Statins: What They Do, Side Effects, and How to Save
Statins are the most common medicines for lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. They cut the chance of heart attack and stroke by lowering cholesterol and stabilizing plaques in arteries. If your doctor recommended a statin, this page helps you understand how they work, what to watch for, and practical ways to save—especially when buying in Mexico.
How statins work and common types
Statins block an enzyme your liver uses to make cholesterol. That makes your liver pull more LDL out of the blood. Common options you’ll see are atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), simvastatin (Zocor), and pravastatin (Pravachol). Doses vary: atorvastatin often starts at 10–20 mg, rosuvastatin at 5–10 mg, simvastatin 20–40 mg, and pravastatin 10–40 mg. Your doctor picks a drug and dose based on your heart risk and how low your LDL needs to go.
Expect to get a lipid panel before starting treatment and again about 6–12 weeks after a dose change. That tells you if the statin is working and if the dose needs adjusting.
Side effects, monitoring, and drug interactions
Most people tolerate statins well. The common complaints are muscle aches and mild stomach upset. A small number of people can get more serious muscle problems or liver enzyme changes. Doctors usually check liver tests before starting and if there are symptoms like unusual fatigue or dark urine.
Watch for interactions. Grapefruit juice can raise levels of some statins (especially simvastatin). Certain antibiotics, antifungals, HIV drugs, and the fibrate gemfibrozil can also interact and raise the risk of muscle issues. Always tell your prescriber about other medicines and supplements.
If muscle pain starts, call your doctor. They may switch the statin, lower the dose, or check blood tests. Do not stop a prescribed statin without medical advice—sudden stopping can increase heart risk.
Buying statins in Mexico: practical tips to save
Mexico often has lower prices for generic statins. To save safely: buy generics from licensed pharmacies, check that packaging is sealed and not expired, and keep the prescription or a doctor’s note. Avoid sellers offering unusually low prices or no packaging—those are red flags.
Compare prices between pharmacies and ask pharmacists about brand vs. generic options. If buying online, use pharmacies with clear contact info and real pharmacy licenses. If you cross a border with meds, know your country’s rules about bringing prescription drugs home.
Questions for your visit: what’s the best statin for my risk, expected LDL drop, side effects to watch for, and when to repeat labs. With the right info and safe buying habits, statins are an effective, affordable tool to protect your heart.
