What You Should Know About The Safety of Using Cholesterol Lowering Drugs
Statins are the most commonly used cholesterol lowering drugs that may be available in a price range between 92 cents and $4.50 (US) or more per day. While a majority of the researchers and doctors recommend using statins, there are few controversies regarding the safety measures of cholesterol lowering drugs.
Types Of Prescribed Statins
Six statins are typically prescribed through the United States. The following list provides the generic name of these six statins and their corresponding brand names. Atorvastin (brand: Lipitor), Fluvastatin (brand: Lescol and Lescol XL), Lovastatin (brand: Mevacor and Altoprev), Pravastatin (brand: Pravachol), Simavastatin (brand: Zocor) and Rosuvastatin (brand: Crestor).
Because the effectiveness of Lescol and Crestor has not been yet proven and questions arise regarding the safety measure of these two cholesterol lowering drugs, the other four statins are in particular considered as the best choice. However, there are other non-prescribed cholesterol lowering drugs, but safety of these drugs remains a serious issue under consideration.
In fact, it should be absolutely recommended by doctors considering the amount of LDL cholesterol reduction in order to meet the desired LDL level. However, taking effectiveness, safety and expense into consideration, doctor may recommend using Lovastatin which is available in the price range of 92 cents to US $1.31 a day.
Potential Side Effects Of Using Statins
While considering the safety measures of using cholesterol lowering drugs, we must not underestimate the potential side effects of using statins. The most common adverse side effects of using statins for prolonged period are muscle tissue damage and liver damage. The muscle tissue damage may lead to experience muscle aches, soreness, tenderness, or muscle weakness. Nearly 1-5% of individuals using statins may experience these symptoms.
In a typical condition, these symptoms are temporary and vanish out as soon as you stop using the medication. In rare occurrences, it may lead to life threatening muscle breakdown referred to rhabdomyolysis, which may lead to enduring kidney damage and coma. This is why one cholesterol lowering drug known as Baycol was withdrawn from US market in 2001 as because it became one of the leading causes of mortality due to rhabdomyolysis.
Liver damage is another rare incidence resulting from statins use. However, the FDA strictly recommends patients to undergo liver function test (LFT) before taking any cholesterol lowering drugs to ensure safety. In addition, it is also suggested that the patients must have LFT periodically during treatment.
Remember, research suggests that there is no possible relation between the amount of dosage and adverse side effects. So, it does not really matter how much or how less you are prescribed cholesterol lowering drugs, concerning safety, you should consult your doctor.
