Cholesterol refers to the fatty and waxy-like substance that can build up within blood vessels and increase a person's risk for a heart attack or stroke. It can also increase a person's risk for high blood pressure (hypertension). MedlinePlus indicates that being overweight or obese, taking estrogen or birth control pills, not exercising and eating foods high in saturated fats can lead to high cholesterol. Fortunately, drugs exist that can help reduce cholesterol.
Rosuvostatin
Rosuvostatin, commonly sold as Crestor, is a medication that reduces cholesterol levels. It is a tablet taken each day. According to Drugs.com, rosuvostatin reduces bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) and triglycerides. It also increases good cholesterol (high density lipoprotein).
Drugs.com says that rosuvostatin's less serious side effects include dizziness, weakness, a headache and memory loss. In some instances, rosuvostatin also leads to a sore throat, constipation, pain with urination, nausea and diarrhea. Memory loss and a stuffy nose are additional side effects. Inform a doctor if rosuvostatin's less concerning side effects last for longer than one week.
Rosuvostatin's serious side effects include stomach pain, nausea, swelling of the feet or hands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine and chest pain. Sometimes, this drug leads to muscle weakness, pain or tenderness. Notify a doctor immediately if you experience these side effects while taking rosuvostatin.
Having an underactive thyroid, kidney disease, muscle problems, an infection or a seizure disorder may require a reduction in rosuvostatin's dose.
Colestipol
Colestipol, a tablet taken one or two times a day and commonly sold as Colestid, is another medication that reduces cholesterol. According to drugs.com, colestipol also lowers bad cholesterol. This plays a role in reducing the chances for developing a heart attack, circulation problems and a stroke.
Colestipol's less concerning side effects include indigestion, gas, diarrhea and heartburn. In some instances, colestipol leads to rectal irritation, hemorrhoids, occasional constipation and gas. Consult a doctor if you experience any of these side effects for more than seven days.
Colestipol's serious side effects include trouble swallowing, black or bloody stools, joint pain, easy bleeding or bruising, a poor appetite and constipation. Inform your physician if taking colestipol leads to these serious side effects.
Patients who suffer from thyroid problems, a bleeding disorder, hemorrhoids, constipation, trouble swallowing and vitamin A, D, E or K deficiency may require a decreased dose of colestipol.
Fenofibrate
Fenofibrate, commonly sold as Antara, Fenoglide, Lipofen, TriCor and some others, is also taken for cholesterol reduction. Taken in capsule or tablet form once a day, Fenofibrate actually increases the body's ability to remove cholesterol from the body.
Fenofibrate's less concerning side effects include diarrhea, heartburn, weakness, and pain in the arms, back and legs. Talk to your doctor if fenofibrate's less serious side effects last longer than a week.
Fenofibrate's serious side effects include joint pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath and pain when breathing. In some instances, fenofibrate leads to blistering of the skin, a fever, shortness of breath, weakness and muscle pain or tenderness. Notify your physician if fenofibrate's serious side effects develop.
Tell a physician if you take medications such as lovastatin, atelenol, pravastatin, rosuvastatin and cyclosporine. These drugs may interact with fenofibrate and a doctor may have to change medications and doses.
