Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors)
Lipid-lowering medications that reduce LDL cholesterol.
Mechanism of Action
Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) work by blocking a key enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is responsible for making cholesterol in your body. By blocking it, statins reduce the amount of cholesterol your liver produces. This leads to lower levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL-C) in your blood and helps prevent heart disease.
Clinical Uses
This drug class is primarily prescribed to lower high cholesterol levels, especially LDL-C, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. They are used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems in people with high cholesterol or those who already have heart disease. Statins benefit adults at risk for or with existing heart conditions, helping to stabilize plaques in arteries.
Side Effects & Safety
Common side effects of statins include muscle pain, headache, nausea, and digestive upset like diarrhea or constipation. More serious but rare side effects can include severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis), liver problems, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you experience unusual muscle pain or weakness, especially with fever or dark urine, contact your doctor right away.
Conditions Treated
Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) medications are used to treat the following conditions:
Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) Medications (7)
Atorvastatin
Brand: Lipitor, Caduet (with amlodipine), Liptruzet (with ezetimibe)
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is the world's best-selling prescription drug and the most widely prescribed statin for lowering LDL ('bad') cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. It is used for both primary prevention (in people without established heart disease but with risk factors) and secondary prevention (in people who have already had a heart attack or stroke). Generic atorvastatin is available for as little as $4–$25 per month.
$4–$25/month/month
Fluvastatin
Brand: Fluvastatin, Fluvastatin Sodium, Lescol
Fluvastatin (brand names: Fluvastatin, Fluvastatin Sodium) is a type of medicine called a statin. It is primarily used to help lower high levels of "bad" cholesterol (like LDL-C) and fats (triglycerides) in the blood, and to increase "good" cholesterol (HDL-C), especially when diet and exercise alone aren't enough. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol your body makes.
$10–$40/month/month
Lovastatin
Brand: Lovastatin
LOVASTATIN (brand name: Lovastatin) is a statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor). Indications and Usage Therapy with lovastatin should be a component of multiple risk factor intervention in those individuals with dyslipidemia at risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease. Lovastatin should be used in addition to a diet restricted in saturated fat and cholesterol as part of a…
$10-$30/month/month
Pitavastatin
Brand: Pitavastatin, pitavastatin calcium, Livalo
Pitavastatin is a "statin" medication used to lower high cholesterol levels in your blood. It works by reducing the amount of "bad" cholesterol (LDL-C) your body makes, helping to improve your overall cholesterol profile, especially in adults and children aged 8 and older with certain types of high cholesterol. This medicine is always used along with a healthy diet.
$200–$500/month/month
Pravastatin
Brand: Pravastatin Sodium, Pravachol
Pravastatin is a statin medication used to lower high levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood. By reducing cholesterol production in the liver, it helps decrease the risk of serious heart problems like heart attacks and strokes. It is typically used along with a healthy diet.
$4–$25/month/month
Rosuvastatin
Brand: Rosuvastatin Calcium, Rosuvastatin, Crestor
Rosuvastatin is a medication in a class called "statins" that helps lower high cholesterol and other fats in your blood. It works by reducing the amount of "bad" cholesterol your body makes, which helps to prevent heart problems and slow the progression of hardening of the arteries.
$10–$40/month/month
Simvastatin
Brand: Simvastatin, Zocor
Simvastatin (Zocor) is a type of medicine called a statin, primarily used to lower high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. By reducing "bad" cholesterol and increasing "good" cholesterol, it helps decrease your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart-related problems. It works by blocking an enzyme in your liver that makes cholesterol.
$4–$20/month/month
Compare Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) Prices
See typical monthly costs, generic availability, and savings options for all 7 Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) medications side-by-side.
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.