Lipitor vs. Vytorin: What’s the difference? Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Vytorin (simvastatin and ezetimibe) are used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Lipitor and Vytorin contain HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (“statins”). Vytorin also contains another cholesterol-lowering drug. Side effects of Lipitor and Vytorin that are similar include diarrhea and headache. Side effects of Lipitor that are...
What is ezetimibe and simvastatin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Vytorin is a combination of ezetimibe (Zetia) and simvastatin (Zocor) that is used for treating high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Vytorin reduces total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol while it increases high density lipoprotein (HDL or...
What is evolocumab? Repatha is used along with diet, exercise and maximum tolerated doses of statins to reduce LDL cholesterol in adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (and inherited disorder that causes high levels of LDL) or adults with heart problems related to excess cholesterol in the body. Repatha is also used along with diet and...
What is Lipitor (atorvastatin)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Lipitor (atorvastatin) is type of statin that lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood. All statins, including atorvastatin, prevent the production of cholesterol in the liver by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that makes cholesterol. Statins reduce total cholesterol as well as LDL...
What is plasmapheresis? Plasmapheresis treats autoimmune diseases, toxins in the blood, neurological diseases, and very high levels of cholesterol that don't lower with medications or dietary changes. Plasmapheresis removes antibodies against the person's own body cells and tissues (autoantibodies) from the blood. Autoantibodies are proteins found in the plasma. They mistakenly attack the body's own...
What is niacin and lovastatin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Advicor is an oral drug that is used for lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. It is a combination of extended-release niacin and lovastatin. It reduces blood levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides and increases blood levels...
What are the common causes of high cholesterol? Factors that may increase bad cholesterol in the body Below are few common factors that may increase bad cholesterol in the body: Hereditary: Cholesterol or heart diseases may run in the family and is usually inherited. Comorbid diseases: Diabetes, liver diseases, and kidney and thyroid diseases Smoking...
Cholesterol definition and facts High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is considered "good" cholesterol because it actually works to keep the LDL or "bad" cholesterol from building up in your arteries. Foods like extra lean meats, skim milk, and vegetable-based "butter-like" substitutes may help decrease LDL levels in the bloodstream. High blood cholesterol levels are also referred...
What is cholesterol? Too much cholesterol in the body can clog arteries. Cholesterol is a chemical compound that the body requires as a building block for cell membranes and for hormones like estrogen and testosterone. The liver produces about 80% of the body's cholesterol and the rest comes from dietary sources like meat, poultry, eggs,...
Managing your cholesterol levels can help to keep you healthy as you age Managing your cholesterol levels can help to keep you healthy as you age, here are some factors to take into account: Cholesterol test: For individuals younger than 19 years, the first test must be done between 9 and 11 years of age....