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Statins in Treatment of Hypercholesterolaemia

Hypercholesterolemia is elevated cholesterol in the bloodstream. The treatment for high cholesterol includes a class of drugs called statins that are cholesterol-lowering medicines.

  1. What Are Statins?

    • Statins are drugs that work to reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. They are only available by a prescription from a doctor.

    When Are Statins Ordered?

    • Statins are ordered for hypercholesterolemia after lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise have failed over at least a three-month period. Once started, statins should still be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

    When to Take Statins

    • Cholesterol is produced during the night by the liver, and statins are usually taken at bedtime to counteract this. If the dose of medicine is very high it can be split into a morning and night dose.

    Common Statins

    • Some common statins used to treat high cholesterol are Lipitor, Crestor, Pravachol, Zocor and Mevachol. Doctors typically try statins until they find the one that best works for the patient.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects are not common, but if you experience muscle soreness, vomiting, stomach pain or weakness, call your doctor.

    Precautions

    • Statins should not be used by pregnant women or people with liver disease.

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