The Generic Prescription

Statins are the most popular cholesterol-lowering drugs, they work in 3 ways. First, by blocking the substance that our body need to make cholesterol. Second, by reabsorb cholesterol that has accumulated in plaques in our artery walls. Last, prevent further blockage in our blood vessels. Statin is the name of the active ingredient, so it’s consider as a generic name.

There are various type of statins, among the popular are atorvastatin (generic lipitor), rosuvastatin (generic crestor), lovastatin (generic mevacor), pravastatin (generic pravachol) and simvastatin (generic zocor). Lipitor is the name of the most bought prescription in the america, so consider atorvastatin for your substitute is an important decision.

Right now, the question is, do you need to take statin? Offcourse It depends on what your doctor said. But in general we have to see your cholesterol level and risk factors to other diseases, especially cardiovascular disease. So, if you have cholesterol level that considered high but no other risk factors that can lead to cardiovascular disease. It means you don’t have to be prescribed statin to take. Cholesterol level is divided into 2 level, total cholesterol level and bad cholesterol level (LDL). Total cholesterol level below 240 mg/dL and LDL below 130mg/dL are considered normal.

Actually you don’t have to take statin or any other generic drugs to maintain your cholesterol level. You can try to change your life behaviour at first, it’s more effective than taking medications. Eating non fat food and managing stress are some few examples. The medications come into action when the behaviour you conduct just doesn’t work very well. While you take generic cholesterol drug statin, you also have to keep you lifestyle changes for better result.

Another thing you have to know, when your cholesterol level goes down, it doesn’t mean that you have to stop taking statin since the cholesterol level can go back up. Maybe you will take it for life! But, by significant change in your lifestyle can help you stop from statin, do it correctly and get advised from your doctor. Good luck with your statin.