• The most popular type of high cholesterol medication is statins which stop the production of cholesterol by the liver
• Bile acid resins and cholesterol absorption inhibitors prevent the body from absorbing the cholesterol
• Fibrates reduce the production of triglycerides in the body
• Like most medications, cholesterol medicines do have risks of side effects

While many physicians recommend lifestyle changes before prescribing high cholesterol medication, if those numbers don’t come down then cholesterol drugs are the next step. There are several different types of cholesterol medicines. Finding the right one for your health is a decision for you and your physician but understanding more about your options can help you contribute more to that choice.

Statins

Probably the most commonly prescribed types of cholesterol drugs are statins. This category includes some of the top sellers in the world, including Lipitor and Crestor. Statin drugs work by stopping the liver from producing cholesterol. As a result, total cholesterol levels drop, as do LDL levels. HDL levels may also increase. However, there are some potential side effects associated with taking statins. Liver damage and kidney damage (as a result of muscle breakdown) are two of the most serious side effect possibilities. While these are rare, the risks increase the longer you take the drugs and the higher the dosage you must take. Independent research has also documented a third serious side effect which is cognitive dysfunction. More research is being down to explore this possible side effect.

Bile Acid Resins

Drugs such as Welchol and Questran are cholesterol medicines known as bile acid resins. Bile is a compound produced by the body to assist in the digestion of fats, but it’s made almost entirely from cholesterol produced by the liver. These types of drugs combine with the bile and stop it from being reabsorbed into the body. That keeps cholesterol numbers. While bile acid resins can lower LDL cholesterol, they don’t normally help increase HDL and some studies have shown they increase the level of triglycerides. Possible side effects associated with these types of high cholesterol medication are constipation and bloating.

Combination Medications

Vytorin is a new class of high cholesterol medication which combines statins, discussed above, with cholesterol absorption inhibitors. These inhibitors, which are also marketed alone (Zetia is one example), stop the body from absorbing the cholesterol into the body and into the bloodstream. Like the bile acid resins, this function lowers the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body. By combining this effect with statins that stop the body from producing its own cholesterol, this can be an effective treatment for people with dangerously high cholesterol levels who need serious reductions.

Unfortunately, a combination medication is also going to result in a combination of side effects. Muscle problems associated with statins can be a problem with these types of medications, too. Also, some patients report bloating, excessive gas, and abdominal pain.

Fibrates

With some patients, triglycerides are the more serious problem with the cholesterol numbers. Triglycerides are different than the other parts of the cholesterol numbers. They form when excessive calories are stored for future energy needs but many people never need to use their stored triglycerides so they end up with high levels that can lead to a greater risk of heart disease. Fibrates, such as Tricor, are designed to reduce the production of these compounds in the body. A consequence is the increase in HDL levels. Taking fibrates can increase your risks of developing gall stones; other side effects include nausea and stomach pain.

• High cholesterol drugs prescribed for patients with levels between 130 to 190 mg/dL depending on health history
• Lipitor reduces LDL cholesterol but may cause liver damage in 2% of patients
• Zetia can also reduce triglyceride levels by reducing absorption of cholesterol by the body
• Vytorin combines two types of cholesterol lowering medication but can cause serious side effects

High cholesterol can be dangerous to your health. To prevent that damage, your physician may recommend cholesterol drugs that will help lower your levels. According to the American Heart Association, cholesterol medicines should be used when patients have levels above 190 mg/dL if they have no history of heart disease or above 130 mg/dL in patients who do have heart disease or who are at high risk for developing heart problems. However, before you begin taking high cholesterol medication, you should know more about some of the most prescribed choices.

Lipitor

The most commonly prescribed cholesterol drug is Lipitor which belongs to a class of medications known as statins. This class of medicine works by preventing your body from manufacturing as much cholesterol as it normally would. Because the drugs restrict your body’s production of cholesterol, more of the cholesterol consumed in your diet can be used for your physical needs. That means less will be left over in your bloodstream. When combined with lifestyle changes, such as increased exercise and a lower cholesterol diet, Lipitor has been very effective in bringing down LDL cholesterol numbers.

On the downside, Lipitor has little to no effect on HDL levels, even though these are also important to heart health. Lipitor and other statins must be taken for life. Because the medications are responsible for controlling your cholesterol levels, if you stop using it then you’ll see a rise in those levels. Also, there are a number of possible side effects. Headaches are the most common side effect of taking Lipitor. In about 2% of patients who take this cholesterol supplement, liver damage can also occur. Patients may need to have regular screenings to ensure their liver is staying healthy.

Zetia

Although statins like Lipitor are the most commonly prescribed, there are alternative types. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors, such as Zetia, are another example. These drugs work by preventing your body from absorbing cholesterol. As a result, you won’t have as much cholesterol in your bloodstream. Evidence has shown that Zetia can lower both LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Like statins, these drugs can lead to liver damage and must be taken for the rest of your life unless major lifestyle changes are made. Less serious but more common side effects of Zetia include cold-like symptoms and muscle pains.

Vytorin

Another option frequently prescribed is a drug like Vytorin which combines both statin and cholesterol absorption inhibitor medications. The benefit of these drugs is that help both LDL and triglyceride levels. They also work on reducing the cholesterol your body makes and the cholesterol you consume through your diet. The evidence suggests that combining the drugs does offer better results than taking only one or the other. However, Vytorin may not necessarily reduce your risk of developing atherosclerosis any better than just taking Lipitor or any other statin.

Vytorin is not a good choice for everyone, however. Patients who have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or other chronic health problems may not be able to take this drug because it can increase your risks of developing serious side effects. Drinking more than one quart of grapefruit juice per day can increase the risk of these effects.