Statins are medications used to treat high cholesterol, and are some of the most-prescribed and effective medications against the probleml. Statins inhibit the production of a chemical that prevents cholesterol production by the body. Statins can also prevent absorption of cholesterol by the body, which reduces blood cholesterol levels and limits cholesterol buildup in the arteries.
Popular brand names of statins include Pravachol, Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor and Mevacor, but many statins are available in less expensive generic forms.
Generic Statins
There are three generic statin drugs available: Lovastatin is sold under the brand name Mevacor; simvastatin is carried under the brand name Zocor; and pravastatin, brand name Pravachol.
Brand-Name Statins
A number of popular statin drugs were not available in 2009 in generic form, including Lipitor (atorvastatin); Caduet (amlodipine and atorvastatin); Vytorin (ezetimible and simvastatin); Simcor (extended-release niacin and simvastatin); Advicor (niacin extended release and lovastatin); Altoprev (lovastatin extended-release); and Lescol and Lescol XL (fluvastatin and the extended-release version).
Differences in Statins
Statins all work in basically the same way, but some offer better benefits. Fluvastatin, for instance, is often one of the least expensive generic statins. Pravastatin is thought to be one of the most effective generic statins for lowering cholesterol. According to a study published in the Lancet, simvastatin is a particularly cost-effective choice for generic statin medications when it comes to lowering cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.
Side Effects
Many statin drugs are not safe to take during pregnancy, so women should consult with their doctors if they are pregnant or trying to become pregnant before taking a statin. Statins are generally considered safe medications, and side effects are minor. Some people may notice difficulty sleeping, constipation, heartburn, gas and nausea, and blurry vision. More serious side effects include damage to the kidneys and liver, as well as pain and weakness in the muscles.
