Crestoris is the brand name for the medication rosuvastatin, which belongs to a class of cholesterol lowering medications called statins. Statins can cause a number of unpleasant side effects, so many patients prefer to take non-statin medications for their high cholesterol. The goal of these medications is to lower a patient's triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as raise HDL cholesterol amounts.
Bile Acid Resins
One type of non-statin cholesterol lowering medication is called a bile acid resin, or a bile acid-binding drug, the American Heart Association explains. Bile is a substance made by the liver to help with the digestion of fats and contains high amounts of cholesterol. Normally, most of the bile that is secreted is reabsorbed in the intestines, allowing it to be reused. Bile acid resins, such as cholestyramine and colestipol, bind to bile acids, which keep them from being taken up by the intestines. This forces the liver to make more bile acids, which gradually depletes the stores of cholesterol in the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, the side effects of these medications include bloating, constipation and nausea. Bile acid resins may also cause an increase in triglyceride levels.
Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors, such as ezetimibe, prevent the intestines from absorbing cholesterol. Although Family Doctor notes that these drugs are commonly prescribed along with statins, they can also be used in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications.
Fibrates
Fibrates, the American Heart Association explains, can also be used as an alternative to statins. Fibrates are particularly effective at lowering triglyceride levels and raising HDL in the blood, but are not particularly good at lowering LDL levels. Consequently, these medications are often used for patients with high triglyceride and low LDL levels. Commonly prescribed fibrates include gemfibrozil and fenofibrate.
Niacin
Niacin, which is also known as nicotinic acid, can also be prescribed to lower LDL and raise HDL levels in patients. The American Heart Association notes that only prescription niacin should be used to manage cholesterol, not the over-the-counter supplements. Niacin can cause flushing, nausea, and a rash.
