Cholesterol Lowering Drugs - A Guide

There are five different types of drugs used to treat high cholesterol: Statins, Bile-Acid-Binding Resins, Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors, Fibrates and Niacin.

Statins work by blocking an enzyme needed by the liver to produce cholesterol and is often the first line of defense when diet and exercise alone don't lower cholesterol levels enough. This group of drugs include Lipitor, the most popular drug ever sold in history and Zocor, the number 2 most selling drug in the nation.

Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) is only effective when combined with a heart healthy diet and exercise. It is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. Lipitor's most common side effects are numerous and include allergic reaction, arthritis, bronchitis, gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract infections and a risk of liver damage. Lipitor's effectiveness can be affected by many medications including oral contraceptives. Lipitor's cost without insurance can range from $30- $80 for 30 pills depending on dosage. A generic is available.

Zocor (Simvastatin) is only effective when combined with a heart healthy diet and exercise. When used in patients with heart disease, diabetes, PVD and history of stroke, Zocor can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and mini strokes. The most common side effects are abdominal pain and headache and you should not take Zocor if you have liver disease. Zocor can cause liver damage. The cost of Zocor can range from $15- $80.00/ month without insurance depending on the dosage required.

Bile-Acid-Binding Resins are used when statins are not effective. These drugs work by reducing the production of bile acid in the liver, thereby forcing the liver to consume more cholesterol to make the needed bile acid. Brand names of these drugs are Prevalite, Questran, Welchol and Colestid.

Questran (Cholestyramine) is only effective when combined with a heart healthy diet and exercise. Common side effects are constipation and hemorrhoids. The price of Questran can range from .40 cents per dose for generic, to $2.00 per dose for name brand.

Welchol (Colesevelam) includes a list of over 40 side effects including low blood sugar, coma, depression and seizures. The price is about $1.25 per tablet.

Selective Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors work by preventing cholesterol from being absorbed in the intestines. The first drug available in this category is Zetia and there is recent research questioning the effectiveness of the drug.

Zetia has a long list of side effects, and while most cause discomfort, they are not life threatening and may subside once your body acclimates to the drug. The cost of Zetia runs about $50.00/ month without insurance.

Fibrates are best at lowering triglycerides and raising HDL (good cholesterol) but are not effective at lowering LDL (bad cholesterol).

Niacin is a B vitamin that must be prescribed in very high dosages to affect cholesterol levels. The high dosages of the vitamin have some very serious potential side effects.

The first course of treatment for high cholesterol is always a heart healthy diet and exercise and when applicable weight loss. As you have read these same measures must be used in conjunction with most of the medications to be effective. You cannot simply skip this step and take a drug. For many high cholesterol patients, cholesterol levels can be brought to safe levels with just diet and exercise, and let's face it, there really are no side effects from a healthy lifestyle, except, feeling better!

Take your doctor's recommendations for a heart healthy diet and exercise program seriously, it could save you a lot of money and a lot of discomfort from the side effects of the drugs. There just is no easy way to address this health concern without proper nutrition.

Sources: www.americanheart.org, www.mayoclinic.com, www.consumersunion.com, www.walgreens.com, www.coreynahman.com.