The Side Effects of Cholesterol Lowering Medications

In addition to following a healthy diet and exercise plan, your doctor may recommend that you take medication to lower your cholesterol. Carefully consider the benefits versus the risks of all your medication options. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are currently taking, as these may interact with a cholesterol-lowering drug. If you experience an allergic reaction, such as swelling, hives or difficulty breathing, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.

Crestor

• Crestor works both to lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. Mild side effects include dizziness, weakness, nausea, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, constipation, diarrhea, headaches and pain or burning while urinating. More severe possible side effects include chest pain, swelling of the hands or feet, fever, loss of appetite, a cessation of urination and jaundice. Crestor may rarely cause a breakdown of muscle tissue. Do not drink alcohol or use antacids while taking Crestor. Never use Crestor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, certain pre-existing conditions may prevent you from taking Crestor. These include kidney or liver disease, muscle disorders, epilepsy, an underactive thyroid, a severe infection, an electrolyte imbalance or if you have recently undergone surgery. Do not use Crestor if you are allergic to rosuvastatin.

Lipitor

• Possible mild side effects of Lipitor include headache, stuffy nose, nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, bloating, flatulence, itching and a skin rash. More serious side effects can include jaundice, loss of appetite and a low fever. Lipitor may also rarely result in a breakdown of muscle tissue, which may lead to kidney failure. Never take Lipitor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can cause birth defects. You may not be able to take Lipitor if you have a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes, kidney or liver disease, an underactive thyroid or a muscle disorder. Do not use Lipitor if you are allergic to atorvastatin.

Zetia

• Potential mild side effects of Zetia include numbness, dizziness, headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue, a feeling of depression, cold symptoms, cough, back pain or joint pain. More serious side effects include fever, jaundice, unusual muscle weakness, chest pain, pancreatitis and rapid heartbeat. Zetia may also rarely cause a breakdown in muscle tissue. You may not be able to take Zetia if you have a pre-existing condition such as kidney or liver disease, diabetes, an overactive thyroid or if you use steroid drugs or hormones (such as birth control pills). Do not use Zetia if you are allergic to ezetimibe or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Trilipix

• Possible serious side effects of Trilipix include fever, nausea, vomiting, a sharp stomach pain that spreads up the back, swelling and pain in a leg, chest pain, wheezing and rapid heartbeat. Milder side effects of Trilipix include fatigue, headache, dizziness, joint pain, back pain, constipation, indigestion and bloating. Trilipix should not be used while breastfeeding and may also be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Trilipix if you have severe kidney disease, gallbladder disease or liver disease. Your doctor may advise against taking Trilipix if you have kidney disease, an underactive thyroid or diabetes. Do not consume alcohol while using this drug.

Vytorin

• The possible serious side effects of Vytorin include muscle pain or weakness, flu, jaundice, loss of appetite, pancreatitis, blurred vision and easily bruising or bleeding. Less serious side effects include numbness, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, cold symptoms, joint pain, back pain, insomnia and a feeling of depression. Vytorin can cause birth defects; do not use it while pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use Vytorin if you have liver disease, or if you are allergic to ezetimibe or simvastatin. You may not be able to use Vytorin if you have diabetes, kidney disease, an underactive thyroid, a muscle disorder or if you are taking steroids or hormones.