Statin drugs, or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme controls the rate that cholesterol is produced in the body. Drugs containing these inhibitors slow the rate of production while increasing the liver’s ability to remove cholesterol already in the bloodstream.

Many people are not able to lower high cholesterol through diet and exercise alone.

Adding medications containing Statins into a low cholesterol diet and daily exercise routine can provide a positive combination to help lower cholesterol levels.

Since the rate of cholesterol production is at night, these single dose medications are often prescribed to take with evening meals or before bed in order maximize the medicine’s effect. Recent statin drugs have been designed to take in the morning. Statin medications will start to show results in several weeks after starting treatment. The maximum effect is shown in 4-6 weeks after which your doctor can check your cholesterol level. After two checks your doctor can then help you determine if your treatment should be changed or maintained to reach your desired level.

Clinical trials have shown that cholesterol levels were lowered 20-60% depending on the dose. They have been shown to lower overall cholesterol levels and therefore significantly reduce heart attacks and coronary heart disease deaths. Their effectiveness has made them a very popular prescription of choice. Some of the most popular and well known statin drugs are Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Zocor, and Crestor. Be sure to discuss with your doctor which prescription is right for you.

Overall, medications including statins are well received showing only rare serious side effects. Serious side effects may include, muscle pain, soreness, weakness, or brown urine. If you experience any of these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately to check for muscle problems. If you notice brown urine, stop taking the statins drug immediately as this is a medical emergency and could result in the breakdown of muscles.

It is important to tell your doctor what medications you are already taking as statins may interact with those increasing your risk for serious side effects. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you have kidney problems as a dose adjustment or special tests may need to be discussed along with this medication. Your doctor may want to do regular blood tests before and during treatment to check for liver problems. Minor side effects may include upset stomach, gas, stomach cramps, or constipation. These side effects are normally mild to moderate and should go away with continued treatment.