Levels of LDL cholesterol can rise in the body because of high cholesterol consumption in the diet, obesity, diabetes, alcohol consumption and genetic reasons. Cholesterol medications reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in the body. The four major classes of cholesterol-lowering medications include statins, resins, fibrates and nicotinic acid, all of which lead to the reduction of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream through slightly different mechanisms. Among the four, statins are the most popular drugs for patients who are at a high risk for coronary heart disease.
Side Effects
Side effects of statins such as Atorvastatin, Fluvastatin and Simvastatin include abdominal pain, cramps, constipation, muscle soreness and liver troubles. Resins like Cholestyramine and Colestipol can cause abdominal fullness, constipation or diarrhea. Fibrates such as Bezabifrate, Fenofibrate and Gemfibrozil can also cause stomach problems and should not be prescribed to kidney and liver patients. Similarly, nicotinic acid can cause gastrointestinal problems and flushing of the skin.
Serious Complications
Though serious complications from cholesterol medications are rare, ignoring the adverse effects of these medications can lead to major complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, liver damage can occur when statins are continued in spite of a major increase in liver enzymes. Moreover, statins can cause muscle cells to disintegrate and release a protein in the bloodstream that can damage the kidneys.
Drug Interactions
Some drug interactions can also complicate matters. A combination of statin with fibrate has a higher risk of muscular disease, or myopathy, than a combination of statin with nicotinic acid, according to a clinical advisory on statins published in Circulation in 2002. Because of possible complications, a physician may regularly monitor a patient's kidney and liver functions if cholesterol-lowering drugs are prescribed.
References
- American Heart Association: Cholesterol-lowering Drugs
- Mayo Clinic: Statins
- "Circulation;" ACC/AHA/NHLBI Clinical Advisory on the Use and Safety of Statins; R Pasternak et al.; 2002
