Statins: Uses, Types, and Side Effects

A complete guide to statin medication

What are statins?

Statins are a class of prescription drugs used to treat high cholesterol. These drugs generally work by lowering low-density lipoproteins (LDLs, or “bad” cholesterol) while raising levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs, or “good” cholesterol). According to Harvard Medical School, nearly half of American men between the ages of 65 and 74 use statins. Almost 39% of women over the age of 75 use these drugs. Nearly a quarter of all American adults over 45 are taking some form of statin medication for high cholesterol.

Statins are commonly supplied as oral tablets or capsules. These medications are only available via prescription; no FDA-approved drugs for high cholesterol are available for over-the-counter purchase.

It is important to note that statins are prescribed in conjunction with dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that statin use can lower a patient’s risk of heart disease by 25%.

What are statins used for?

Statins, along with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes, are prescribed to treat high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a form of lipid, a waxy substance that helps your body make cells, vitamins, and hormones. It is not inherently bad. Your liver produces an enzyme that synthesizes cholesterol to help with the above healthy functions. Additional cholesterol is introduced to the body through meat, poultry, and dairy products.

There are two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). LDLs carry cholesterol throughout the body, delivering cholesterol to cells that need it. HDLs take excess LDLs back to the liver, where they are broken down and flushed from the body. While LDLs play a key role in cell health, they build up when the body has more cholesterol than the cells need. This buildup turns into plaque in the arteries (blood vessels). As plaque covers the artery walls, the blood vessels become narrow. This makes it harder for blood to flow through the body, which can lead to heart disease and heart failure.

Statins work by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver, which lowers the overall cholesterol levels in the body. Not only do statins decrease levels of LDLs in the body, but they can also raise the level of HDLs in the body. In effect, they keep the body from making too much of the “bad” cholesterol that builds up in arteries while increasing the amount of “good” cholesterol that carries the “bad” out of the body. This dual action, diet, and exercise have been shown to effectively lower overall cholesterol levels in patients.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing high cholesterol. These include:

• Family history of heart disease or high cholesterol
• Being overweight/ having obesity
• Cigarette smoking
• Lack of physical activity/ cardiovascular conditions
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Unhealthy diet
• History of high cholesterol

What are the different kinds of statins?

Statins are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States.

FDA-approved statins include:

• Atorvastatin (generic for Lipitor)
• Lovastatin (generic for Mevacor)
• Pravastatin (generic for Pravachol)
• Rosuvastatin (generic for Crestor)
• Simvastatin (generic for Zocor)

These drugs are available in various doses. The specific dosage of statin medication prescribed will depend on the severity of the patient’s condition and health history. Statins are widely used and considered safe for most people. However, these drugs have been shown to cause some side effects, and their use may be discouraged in some patients.

It is also important to note that statins are never prescribed by themselves. In addition to prescription medication, patients managing high cholesterol will be directed to increase their physical activity and maintain a healthy diet. These lifestyle adjustments help improve the overall effectiveness of statin drugs while providing a more holistic and sustainable means of keeping cholesterol levels down.

Self-care strategies used along with statin drug use include:

• A healthy diet. Limit your consumption of processed foods, animal fats, and salt. Good fats are okay, but eat them in moderation. Veggies are your friend, as well as fruits and whole grains.
• Exercise. Regular physical activity is part of a healthy lifestyle and may help you prevent and manage high cholesterol.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Quit smoking.
• Minimize alcohol consumption.
• Manage stress. Meditate, schedule therapy, take time off, spend time with family and loved ones—whatever helps reduce stress and improve your quality of life.

What are the common side effects of statins?

Statins are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world. In general, their benefits outweigh any possible risks of adverse effects. However, statins have been shown to cause some adverse effects.

Common side effects of statin use include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Muscle and joint pain and aches
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Heartburn

If you begin to experience a skin rash, hives, or difficulty breathing after taking statin medication, you should seek medical attention immediately. These are early signs of an allergic reaction—a potentially life-threatening medical emergency.

Before starting treatment with any form of statin, talk to your health care provider about any medications or supplements you are taking. Statins can interact with other drugs and substances, potentially causing adverse reactions. You should also tell your provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before starting treatment with statin medication.

Do I need a prescription for statins?

Yes. No FDA-approved statin drugs for high cholesterol are available over the counter.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a nearby pharmacy. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not statin medication is right for you. Looking for more information? Check out our blog for articles about heart health and cholesterol-friendly cook-out tips.

If you have a family history of high cholesterol or are experiencing symptoms of cardiovascular disease, you should book a video doctor visit with a licensed health care provider on Sesame to discuss your symptoms and possible treatment options.