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What Can I Expect From Cholestrol Lowering Medicine?

High cholesterol levels are associated with increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Diet and exercise can help lower these levels, but they may not be enough. If cholesterol levels need to be lowered further, your doctor may prescribe one or more drugs designed to normalize your cholesterol level.

  1. Decreased Heart Attack Risk

    • The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLB) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reported on the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study, which followed more than 4000 patients for five years. Patients taking statins had a 42 percent reduced death rate from heart disease, and 37 percent less risk of a nonfatal heart attack.

    Side Effects

    • There are some common side effects of cholesterol-lowering medications. These include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, bloating or gas, headache and dizziness, drowsiness, muscle aches or weakness, and sleep problems.

    Drug Interactions

    • Cholesterol medications can interact with other medicines. Tell your doctor about all drugs and vitamin or herbal supplements that you take, whether prescription or non-prescription, legal or recreational. This is especially important if you take warfarin, erythromycin, and some anti-fungal medications.

    Other Medical Conditions

    • Your overall health will play a role in determining what, if any, cholesterol medication you could take. Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, diabetes, gout or ulcers, kidney or gall bladder disease, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

    Length of Treatment

    • High cholesterol does not have symptoms, so the medication will not make you "feel better." Cholesterol-lowering medications are not short-term fixes, and you may need to remain on medication for the rest of your life. Do not stop taking your medication without first consulting with your doctor.

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