MHVI Owners Manual . Medications . Lipid Lowering Medications

Names
atorvastatin (Lipitor)
cerivastatin (Baycol)
cholestyramine (Cholybar, LoCholest, Questran)
colestipol (Colestid)
fluvastatin (Lescol)
fenofibrate (TriCor)
gemfibrozil (Lopid)
lovastatin (Mevacor)
niacin (Nicobid, Nicolar, nicotinamide, nicotinic Acid)
pravastatin (Pravachol)
probucol (Lorelco)
simvastatin (Zocor)

Q. Why has my doctor prescribed this type of medication?
A. Lipid or cholesterol lowering medications reduce the amount of cholesterol and other fats in the blood stream. They are used to:

Lower cholesterol when diet alone doesn't work
Lower cholesterol to prevent cardiovascular disease when there is a family history
Lower cholesterol to prevent further cardiovascular disease once diagnosed (for example, after a heart attack or after bypass or vascular surgery)

Q. Are there any special precautions that I need to be aware of before I start this type of medication?
A. Please carefully review the general guidelines in this section. Talk with your doctor, nurse and/or pharmacist. Tell them if you:

Are taking any other medication, prescription or non-prescription, including vitamins and herbs, blood thinners, insulin or thyroid medicine
Have any medical conditions, especially liver or kidney disease, seizure disorder, gallbladder disease, gout, thyroid disease or diabetes

Q. What is the proper way to take these medications?
A. Follow these guidelines:

Take these medications exactly as directed. Each will have its own particular regimen. Do not change the dosage without consulting with your doctor, even if you are feeling well.
Follow a low-fat, high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water.
Ask your doctor about the amount of grapefruit you can consume weekly. Grapefruit can increase blood levels of certain types of these medications.
Work with your physician to begin an appropriate exercise program.
Control other cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, cigarette smoking and diabetes.
Follow your doctor's orders for regular blood work to monitor the effectiveness of this medication.
Consult your doctor about the safety of alcohol consumption.

Lipid lowering medications have been shown to reduce the likelihood of a second heart attack. If you've had a heart attack, ask your doctor whether you should be taking them.

Q. What are the possible side effects of this type of medication?
A. Each class of lipid lowering drugs have their own specific potential side effects. Although cholesterol lowering drugs are usually well tolerated, you may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, heartburn, gas, constipation or cramping. Some of the drugs can cause skin rash, lightheadedness, blurred vision or facial flushing. If these symptoms persist, contact your doctor.