Lipid-lowering drugs

Generic names

• Bezafibrate
• Ciprofibrate
• Atorvastatin
• Fluvastatin
• Pravastatin
• Simvastatin
• Rosuvastatin
• Ezetimibe

What they are for

These drugs reduce the amount of cholesterol or fatty sugars in your blood. High levels of these substances put you at risk of developing heart disease.

Possible side effects

• A change in your bowel habits, upset stomach or nausea. It may help if you take your tablets with or after food.
• You may experience disturbed sleep and feelings of sadness or depression with the drugs above that end in ‘statin’.
• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness or rashes. If you have any of these effects, go to your GP as soon as possible.

If any of the side effects above are troublesome, got to see your GP as you could try other drugs.

Important points

For these drugs to be effective you must be on a low-fat, low-sugar diet and maintain an ideal body weight. Ask to see a dietician to get more advice.