<h2>Differences Between Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Statins</h2><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w9mnI_UvD2Q"></iframe><p><a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/zypitamag" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Learn about Pitavastatin</a> | <a href="https://patient.zypitamag.com/docs/prescribing_information.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pitavastatin Prescribing Information</a> </p>

Educational Video Content

<h5><strong>Choosing the Right Statin for You​</strong></h5>
<br>
<p>
Not all statins are the same. Some important factors to consider when choosing a statin include:​</p>

<ul>
    <li>What statin dose do I require?​</li>
    <li>Am I at a higher risk of statin side effects?​</li>
    <li>Will the statin interact with anything else I take?​</li>
</ul>
<br>
<p><a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/compare-statins" target="_blank">Compare Statin Options</a></p><br>

Comparing Different Statins

<h5><strong>9.1% of People are Statin Intol​erant</strong></h5>

<br>

<p>

Statin intolerance is when someone cannot take their statin therapy due to side-effects or adverse events they experience. Certain risk factors that increase your chances including:</p>



<ul>

  <li>Being female: 47.9% increase risk​</li>

  <li>Being older: 33.1% increased risk​</li>

  <li>Having hypothyroidism: 39.6% increased risk​</li>

  <li>Being overweight: 30.6% increased risk</li>

</ul>

<br>

<p>Learn more about additional <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/statin-intolerance" target="_blank">statin intolerance risk factors</a> here and what you can do.</p>

Risk Factors for Statin Side Effects

<p>Studies have shown that statins can lower CoQ10 levels. The clinical impact of this is not well known. Statins effect on CoQ10 levels is dose-dependent, with the greatest effect being seen with high-dose statins. Data suggests that some statins, like pitavastatin may have less of an effect on these changes.</p><p>Learn about <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/statins-and-coq10" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">statins and CoQ10</a>.</p>

Statins and CoQ10

<p>One of the side-effects associated with statin use is muscle pain. It is the #1 reason people stop taking statins. While you may experience a side-effect like muscle pain while taking one statin that may not be the case for another dose or statin option.</p><p><a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/statins-and-muscle-pain" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Learn more about statins and muscle pain.</a></p>

Statins and Muscle Pain

<p>Pitavastatin is a third-generation statin. It has a reduced potential to interact with other medications due to the unique ways in which our body processes it. <br></p><p>Click to learn<a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/5-things-to-know-about-pitavastatin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> 5 things about pitavastatin</a>.</p>

5 Things to Know About Pitavastatin

Other Related Videos

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<h2>Have medication questions?<br>Talk with a pharmacist today.</h4>
<p>Call us for a free pharmacy consult.<br><br>
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<p>Statins&nbsp;are the most <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/statin-use-way-up-pitavastatin-introduced-to-the-u-s-as-a-next-generation-statin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">widely prescribed medication</a> in the U.S. today. You may have been prescribed a statin if your doctor told you that you have <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/cholesterol-what-it-is-and-why-you-should-care" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">high cholesterol</a>. These drugs have been around for decades, and are well known as first-line therapy for the management of high cholesterol, particularly, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or ‘bad cholesterol.</p><p>Statins, while taken by millions of Americans each year, are not without their risk of side effects. The most commonly reported&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/statin-muscle-pain-is-more-common-then-you-think-will-switching-statins-help" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">side effects for statin</a>&nbsp;medication are various forms of muscle pain, muscle cramps, and/or muscle weakness. In real-world practice, statin side effects have been reported up to 20% of the time.</p><h4>What causes statin muscle pain?</h4><p>Statin <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/statin-symptoms-could-they-be-in-your-head" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">side effects are not well understood</a>. What we do know is that the risk of statin side effects increases as the dose of the statin increases. As a rule of thumb, the higher the dose of statin you take, the higher the concentration of statin in your blood. This leads to a higher risk of side effects such as muscle pain.</p><p>The concentration of statin medication circulating in your blood depends on quite a few factors, including:</p><ul><li><strong>Other medications you are taking:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/compare-statins" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Statins </a>can interact with other medications. Be sure to tell your doctor about any and all over-the-counter products, supplements, and prescription medications you are currently taking.</li><li><strong>The time of day you take your statin</strong>: Some statins need to be taken in the evening. This is because the cholesterol-making enzyme in our body is more active at night. Because some statins are removed from our bodies very quickly, you may need to take your statin in the evening to ensure the best results. Newer statins, like pitavastatin, tend to be more stable in our bodies and as a result, can be taken at any time of the day.</li><li><strong>Taking a statin with or without food:</strong>&nbsp;Food intake can change the availability of statins. Some statins need to be taken with a meal, whereas others should be taken on an empty stomach. Pitavastatin can be taken with or without food.</li></ul><h4>Why do statins interact with the food we consume?</h4><p>One of the first lessons they teach doctors in medical school is that drugs can interact with other drugs as well as foods and nutritional supplements. <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/do-drug-interactions-cause-statin-side-effects" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Drug interactions</a> are something doctors want to avoid for their patients, as they can increase the risk of side effects.</p><p><em>A notable interaction most people don’t think about is grapefruit juice. So why is this a problem for some statins?</em></p><p>Well, the problem occurs when someone drinks grapefruit juice in combination with some of the first-generation statins. What this does is block the CYP3A4 enzyme in your liver, preventing your body from processing the statin in the normal way. This results in a very large increase in the concentration of statin in your blood, and as alluded to earlier, too much statin in your blood increases your risk of side effects.</p><h4>Newer Statin Medications Are Available</h4><p>The good news is that there are now newer statins available in the U.S., including <a href="https://patient.zypitamag.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zypitamag (pitavastatin)</a>. Zypitamag is a third-generation statin. It’s unique in that it bypasses the common pathways used by the liver for statin metabolism.&nbsp;This means it won’t interact with grapefruit juice and has a reduced potential to interact with other medications you may also be taking!</p><p>Zypitamag has been shown to reduce LDL-C, or ‘bad cholesterol’ by 45%. It should be taken once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day.</p><h4>Marley Drug offers branded Zypitamag (pitavastatin) for just $1.15 a day</h4><p><em>You can access Zypitamag (pitavastatin) for $1.15 per day</em><sup><em>*</em></sup><em> without any insurance hassles through our partner Marley Drug. This price is 50% lower than at other pharmacies in the U.S</em><sup><em>*</em></sup><em>!</em></p><p><em>Additional Benefits of ordering through Marley Drug:</em></p><ul><li><em>No insurance is needed</em></li><li><em>Free Shipping Nationwide</em></li><li><em>Available to all patients*</em></li><li><em>Plus – receive the first 30 days FREE with a valid Rx*!</em></li></ul><p>Learn more about this great offer and how you can get <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/zypitamag" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zypitamag for $1.15 per day</a>.</p><h6>* Conditions may apply. Visit <a href="https://patient.zypitamag.com/one-dollar-per-day" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.zypitamag.com</a>&nbsp;for more information. </h6><p><br></p>

Statins are the most widely prescribed medication in the U.S. today. You may have been prescribed a statin if your doctor told you that you have high cholesterol. These drugs have been around for decades, and are well known as a first-line…

Learn about how statins can interact with certain foods you take, like grapefruit juice, and can cause unwanted drug interactions and statin side effects.

Certain Foods Can Increase Your Risk of Statin Side Effects

Cholesterol

Heart Health

Foods that increase your risk of statin side effects

<p>A vast majority of the U.S population suffers from <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/high-cholesterol" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">high cholesterol</a>. Unlike most other diseases, high cholesterol frequently presents with no symptoms and can be considered a silent killer. Today, over 70 million adult Americans have high cholesterol, yet only 1 in 3 actually have the condition under control.</p><h4><strong>What are statins?</strong></h4><p>Statins are the first line of defense against <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/cholesterol-what-it-is-and-why-you-should-care" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">high cholesterol</a> and have been around for decades. The first statin, lovastatin, was approved in the United States over 30 years ago on September 1st, 1987. Since then, statin use has increased steadily over the years, and today they are one of the most widely prescribed medications in the U.S. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 adults over 40 years of age are taking a <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/compare-statins" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">statin</a>.</p><p>The most commonly used statin in the U.S right now is atorvastatin, which was approved in 1996. While the majority of statins currently available are several decades old, there are newer statin options available. Pitavastatin was <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/statin-use-way-up-pitavastatin-introduced-to-the-u-s-as-a-next-generation-statin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">introduced to the U.S. in 2009</a> and is the most recently approved type of statin. Pitavastatin is different than most statins—<strong>let’s discuss how!</strong></p><h4><strong>What are drug interactions?</strong></h4><p>Drug interactions don’t typically refer to drugs directly interacting with other drugs. Instead, drugs, supplements, or <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/foods-that-increase-your-risk-of-statin-side-effects" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">foods can interact</a> with each other indirectly by stimulating or inhibiting different enzymatic processes in our bodies. Under certain circumstances, this can lead to unintended interactions.</p><p>Statins, like atorvastatin, are metabolized in our liver by an enzyme called cytochrome P450 (CYP450). This enzyme helps to break down the statin and remove it from our body after it has done its job of lowering cholesterol. Unfortunately, 70-80% of medications are also processed by the same family of enzymes. When these enzyme pathways become too busy it can lead to drug interactions.</p><p>Newer statins like pitavastatin are different than most statins and are not processed by these same enzymes. Therefore, there is less potential for certain interactions.</p><h4><strong>Do drug interactions cause statin side effects?</strong></h4><p><strong>The short answer is yes, they can.</strong></p><p>In most cases, your doctor or pharmacist should be able to predict when these interactions will occur and often can modify the medications you are taking to reduce the chance of a bad interaction from occurring. For example, <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/statin-muscle-pain-is-more-common-then-you-think-will-switching-statins-help" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">statin-related side effects like muscle pain</a> (called myalgia), while relatively rare, typically increase with the statin dosage. Therefore, if you are taking 40 mg of atorvastatin and are experiencing muscle aches or pain, your doctor may first try to reduce your dose to 20 mg to see if that will help.</p><p>Now how does this relate to drug interactions? As discussed earlier, 70-80% of medications are metabolized by the CYP450 family of enzymes. In addition, some supplements and certain foods can also interact with these enzymes. A classic example of the effects of a drug interaction occurs when someone takes atorvastatin in combination with grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice inhibits the CYP450 family of enzymes. When this enzyme is blocked, this can result in an increased amount of atorvastatin in your blood, which can greatly increase the risk of muscle pains and aches.</p><p>That’s why it’s so important for your healthcare provider to know about all the over-the-counter products, supplements, and prescription medications you are currently taking.</p><h4><strong>Newer Statins bypass this common enzyme pathway and have reduced potential for certain drug interactions</strong></h4><p>There is good news. There is a newer statin available now called pitavastatin. Pitavastatin (available under the brand name of<a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/zypitamag" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Zypitamag<sup>®</sup></a> at Marley Drug) bypasses this enzyme family and is instead mainly processed by a less busy enzyme family called UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, or UGTs. This pathway results in a reduced potential for certain interactions with other medications. It’s like comparing a crowded freeway with a dedicated express lane.</p><p>If you ever experience <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/should-i-stop-taking-my-statin-medication" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">side effects from your statin</a>, be sure to talk to your healthcare team right away. There are lots of statin options available. If you have had issues with your statin in the past that doesn’t mean you will have the same issue with every single statin.&nbsp;Not all patients are the same. Not all statins are the same.</p>

A vast majority of the U.S population suffers from high cholesterol. Unlike most other diseases, high cholesterol frequently presents with no symptoms and can be considered a silent killer. Today, over 70 million adult Americans have high cholesterol, yet only 1 in…

Statins are a common medication to treat high cholesterol. Drug interactions can lead to statin side effects, however, these are often avoidable. Learn more.

How Drug Interactions Can Cause Statin Side Effects

Do Drug Interactions cause Statin Side Effects?

<p>Being diagnosed with <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/high-cholesterol">high cholesterol</a> can be an emotional experience.  The first thought is often: 'What can I do to fix this?' What lifestyle changes can I make? How do I get myself back on track? </p>

<p>The truth is, that sometimes making <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/high-cholesterol" target="_blank">changes to your diet and exercise</a>, even if they are drastic, aren’t always enough, and medication is required. In this case, the first medication you will likely be prescribed is a <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/what-are-statins">statin</a>. </p>

<h2>Choosing A Statin</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/compare-statins" target="_blank">Choosing the right statin</a> for you can be a challenging task. There are a lot of factors that go into deciding what statin is right for you. </p>

<p>There’s also a lot of negative press about statins in today’s world. Dr. Google is not always the best place to go or give the best advice. The best person to ask is your healthcare provider. </p>

<p>They can guide you through the process, discuss your concerns, and choose a statin that fits your lifestyle and family history.</p>

<h3>Amy’s Experience: Diagnosed with High Cholesterol</h3>

<p>One of our customers reached out to share her journey after being diagnosed with high cholesterol. We felt this story may resonate with a lot of you as you may have a similar experience. </p>

<div style="background-color:#F0F3F5; padding:30px 5% 10px 5%; border-left:5px solid #fee203; margin: 20px 0 30px 0;">

<p>Just after my 50<sup>th</sup> birthday last year, my cholesterol levels were awful. I was very hesitant to take statins due to personal autoimmune conditions plus a family history of adult-onset diabetes and requested time to really clean up my diet. Unfortunately, after three months of eating clean, my levels had gotten worse and a prescription was required. Thankfully, my doctor prescribed Zypitamag and the results have been wonderful.</p>

<p>The statin side effect of increased glucose numbers was one of my biggest concerns but they have not increased on Zypitamag at all. As an added bonus, I have not experienced any side effects from this medication. </p>

<p>I have been thrilled to work with you and Marley Drug for my medication. Our insurance only covers the brand Livalo which is cost prohibitive at $863.27 for 90 days. Obviously, Zypitamag through Marly Drug at $103.50 for 90 days is so much better!!</p>

<p>As soon as my doctor submitted the prescription, I was contacted by Terri, who explained the process and set up delivery to my home and payment through my HSA card. It could not have been easier! </p>

<p>I highly recommend Zypitamag and Marley Drug both and look forward to a long and healthy relationship with each one!</p>

</div>

<h6>* Your personal experience with Zypitamag may differ. Zypitamag is an adjunctive therapy to diet in adult patients with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia. Zypitamag, like all statins, can cause side effects. The most commonly reported side effects with Zypitamag are back pain, constipation, diarrhea, muscle pain, and pain in the legs or arms. This is not a complete list of side effects. Increases in glucose levels and HbA1c have been reported with statins, including pitavastatin. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if Zypitamag is right for you. This is a stock photo which represents an actual patient testimonial.</h6>

<h4 style="font-weight:600;">About Zypitamag</h4>

<p>Zypitamag (pitavastatin), a third-generation statin, has a reduced potential for interactions with foods and many commonly prescribed medications. Click the button below to learn more about this third generation statin.</p>

<a class="btn btn-center btn-brand" href="https://www.marleydrug.com/zypitamag">Learn about Zypitamag</a>

<h4 style="font-weight:600;">Questions about your Statin and Cholesterol?</h4>

<p>We’re here to help. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with high cholesterol, or have questions about your statin, give us a call and one of our pharmacists would be happy to answer your questions.</p>

<p>Call us at <a href="tel:800-810-7790">800-810-7790</a> for a free pharmacy consultation. </p>

Just after my 50th birthday last year, my cholesterol levels were awful. I was very hesitant to take statins due to personal autoimmune conditions plus a family history of adult-onset diabetes and requested time to really clean up my diet. Unfortunately, after three months of eating clean, my levels had gotten worse and a prescription was required.

Sometimes diet and exercise aren't enough to lower your cholesterol. Read Amy's story on how she dealt with her cholesterol.

Amy's 50th Birthday Surprise: High Cholesterol

Read Our Blogs on Cholesterol Related Topics!

Statins can be classified as hydrophilic (water-soluble) or lipophilic (fat-soluble). Here we talk about key differences between these two types and what it means for statins relating to efficacy and side effects.

Differences Between Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Statins

Choosing the Right Statin for You

9.1% of People are Statin Intolerant

Other Related Videos

Statins and CoQ10

Statins and Muscle Pain

5 Things to Know About Pitavastatin

Have medication questions?
Talk with a pharmacist today.

Read Our Blogs on Cholesterol Related Topics!

Foods that increase your risk of statin side effects

Do Drug Interactions cause Statin Side Effects?

Amy's 50th Birthday Surprise: High Cholesterol

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Differences Between Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Statins

Choosing the Right Statin for You​

9.1% of People are Statin Intol​erant

Other Related Videos

Statins and CoQ10

Statins and Muscle Pain

5 Things to Know About Pitavastatin

Have medication questions?Talk with a pharmacist today.

Foods that increase your risk of statin side effects

Do Drug Interactions cause Statin Side Effects?

Amy's 50th Birthday Surprise: High Cholesterol

Choosing the Right Statin for You

9.1% of People are Statin Intolerant

Have medication questions?
Talk with a pharmacist today.