Statins

Statins are medications that lower cholesterol and other fats (lipids) in your body. By lowering your cholesterol and lipid levels, you may reduce your chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

How does it work?
Statins help block an enzyme in the liver that helps your body make cholesterol. By blocking this enzyme, your body makes less cholesterol. The slower cholesterol production signals your liver to absorb more "bad" cholesterol (LDL) from your bloodstream. Lower LDL levels can lead to lower triglyceride levels and higher HDL good cholesterol levels.

How should I take this medication?
Most statins can be taken with or without food, but because not all of them are the same, always talk to your doctor or pharmacist to get information about your particular statin. Usually, statins work best if they are taken in the evening or at bedtime because your body makes the most cholesterol at night. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how and when to take your medication.

What are some common side effects?
Like any medication, statins may cause side effects. Some common side effects of these medications include constipation, heartburn, gas, upset stomach, stomach cramps, diarrhea and headache. Many of these side effects get better if you take the medication with food. As your body gets used to the medication, the side effects may go away. One rare, but potentially serious side effect is muscle pain or damage, which usually starts as pain in the larger muscles of the legs or shoulders. If this happens, you should see your physician immediately.

What should I avoid while taking this medicine?
Talk to your doctor to find out if it is safe for you to drink alcohol while you are taking statins.

What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medications can increase or decrease the effect of statins. Always tell your doctor about any other medication including prescription, non-prescription, over-the-counter or natural health products (vitamins and minerals, herbal remedies, homeopathic medicines, traditional medicines such as traditional Chinese medicines, probiotics and other products like amino acids and essential fatty acids). Some medications that can interact with cholesterol lowering medications in general include:

• Warfarin (an anticoagulant). If you are taking warfarin and a cholesterol-lowering medicine, your dosages may need to be adjusted.
• Erythromycin (antibiotic)
• Some antifungal medications (for athletes foot, for example)

Other information
Statins are prescribed along with a lower-fat diet, particularly lower in saturated and trans fats, because both medication and diet are important for controlling cholesterol levels. Your doctor may periodically order a blood test to check the level of cholesterol and other fats in your body.

Lifestyle changes
Eating a healthy diet that is lower in fat, especially saturated and trans fats, being smoke free, limiting alcohol use, being physically active and reducing stress are also important in lowering the risk of heart disease. Talk to your health-care practitioner about how you can achieve these lifestyle changes.

Where can I get more information?
For warnings, recalls and other clinical drug information:

1. Health Canada Drugs and Health Products http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodpharma/index_e.html
2. Drugs and Health Products: Advisories, Warnings and Recalls http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/advisories-avis/index_e.html

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