risk people.
The higher your risk of cardiovascular disease, the more the benefits of statins outweigh the risks of side effects.
The professional guidelines and the online risk estimator go a long way toward identifying people who should take a statin. But each person is unique. The information here should be a starting point for discussion rather than a final answer. Talk with your healthcare provider to make a decision on whether you should take a statin.
You May Like: Are Mussels High In Cholesterol
Myth #: You Could Get Cataracts From Taking Statin Drugs
Truth: Some studies have indicated that there may be a relationship between statin drugs and an increased risk for developing cataracts. However, these investigations have been either conducted in animals or in less-than-rigorous studies.
The best evidence we have comes from high-quality clinical trials in humans, which showed that statin drugs do not increase risk of cataract formation, reports Martin. In fact, some studies even performed eye exams in people over time and showed no difference in eye health between those taking and not taking statins.