Cholesterol Medications

These medicines are lipid-lowering agents used along with diet and exercise to treat high cholesterol.

Side effects that may occur while taking these medicines include mild indigestion or stomach discomfort, constipation, muscle aches, or weakness.

Fibric Acid Agents:
Tricor, Lopid

These medicines are lipid lowering agents used along with your diet to control high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Side effects that may occur while taking these medicines include stomach pain, nausea, constipation, gas, headache, dizziness, muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; flu-like symptoms; unusual tiredness, fever, or joint pain; itching; or rash.

HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors:
Baycol, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, Zocor

These medicines are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and are used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood or to raise HDL levels. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Common side effects are unusual with these medications. Check with your doctor if you experience muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if associated with fever and a general feeling of discomfort; rash; yellow skin or eyes; or unusual bleeding or bruising.

Nicotinic Acid
This medicine is an antihyperlipidemic used to decrease levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Side effects that may go away during treatment include a temporary feeling of warmth or flushing of the skin, skin rash, itching, or nausea. Check with your doctor if you experience continued flushing of the skin; vomiting; diarrhea; muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; changes in vision; fast heart rate; irregular heartbeat; or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with these medicines. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine. The information contained below is not a comprehensive discussion of these medications and do not substitute for a thorough discussion with your health care provider(s).