Understanding Statin Medications: Uses, Types & How They Work

Statins are a class of prescription medication that are sold under a variety of names. Doctors typically prescribe statins to lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels.

Function

• Your liver naturally produces cholesterol, but in the case of high cholesterol, the combination of natural cholesterol and cholesterol obtained from the food you eat results in an excess level of the fat in your blood. Statins work by stopping the actions of one of the proteins needed to make cholesterol by your liver.

Types

• Generic names of statin drugs include atorvastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin and rosuvastatin.

Time Frame

• Most patients take statin drugs for the rest of their lives to control cholesterol levels, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Benefits

• In addition to lowering cholesterol and helping to prevent heart disease, statin drugs help prevent osteoporosis, age-related dementia, Alzheimer's disease and protect your kidneys, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Risks

• The most common side effects of statins include muscle and joint aches, nausea, diarrhea and constipation, explains the Mayo Clinic. The major risks of statin medications are liver damage and a potentially life-threatening condition known as rhabdamyolysis, which causes your muscles to break down and potentially damage your kidneys.