Statins: Indications
Statins are primarily prescribed to lower levels of this type of cholesterol, which is known as "bad" cholesterol.
What is LDL (low-density lipoprotein)?
This fruit should be avoided while taking statins because it can interfere with drug metabolism and increase the risk of side effects.
What is grapefruit?
Patients should be advised to take most statins at this time of day for maximum effectiveness, due to the body's natural cholesterol production cycle.
What is at bedtime or in the evening?
$100: PPIs are commonly prescribed for this condition, which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and irritation.
What is GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)?
$100: This common side effect of PPIs occurs when they reduce stomach acid too much, potentially causing digestive issues like bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
What is gastritis or dyspepsia?
By lowering cholesterol levels, statins help prevent this major cardiovascular event, which occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked.
What is a heart attack (myocardial infarction)?
$1000: Although rare, some patients taking statins may experience tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, which is this condition.
What is peripheral neuropathy?
Patients taking statins should be cautious when using this common over-the-counter med, as they may increase the risk of muscle-related side effects.
What are NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)?
$200: PPIs are used to help heal and prevent this type of stomach or duodenal sore, often caused by NSAID use or H. pylori infection.
What is a peptic ulcer?
$200: PPIs can lead to low levels of this electrolyte, which may result in symptoms like muscle cramps, arrhythmias, or seizures.
What is magnesium?
Patients with diabetes often receive statins even if their cholesterol levels are normal because they are at increased risk for this cardiovascular condition.
What is atherosclerosis (or cardiovascular disease)?
Statins can increase levels of this organ’s enzymes, which is why routine function tests may be recommended.
What is the liver?
Statins can have a significant interaction with this blood thinner, increasing the risk of bleeding.
What is warfarin?
$700: Patients on dual antiplatelet therapy, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, may be prescribed a PPI to reduce the risk of this serious adverse event.
What is gastrointestinal bleeding?
$600: Due to the risk of altering calcium absorption, long-term use of PPIs may increase the risk of these types of fractures, especially in older adults.
What are hip and spine fractures?
Statins are also prescribed to prevent this type of stroke, caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain.
What is an ischemic stroke?
Patients on statins should report any unexplained fatigue, jaundice, or upper right abdominal pain, as these could indicate this serious side effect.
What is liver damage (or hepatotoxicity)?
$1000: Patients experiencing muscle pain while on statins may have low levels of this vitamin, which has been linked to an increased risk of myopathy.
What is vitamin D?
$800: In addition to reducing stomach acid, PPIs may help prevent damage to the esophagus in patients with this condition, where the esophageal lining changes due to chronic acid exposure.
What is Barrett’s esophagus?
$400: This rare but serious side effect of PPIs can cause this which is a decrease in white blood cell count, increasing the risk of infections.
What is leukopenia?
Certain high-intensity statins like atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are recommended for patients with this specific condition, which involves extensive plaque buildup in the arteries.
What is coronary artery disease (CAD)?
A patient on statins complains of severe muscle pain, dark-colored urine, and weakness. These symptoms suggest this rare but life-threatening condition.
What is rhabdomyolysis?
$900: In patients experiencing statin-induced muscle pain, this lab test can be checked to assess for muscle damage.
What is creatine kinase (CK or CPK)?
$1000: PPIs can be useful for preventing acid-related complications in patients with cirrhosis who develop this condition, which involves enlarged veins in the esophagus that are prone to bleeding.
What are esophageal varices?
$1000: Stopping PPIs abruptly can lead to an overproduction of stomach acid, known as this condition, causing acid reflux and heartburn.
What is rebound acid hypersecretion?