The Best Cholesterol Lowering Medications

It is hard to believe that up until about 40 years ago there was no such thing as a cholesterol-lowering drug. Cholesterol lowering drugs, which go by the name of statins, were created to lower the cholesterol levels of people at a high risk of developing cardiovascular (heart) disease. Since that time, many different statins have entered the market. Some of them have different functions than just to lower the cholesterol. Many of them work to raise the good cholesterol levels (HDL) and to lower the bad or total cholesterol levels (LDL). Four of the most popular statins that are prescribed to people diagnosed with high cholesterol are Lipitor, Crestor, Vytorin and Zocor.

Lipitor, which also goes by the name of atorvastatin, is a statin created by Pfizer. Lipitor is presently listed as the highest selling drug in the world. The drug is manufactured in 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg tablets. Some of the side effects include myalgia (muscle pain), diarrhea, constipation, gas, headaches, pain in the joints, dizziness, and insomnia. Some patients can also suffer from renal failure. This is one of the most effective statins on the market and works well at lowering cholesterol levels. The cost of Lipitor from one retailer is $85.99 for 30, 10 mg tablets, and $122.99 for 30, 80 mg tablets.

Crestor, also known as rosuvastatin is another statin produced by AstraZeneca. In the United States dosages are available in 5, 10, 20, or 40 mg tablets. This medication was approved for sale in August 2003. One of the major side effects of the drug is rhabdomyolysis, which is a quick breakdown of the muscle tissue. It also can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and toxicity in the kidneys. Though Crestor is one of the newer statins on the market, those that are prescribed the drug believe that it works well. Some thoughts are that it is better at raising good cholesterol levels (HDL) than in lowering bad cholesterol (LDL). The cost of Lipitor from one online retailer is $114.99 for 30, 5 mg tablets, and $115.49 for 30, 40 mg tablets.

Vytorin is the combination of ezetimibe (better known as Zetia) and simvastatin (Zocor). Vytorin is manufactured by a joint undertaking of Merck & Co. /Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals. The pill is available in 10-10, 10-20, 10-40, and 10-80 mg dosages. This drug works to lower cholesterol levels as well as triglycerides. It also works to raise (HDL) for patients who are unable to do so with diet and exercise alone. Side effects of this drug include rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, liver problems, muscle pain, inflammation of the pancreas, gallstones, and depression. One clinical study indicated that Vytorin was better at lowering LDL than Lipitor. One online retailer sells the drug in 30, 10-10mg pills for $110.75, and 30, 10-80 for $108.62.

Zocor, also known as simvastatin is a cholesterol-lowering drug manufactured by Merck, is available in doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg tablets. It reduces total cholesterol (LDL) but does not have any effect on good cholesterol (HDL). Side effects include gastrointestinal disorders, swelling, vertigo, headache, and abdominal pain. Drugstore.com sells 30, 5 mg tablets for $66.99, and 30, 80 mg for $146.99. The generic versions of the same dosages of simvastatin are $17.99 for 30, 5 mg, and $32.99 for 30, 80 mg pills.

Whichever of these drugs a doctor may prescribe to a patient, it is important to let the doctor know if you have had liver problems in the past, as well as information regarding current pregnancies or breastfeeding.

Sources:

Lipitor, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipitor, Wikipedia.org

Crestor, http://www.rxlist.com/crestor-drug.htm, RXlist.com

Vytorin, http://www.rxlist.com/vytorin-drug.htm, RXlist.com

Zocor, http://www.rxlist.com/zocor-drug.htm, RXlist.com