Lipid-Lowering Therapy: Statins and Other Medications

Flashcards covering key terminology and concepts related to lipid-lowering therapies, including statins, contraindications, adverse effects, and alternative treatments.

Pravastatin

Brand name: Pravachol; available in doses of 10, 20, 40, 80 mg; dosing in the evening without regard to meal.

Lovastatin

Brand name: Mevacor; available in doses of 10, 20, 40 mg; dosing in the evening with meal.

Simvastatin

Brand names: Zocor or Vytorin; available in doses of 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 mg; dosing in the evening without regard to meal.

Atorvastatin

Brand name: Lipitor; available in doses of 10, 20, 40, 80 mg; daily dosing without regard to time of day.

Rosuvastatin

Brand name: Crestor; available in doses of 5, 10, 20, 40 mg; daily dosing without regard to time of day.

Muscle toxicity

Includes myalgia (muscle symptoms without CK elevation), myopathy (muscle pain/weakness with elevated CK), and rhabdomyolysis (CK > 1000 U/L).

Contraindications

Conditions under which statins should not be used include active or chronic severe liver disease and coadministration of gemfibrozil and simvastatin.

Adverse effects

Common side effects of statins include headache, dyspepsia, muscle symptoms, and elevated liver transaminases.

Statin Intolerance

Refers to adverse effects associated with statin therapy that resolve with dose reduction or discontinuation; includes complete inability to tolerate any statin.

Bile Acid Sequestrants (BAS)

LDL-lowering treatment with effects on lipid profile as follows: LDL ↓13%-25%, HDL ↑3%-5%, TG ↔ or ↑5%-20%.