<h2>Understanding Statins and Drug Interactions</h2><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/afcikv6BMxw"></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>Not all Patients are the Same. Not all Statins are the Same.</strong></h5>
<br>
<p>
The good news about statins is that you have a lot of options. Not all statins are the same. There are important differences to consider about each statin that you should discuss with your healthcare provider. Some questions to ask them are:​</p>

<ul>
    <li>What statin dose should I take?​</li>
    <li>What medications and supplements should I avoid while taking a statin?​</li>
    <li>Can I drink grapefruit juice with this statin?​</li>
    <li>What should I do if I experience statin side effects?</li>
</ul>
<br>
<p><a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/compare-statins" target="_blank">Compare Statin Options</a></p><br>

Comparing Statin Options

<h5><strong>Studies Show that 9.1% of Patients Experience Statin Intol​erance</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>Increasing age: 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>

Statin Intolerance and Side Effects

<p>Some statins are hydrophilic (water-loving) and others are lipophilic (fat-loving). There are key differences between these two type of statins that are important to know before choosing the right statin for you.</p><p>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/hydrophilic-or-lipophilic-statins" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">differences between hydrophilic and lipophilic statins</a>. </p>

Difference Between Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Statins

<p>Muscle pain is the #1 reason people stop taking statins. If you experience muscle pain while taking a statin talk with your healthcare provider. There are many things you can do.</p><p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/statins-and-muscle-pain" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">statins and muscle pain</a>. </p>

Statins and Muscle Pain

<p>Not all patients are the same. If you have multiple risk factors for heart disease, are of Asian descent, are living with diabetes, or are taking multiple medications, then this video is right for you.</p><p>Learn about <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/statins-for-patient-types" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">statin use in specific patient populations</a>. </p>

Statins for Specific Patient Types

Other Related Videos

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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

<h3>“I feel pain and weakness in my muscles.”</h3><p>If you have been taking a statin and you face the above situation, it is possible you may be experiencing a side effect from your statin.</p><h4><strong>What are statins?</strong></h4><p>It is alarming that more than 71 million Americans have been diagnosed with <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/cholesterol-what-it-is-and-why-you-should-care" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">high cholesterol</a>. There is no cure for high cholesterol, but you can control it. Statins have been around for 30 years and are considered the most trusted class of drugs that help to control your <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/high-cholesterol" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">high cholesterol</a>.</p><p><em>Are statins safe to use?</em></p><p>The short answer is yes, but like all medications, they are not without their risks. Through this article, we will discuss both the risks and benefits of statin therapy.</p><h4><strong>Common statin side effects</strong></h4><p>Some of the most common side effects associated with a statin are:</p><ol><li>Headache</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Constipation</li><li>Muscle pain</li><li>Weakness</li></ol><h4><strong>Cause of these side effects</strong></h4><p>The risk of statin side effects increases as the dosage of the statin increases. The higher your statin dose, the higher the concentration of statin in your blood, leading to the higher the risk of a side effect.</p><h2>What no one tells you</h2><h4><strong>How statins help</strong></h4><p>Statins are clinically proven to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and stroke<sup>†</sup>.</p><p>Statins are considered an effective class of drugs and have been around for over 30 years. The efficacy and<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">&nbsp;utilization of statins</a>&nbsp;across the globe clearly indicate that the potential benefits exceed their risk.</p><h4><strong>Statin dosage a problem</strong></h4><p>Statin dosage&nbsp;is an important factor that could increase the probability of statin side effects. Your doctor will help you decide your statin dose based on your cholesterol levels and your risk of developing<a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/3-myths-debunked-on-heart-disease" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> heart disease</a>.</p><p>If you are taking a higher dosage of statin (e.g., 80 mg of atorvastatin), then there is a higher chance you may experience side effects.</p><p>If you experience side effects, you should talk to your doctor. Altering the statin dosage or <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">changing to a different statin</a> are effective ways of treating patients reporting such adverse side effects.</p><h4><strong>Pitavastatin – the newest statin to be approved – may be an option for you</strong></h4><p>Pitavastatin is a <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/zypitamag" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">next-generation statin</a> and the most recent to be approved in the U.S.. Pitavastatin differs from other statins in the way our body processes it. At the highest dose (4 mg), only 3.1% of patients experience side effects from muscle pain.</p><p>In clinical studies, 4 mg pitavastatin was demonstrated to lower cholesterol:</p><ul><li>As effectively as atorvastatin 20 mg</li><li>As effectively as simvastatin 40 mg</li><li>Better than pravastatin 40 mg</li></ul><h4><strong>Where to get Pitavastatin</strong></h4><p><em>Marley Drug offers Pitavastatin (brand name Zypitamag) for $1.15 per day* without any insurance hassles. This price is 50% lower than at other pharmacies in the U.S*!</em></p><ul><li><em>No&nbsp;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><a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/zypitamag" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">See how you can access Zypitamag today through Marley Drug!</a>&nbsp;to learn more.</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> for more information.<br>†&nbsp;<em>The effect of pitavastatin on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined.</em></h6><p><br></p>

“I feel pain and weakness in my muscles.” If you have been taking a statin and you face the above situation, it is possible you may be experiencing a side effect from your statin. What are statins? It is alarming that more…

Statin muscle pain is the most common side effect of statin medication. What no one tells you if you have other options. Learn more.

Do you have Statin Muscle Pain? Will Switching Statins Help?

Statin muscle pain is more common then you think. Will switching statins help?

<h2>What is Cholesterol?</h2>
	
	<p><a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/cholesterol-what-it-is-and-why-you-should-care">Cholesterol</a> is a fat-like, waxy substance that plays a key role in producing several hormones and vitamin D. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs to function properly.</p>
	
	<p>Excess cholesterol, obtained from consuming red meat, fried foods, and other processed foods builds up in the arteries and hardens, making it harder for blood to flow as needed. </p>
	
	<p>This build-up, known as atherosclerosis, does not have many symptoms in the early stages. However, it can lead to severe chest pains known as <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/stable-angina">angina</a> and eventually a heart attack. Therefore, it is important to check your cholesterol regularly and make sure you are within a healthy range.</p>
	
	<h2>What Does a Cholesterol Test Measure?</h2>
	
	<p style="margin-bottom:10px;">A cholesterol test not only measures the level of cholesterol in your body, but also three different types of fat:</p>
	
	<ul>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;"><span style="border-bottom:.125em #fee203 solid; font-weight:600;">Low-density lipoproteins (LDL)</span>: the “bad cholesterol” and main cause of cholesterol build-up. </li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;"><span style="border-bottom:.125em #fee203 solid; font-weight:600;">High-density lipoproteins (HDL)</span>: the “good cholesterol” which transports excess cholesterol to the liver to then be excreted</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;"><span style="border-bottom:.125em #fee203 solid; font-weight:600;">Triglycerides</span>: a fat that is linked to heart disease.</li>
	</ul>

	<h2>What Do Cholesterol Test Numbers Mean?</h2>
	
	<p>	Your cholesterol levels will not only be measured against an “average standard” but also your individual risk factors. If your levels seem elevated, consult your healthcare provider to help you interpret your results.</p>
	

	<h5 style="margin-top:15px; margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.5; font-weight:600; color:#5ba2b6;">Total blood cholesterol level:</h5>
	
	<ul>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">High risk: 240 mg/dL and above</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Borderline high risk: 200&ndash;239 mg/dL</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL</li>
	</ul>
	
	<h5 style="margin-top:15px; margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.5; font-weight:600; color:#5ba2b6;">LDL cholesterol level:</h5>
	
	<ul>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">High risk: 190 mg/dL and above</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Lower risk: 189 mg/dL and below
			<p>Depending on your risk factor, you may need to lower your LDL by 30% to 50% to maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels.</p>
		</li>
	</ul>
	
	<h5 style="margin-top:15px; margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.5; font-weight:600; color:#5ba2b6;">HDL cholesterol level:</h5>
	
	<ul>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">High risk: Less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women.</li>
	</ul>
	
	<h5 style="margin-top:15px; margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.5; font-weight:600; color:#5ba2b6;">Triglycerides level:</h5>
	
	<ul>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">High risk: 200 mg/dL and above</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Borderline high risk: 150&ndash;199 mg/dL</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Normal: below 150 mg/dL</li>
	</ul>
	
	<h2>What Are Other Risk Factors?</h2>
	
	<p style="margin-bottom:10px;">When assessing you for heightened cholesterol, your healthcare provider will also ask you about:</p>
	
	<ul>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Family history</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Age</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Weight</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Race</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Gender</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Diet</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;"><a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/understanding-blood-pressure-readings">Blood pressure</a></li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Physical activity</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;"><a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/quitting-smoking-a-difficult-but-important-decision">Smoking status</a></li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">Blood sugar level</li>
		<li style="margin-bottom:10px; line-height:1.4;">And other health conditions you have that may put you at a higher risk of <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/blog/understanding-crp">heart disease</a> and heart attacks</li>
	</ul>
	
	
	
	
	<h2>Preparing For Your Cholesterol Test</h2>
	
	<p>Your healthcare provider will either suggest doing a “fasting” or “non-fasting” cholesterol test.</p>
	
	<p>If you do a “non-fasting” test, you can show up to the lab at any time to have your blood drawn without needing to prepare in any way.</p>
	
	<p>If your healthcare provider specifically requests you do “fasting” bloodwork, ensure you haven't eaten or drunk anything (except water) for 9&ndash;12 hours prior to visiting the lab. Typically, this is best done in the morning after you have woken up.</p>
	
	<p>If your results from a non-fasting test come back elevated, your healthcare provider may have you do fasting bloodwork to get a better idea of your condition.</p>
	


	<h2>What To Expect After The Test</h2>

	<p>Based on your cholesterol test results and any other risk factors you may have, your healthcare provider may suggest dietary and physical activity improvements to make to reduce your risk for <a href="https://www.marleydrug.com/heart-failure">heart failure</a>.</p>
	
	<p>They may also suggest medication to lower and regulate your cholesterol levels.</p>
	
	<h2>How Often Should I Have a Cholesterol Test?</h2>
	
	<p>It is recommended that, over the age of 20, you test your cholesterol a minimum of every 5 years. If you have a higher risk factor, your healthcare provider may suggest you get tested more often.</p>

A cholesterol test not only measures the level of cholesterol in your body, but also three different types of fat:

    Low-density lipoproteins (LDL): the “bad cholesterol” and main cause of cholesterol build-up.
    High-density lipoproteins (HDL): the “good cholesterol” which transports excess cholesterol to the liver to then be excreted
    Triglycerides: a fat that is linked to heart disease.

Cholesterol test measures LDL. HDL, tryglycerides and total cholesterol levels. What is healthy range for each level?

What Do Your Cholesterol Test Results Mean?

Read Our Blogs on Cholesterol Related Topics!

Like all medications, statins can cause drug-drug interactions. Not all statins are the same. Certain statins, like pitavastatin and pravastatin have reduced potential for interacting with certain medications.

Understanding Statins and Drug Interactions

Not all Patients are the Same. Not all Statins are the Same.

Studies Show that 9.1% of Patients Experience Statin Intolerance

Other Related Videos

Difference Between Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Statins

Statins and Muscle Pain

Statins for Specific Patient Types

Have medication questions?
Talk with a pharmacist today.

Read Our Blogs on Cholesterol Related Topics!

Foods that increase your risk of statin side effects

Statin muscle pain is more common then you think. Will switching statins help?

What Do Your Cholesterol Test Results Mean?

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Understanding Statins and Drug Interactions

Not all Patients are the Same. Not all Statins are the Same.

Studies Show that 9.1% of Patients Experience Statin Intol​erance

Other Related Videos

Difference Between Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Statins

Statins and Muscle Pain

Statins for Specific Patient Types

Have medication questions?Talk with a pharmacist today.

Foods that increase your risk of statin side effects

Statin muscle pain is more common then you think. Will switching statins help?

What Do Your Cholesterol Test Results Mean?

Studies Show that 9.1% of Patients Experience Statin Intolerance

Have medication questions?
Talk with a pharmacist today.