Question 1

are statins safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Statin medications used to treat high cholesterol are considered safe.  As with all medications and medical procedures, we weigh the risks vs. The benefits.  The risks of statins is very low (may adversely affect the liver but this is rare) and the benefits are great (significant reduction in heart disease and stroke.) discuss this with your doctor, in light of your individual medical conditions.

Question 2

what's the cheapest effective statin drug?

Accepted Answer

Walmart: Lovastatin (mevacor), and pravastatin (pravachol) are available from walmart and many other pharmacies for $4 (for a month's supply). Simvastatin (zocor) is available generically but costs about $30 for a month's supply (20 mg). Atorvastatin  (lipitor) has also become generic but i don't have access to the price. A double strength pill of any of the above  cut in half  will cut your cost in half.

Question 3

given the dangers of using statins is there a safer substitute for that medication?

Accepted Answer

you are mistaken: It's an unfortunate misconception to avoid statins because of their "danger." no other medication class has shown the magnitude of benefit as statins. Not taking them is like never driving your car because of the possibility of an accident. Serious side effects are exceptionally rare, around 1 in 100, 000.  Minor side effects are common (1 in 10) but are dose related - avoided with lower dose.

Question 4

is it true that statins are just as effective if you take them every other day versus every day?

Accepted Answer

No...but: Statins are designed to be taken daily.  There are however instances where periodic dosing is used to reduced side effects in individuals who did not tolerate daily dosing.  Different statins are metabolized differently.  In my practice we use intermittent Crestor (rosuvastatin) dosing frequently.  Please consult with your physician to tailor a regimen that works best for you.

Question 5

is zetia (ezetimibe) an effective statin?

Accepted Answer

No: Zetia (ezetimibe) is not a statin. Although it lowers the cholesterol, there is no proof that it prevents bad outcomes.

Question 6

are statin drugs really that good and effective for you, docs?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely: These agents have an enormous benefit in reducing the risks of cardiac events.

Question 7

how long is it safe to take statins?

Accepted Answer

Can be lifelong: No arbitrary cut off . If muscle or liver problems then stop.

Question 8

i'm wondering are fenofibrates safer than statins?

Accepted Answer

They can both: cause liver problems, but statins are much more effective

Question 9

does statin really elevates risk for diabetes? how could one know whether it is safe to take statin if there is no obvious risk factor for diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Controversial: Some studies have shown a higher incidence of diabetes in patients on statins, which appears to be dose dependent (higher doses may confer higher risk). This may just be because the people who need higher doses of statins may be more likely to develop diabetes, rather than the medicine causing diabetes. I would take it if recommended by your doc and try to follow a healthy lifestyle!

Question 10

please tell me if there are any effective alternatives to statins for lowering blood cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

For medications no,: but you can reduce your statin dosage with exercise and fish oils either dietary supplement EPA or Vascepa

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Are statins safe and effective

A member asked:

Are statins safe?

A member asked:

What's the cheapest effective statin drug?

A member asked:

Given the dangers of using statins is there a safer substitute for that medication?

A member asked:

Is it true that statins are just as effective if you take them every other day versus every day?

A member asked:

Is zetia (ezetimibe) an effective statin?

A member asked:

Are statin drugs really that good and effective for you, docs?

A member asked:

How long is it safe to take statins?

A member asked:

I'm wondering are fenofibrates safer than statins?

A member asked:

Does statin really elevates risk for diabetes? how could one know whether it is safe to take statin if there is no obvious risk factor for diabetes?

A member asked:

Please tell me if there are any effective alternatives to statins for lowering blood cholesterol?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?