The three most widely prescribed statins - simvastatin and atorvastatin Atorvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats and raise "good" cholesterol in the blood. Rosuvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol and fats and raise "good" cholesterol in the blood.Atorvastatin
Rosuvastatin
Are all statins available in generic form?
The three most widely prescribed statins - simvastatin and atorvastatin and rosuvastatin - are all available in generic form. Generic drugs are required by the FDA to have the same active ingredient, the same labeled strength, the same dosage form, and the same administration as the branded pharmaceutical product.
What should I know about statin drugs?
What you should know about: Generic vs. brand-name statins. Like many other drugs, most statins are available in generic and brand-name versions. The cost differences can be significant, with some generics costing about $12 a month, compared with brand-name statins that can run $500 a month.
How much do statins cost?
Like many other drugs, most statins are available in generic and brand-name versions. The cost differences can be significant, with some generics costing about $12 a month, compared with brand-name statins that can run $500
Is there a generic version of simvastatin?
At this time, the widely prescribed statins simvastatin and atorvastatin (aka Zocor and Lipitor) are available in generic form, while rosuvastatin (Crestor) should become available in 2016 following the expiration of its patent in May 2016.
What is the best generic cholesterol medicine?
StatinsSimvastatin (generic Zocor)Atorvastatin (generic Lipitor)Rosuvastatin (generic Crestor)Fluvastatin (generic Lescol)Lovastatin (generic Mevacor)Pravastatin (generic Pravachol)
Are all generic atorvastatin the same?
Simply put, brand-name Lipitor and generic atorvastatin are the same medication, and, because of that, each is just as safe and effective as the other.
What are the best statins on the market?
Rosuvastatin and atorvastatin are the best at lowering LDL cholesterol.
Which statin is best tolerated?
According to a research review people who take simvastatin (Zocor) or pravastatin (Pravachol) may experience fewer side effects.
What is the best brand of atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin calcium (brand name: Lipitor) is a medicine in a class of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, also referred to as "statins." Pfizer's Lipitor was first approved in 1996 and is considered one of the most successful selling drugs of all time.
Is there a better statin than atorvastatin?
This study compiled results from 50 randomized, clinical trials, and compared other statin drugs like fluvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and lovastatin. Rosuvastatin had the highest potency for lowering LDL levels in the study.
What is the safest statin for elderly?
Atorvastatin or fluvastatin are usually recommended because there is no need to adjust the dose according to the glomerular filtration rate [28]. In patients without diagnosed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, it is indicated a moderate dose of statin, such as atorvastatin 20 mg daily [28].
Which statin is best in long term use?
Conclusion: Statins were associated with long-term secondary prevention of reHospIS for hyperlipidemic patients. Rosuvastatin seemed to have the best protective effects.
Which statin has less side effects?
In the analysis of 135 previous studies, which included nearly 250,000 people combined, researchers found that the drugs simvastatin (Zocor) and pravastatin (Pravachol) had the fewest side effects in this class of medications.
Why do statins have to be taken at night?
Many statins work more effectively when they are taken at night. This is because the enzyme which makes the cholesterol is more active at night. Also, the half-life, or the amount of time it takes for half the dose to leave your body, of some statins is short.
What to take if you can't tolerate a statin?
7 cholesterol-lowering alternatives to statinsFibrates. Mostly used for lowering triglyceride levels in patients whose levels are very high and could cause pancreatitis. ... Plant stanols and sterols. ... Cholestyramine and other bile acid-binding resins. ... Niacin. ... Policosanol. ... Red yeast rice extract (RYRE) ... Natural products.
Which statin is easiest on liver?
It turns out that some statins may be better at preventing liver cancer than others. Specifically, lipophilic statins (those that dissolve more readily in lipids such as oils and fats) may be more effective for preventing liver cancer than hydrophilic statins (those that dissolve more readily in water).
Who manufactures generic atorvastatin?
Pfizer Inc.'s patent on the drug expired the same day. The India-based Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. gained approval to make generic atorvastatin calcium tablets in 10 milligram (mg), 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg strengths. The drug will be manufactured by Ohm Laboratories in New Brunswick, N.J.
Are there different types of atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin only comes in the form of a tablet you take by mouth. Atorvastatin oral tablet is used to improve cholesterol levels and decrease your risk for heart attack and stroke. It's used together with diet, weight loss, and exercise.
What are the brand names of atorvastatin?
Atorvastatin is the generic form of the brand name medicine Lipitor. It's used together with a healthy lifestyle to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the “bad” cholesterol) and triglyceride (a type of fat) levels in the blood and raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL, the “good" cholesterol) levels.
What is the most serious side effect of atorvastatin?
Serious side effects you get unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness or cramps – these can be signs of muscle breakdown and kidney damage.
What are Statins?
Statins (also called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) block an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase) that is involved in the synthesis of mevalonate, a naturally occurring substance that is then used by the body to make sterols, including cholesterol.
What is the purpose of statins?
Statins are used to: Lower high cholesterol (also known as hyperlipidemia or dyslipidemia ). Statins are most effective at lowering LDL-cholesterol (this is commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol) Reduce a person’s risk of having a heart attack or stroke or developing angina.
Which drug has the greatest effect on LDL cholesterol?
Atorvastatin and simvastatin produce the greatest percentage change in LDL cholesterol levels. Atorvastatin and fluvastatin are preferred in people with kidney disease. Pravastatin and fluvastatin have a lower risk of drug interactions because they are not metabolized by cytochrome p450 3A4.
What are the side effects of statins?
The most common side effects reported with statins include: 1 A headache 2 belching or excessive gas 3 constipation 4 heartburn, indigestion, nausea or stomach discomfort 5 hoarseness 6 lower back or side pain 7 muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness 8 pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones 9 painful or difficult urination 10 a stuffy or a runny nose 11 sweating 12 trouble sleeping.
What drugs interact with atorvastatin?
Some statins, particularly those metabolized by CYP 3A4 (such as atorvastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin), can interact with several other drugs, such as clarithromycin, protease inhibitors, cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, oral contraceptives, and digoxin.
Why is it important to lower cholesterol?
Lowering cholesterol and other types of fats is important because research has shown that elevated levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke.
What are the symptoms of a swollen stomach?
heartburn, indigestion, nausea or stomach discomfort. hoarseness. lower back or side pain. muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness. pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones. painful or difficult urination. a stuffy or a runny nose. sweating. trouble sleeping.
What are statins used for?
Answers. SU. suzanne66 1 Nov 2010. Statins are drugs that can lower your cholesterol. They work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol. Statins include well-known medications such as atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and others.
Can statins cause muscle pain?
Statins may cause muscle pain and tenderness (statin myopathy). The higher the dose of statin you take, the more likely you are to have muscle pains. In severe cases, muscle cells can break down (rhabdomyolysis) and release a protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream. Myoglobin can damage your kidneys.
Do statins have side effects?
Although statins are well tolerated by most people, they do have side effects, some of which may go away as your body adjusts to the medication. Common, less serious side effects. Muscle and joint aches (most common) Nausea. Diarrhea.
Can statins cause liver damage?
If the increase is severe, you may need to stop taking it, which usually reverses the problem. If left unchecked, increased liver enzymes can lead to permanent liver damage. Muscle problems.
How does PCSK9 work?
Changes in this gene can lower the amount of LDL receptors. PCSK9 drugs work by suppressing the PCSK9 enzyme expressed by the gene.
What is the best medication for high cholesterol?
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors. If statins are not an option or you experience side effects, your doctor can prescribe a different drug to treat high cholesterol. A common alternative is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor . These drugs prevent your small intestine from properly absorbing the cholesterol you consume.
What is the best medicine for high triglycerides?
A common prescription for high triglycerides is niacin or vitamin B-3. Niacin can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL).
What is PCSK9 inhibitor?
PCSK9 inhibitors, like statins, are effective in lowering cholesterol. These medications offer an alternative for those who can’t take statins. People have a gene called proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). It determines the number of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors in the body.
What is the best alternative to statins?
Another alternative to statins is bile acid–binding resins, or sequestrants. These drugs work by binding to the bile in your intestines and thereby blocking cholesterol absorption into your bloodstream.
Why is too much cholesterol bad for you?
Having too much cholesterol circulating in your arteries is dangerous because it can build up plaque. A buildup of plaque can prevent blood from flowing properly and can increase the risk of a heart attack.
What is the name of the class of medications that are prescribed for high triglycerides?
When more aggressive treatment is necessary to treat high triglycerides, a class of medications called fibrates is often prescribed.
How to prevent statin side effects?
Try coenzyme Q10 supplements. Coenzyme Q10 supplements may help prevent statin side effects in some people, though more studies are needed to determine any benefits of taking it. Talk to your doctor first to make sure the supplement won't interact with any of your other medications.
What drugs interact with statins?
Some drugs that may interact with statins and increase your risk of side effects include: Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), a medication for irregular heart rhythms. Gemfibrozil (Lopid), another variety of cholesterol drug.
Can statins help with dementia?
There has also been evidence that statins may help with brain function — in people with dementia, for example. This is still being studied. Don't stop taking your statin medication before talking to your doctor.
Can statins cause heart attacks?
Having too much cholesterol in your blood increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Statins block a substance your liver needs to make cholesterol. This causes your liver to remove cholesterol from your blood. If you think you're experiencing side effects from statins, don't just stop taking the pills.
What is the name of the medication that is used to treat irregular heartbeats?
Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), a medication for irregular heart rhythms
What does "nocebo effect" mean?
A "nocebo" effect means people who have negative expectations about a medication report experiencing the potential side effect at higher rates than the drug should cause.
Does statin help with heart attack?
Sign up now. Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks. Statins are effective at lowering cholesterol and protecting against a heart attack and stroke, although they may lead to side effects for some people. By Mayo Clinic Staff.
