Now you can Sign In using 
Statins
Statins drug medication inhibits an enzyme HMG- CoA reductase that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. Thus statin drugs lower cholesterol by slows down the production and increases the liver's ability to remove the LDL cholesterol available in the blood. Thus heart attack risk due to cholesterol is reduced. Statins is the most often prescribed drug medication to lower cholesterol in case of a person with heart disease.
Statins drugs available in the market
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor),
- fluvastatin (Lescol),
- lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor),
- pravastatin (Pravachol),
- rosuvastatin (Crestor) and
- simvastatin (Zocor).
Who are benefited by Statins medications
Statin help those who have an atheroma related disease (heart disease, etc). Statin medication drug reduces the chances of these conditions getting worse or delays its progression or reduces the risk of developing an atheroma related disease. For example, if diabetes, high pressure or other risk factors.
How to take Statins drugs
The statins drug medications are usually given in a single dose at the evening meal or at bedtime, because normally the body makes more cholesterol at night than during the day.
Expected benefits of statins drug medication
- Statin can lower LDL cholesterol levels by about 20 - 55 % more than other types of medications.
- Moderately lower triglycerides and raises HDL.
- Results from the statins medication can appear in 4 to 6 weeks.
After about 6 to 8 weeks, doctor can do the first check of LDL cholesterol while on the medication drug. A second measurement of LDL cholesterol level will have to be averaged with the first. This value helps the doctor to decide whether the dose of drug should be changed to help meet the goal.
Possible side effect of statins drugs
Statins are well tolerated by most patients and serious side effects are rare. A few patients will experience an
1. Upset stomach, gas, constipation, and abdominal pain or cramps.
2. Rarely develop abnormalities in blood tests of the liver
3. Also rare side effect of muscle problems - muscle soreness, pain, and weakness. If this happens, or have brown urine, contact the doctor right away.
These symptoms usually are mild to moderate and generally go away as the body adjusts.
