What are they?
The most prominent drugs are
in the statin family. There are currently six statin drugs on the market in the
United States. They include Mevacor (lovastatin), Lescol (fluvastatin),
Pravachol (pravastatin), Zocor (simvastatin), Baycol (cerivastatin), and Lipitor
(atorvastatin).
What do they
do?
The major effect of the statins is to lower LDL-cholesterol levels. They
lower LDL-cholesterol more than other types of drugs. They work by slowing down
the production of cholesterol and by increasing the liver’s ability to remove
the LDL-cholesterol already in the blood. Because of their track records,
statins have become the drugs most often prescribed when a person needs a
cholesterol-lowering medication.
How are they taken?
The statins are usually given in a single dose at the evening meal or at
bedtime. It is important that these medications be given in the evening to take
advantage of the fact that the body makes more cholesterol at night than during
the day.
How soon do they
work?
You should begin to see results from the statins after several weeks,
with a maximum effect in 4 to 6 weeks. After about 6 to 8 weeks, your doctor can
do the first check of your LDL-cholesterol while on the medication. A second
measurement of your LDL-cholesterol level will have to be averaged with the
first for your doctor to decide whether your dose of medication should be
changed to help you meet your goal.
What about drug
interactions?
The potential for drug interaction is of crucial concern. Some statin
drugs are known to interact adversely with other drugs and that information may
guide a decision about which statin to use. In June of 1998, the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) withdrew the drug Posicor (mibefradil), used to treat
high blood pressure and angina because it caused adverse reactions in patients
taking various other drugs including Mevaco and Zocor.
Be sure to tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter
medication your are taking.
What about side
effects?
The statins are well
tolerated by most patients, and serious side effects are uncommon. A few
patients will experience an upset stomach, gas, constipation and abdominal pain
or cramps. These symptoms usually are mild to moderate in severity and generally
go away as your body adjusts. Rarely, a patient will develop abnormalities in
blood tests of the liver. Also rare is the side effect of muscle problems. The
symptoms are muscle soreness, pain and weakness. If this happens, or you have
brown urine, contact your doctor right away to get blood tests for possible
muscle problems.
Statins |