How to Compare Cholesterol Medications
It can be confusing trying to find the right cholesterol medication. If you've been advised that you need such a medication, it's important to differentiate between the various types of medicines offered as therapy. And treatment can continue even after you've lowered your cholesterol to a healthy level.
The basic four types of cholesterol-lowering drugs are statins, fibrates, resins and nicotinic acid or niacin. By following the steps below, you can determine from the descriptions of each of these four medications which drug is possibly the best one for you.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
How to Compare Cholesterol Medications
-
1
Review the statin medications. A statin is one of the best medicines available for reducing cholesterol. Check out the various brand names online. These include Lipitor, Lescal, Mevacor, Pravachol, Crestor and Zocor. Statins are good cholesterol-lowering drugs for diabetics. Generic offerings include Atorvastatin, Fluvastatin, Pravastatin, Lovastatin, Rosuvastatin Calcium and Simvastatin.
-
2
Research fibrate medicines. Fibrates are indicated for individuals whose HDL (good cholesterol) is still low and whose triglycerides are high, even after they've managed to lower their LDL or bad cholesterol level. Brand names of fibrates include Lofibra or Tricor, Bezalip and Lopid. Generic drugs include Bezabifrate and Fenofibrate.
-
-
3
Consider resin medications. A cholesterol-lowering drug called a resin is often used in combination with a statin. A resin is a bile acid-binding medication. When the liver produces more bile, it also utilizes more cholesterol. Therefore, a resin assists the liver in producing extra bile, thus reducing the amount of bad cholesterol running through the bloodstream. Well-know resin brands include Questran, L-Cholest, Prevalite, Welchol and Cholestid. Generic brands include Cholestyramine, Colestipol and Colesevalam.
-
4
Research the possibility of niacin therapy. Nictonic acid, or niacin therapy, is advised to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as increase HDL cholesterol. Brands include Nicolar or Niaspan.
-
5
After researching the four basic types of medications, discuss your findings with your doctor. He will help you decide how to proceed with lowering your cholesterol and choosing a medication that will best meet your needs.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
As stated, statins are some of the most effective cholesterol-lowering medications on the market today. They are especially suited to those patients who are diabetic and need to lower their cholesterol.
If your cholesterol is 240 or above, it is too high. Even after taking cholesterol-lowering medication and reducing your cholesterol level to say, 200, you will typically need to continue your therapy to ensure that your level stays within healthy bounds.
In addition to your cholesterol level, other factors should be considered when taking a cholesterol-lowering medication, such as blood pressure, family history, age and overall general health.
Take your medicine each day at the same time for optimum effectiveness.
If you have a hard time remembering when to take your medication, you can purchase pill containers that beep in order to remind you.
In addition to taking your medication, read food labels to limit your intake of saturated fat, cholesterol, trans fats and sodium in the foods you eat.
Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free, high-fiber foods.
Avoid taking anticoagulants while using a cholesterol-lowering medication, as this can interfere with the liver's ability to metabolize the medication.
Side effects associated with statin therapy include sore muscles and digestive upset or pain, including cramps and constipation.
If you're taking a fibrate medication to lower your cholesterol, be aware that side effects can include digestive upset, anemia and an increased risk for gallstones. Also, fibrates can have a pronounced effect on blood-thinning medications.
If you use a resin medication, side effects can include digestive disturbances and dizziness.
In many instances, the liver must be closely watched if one is taking nicotinic acid to lower their cholesterol, as it can be toxic. Side effects of niacin therapy can include digestive upset, itching and flushing.
Niacin, when provided as a dietary supplement, should not be used to reduce cholesterol, as it has not been approved by the FDA.
If you experience muscle aches while taking a cholesterol-lowering drug, contact a doctor immediately, as this can indicate a life-threatening situation.
