Below are the common medications for reducing your blood fats (cholesterol).
Statins
These work by reducing the production of cholesterol from the liver, drawing 'bad' cholesterol out of the bloodstream and hence lowering cholesterol levels.
Drugs in this group: atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin.
Side effects include: stomach disturbances, eg constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, nausea and vomiting; headache; feelings of pins and needles; inflammation of the muscles causing muscle pain/tenderness/weakness.
Statins may sometimes be associated with depression, sleep disturbances, memory loss and sexual dysfunction. This should be reported to your doctor promptly.
It is advised to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice if you are taking certain statins. This is because a chemical in grapefruit can increase the concentration of these statins in the bloodstream. Speak to your healthcare team or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Fibrates
These reduce triglyceride levels and some can also decrease cholesterol in the blood.
Drugs in this group: bezafibrate, ciprofibrate, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil.
Side effects include: nausea, stomach pain, headache, inflammation of muscles.
Resins
These reduce the LDL 'bad' cholesterol in the blood but can increase triglyceride levels. These work by binding bile acids and preventing the re-absorption of cholesterol.
Drugs in this group: colestyramine, colestipol.
Side effects: constipation, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting.
Ezetimibe
Inhibits the intestinal absorption of cholesterol in the body.
Side effects: diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headaches.