Should I still use my cholesterol drug if it has side effects?

MediGuard

Most medications have benefits and risks. In the case of simvastatin and other cholesterol drugs the benefits of reduced cholesterol and heart protection usually outweigh the small risk of side effects in most people. If you keep yourself updated, you will continue to receive any new safety information that comes out from the drug manufacturers, the FDA, and the medical literature. These safety alerts will provide you additional information about what the alert means and what you need to be concerned about.

Stacy Wiegman, PharmD

Pharmacy

Every drug has both good and bad aspects. If you have already tried dietary changes and added exercise, yet you still have elevated cholesterol, maybe it's time to try medication. That's a decision between you and your doctor. If you do take medication, follow your doctor's instructions to help avoid side effects.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Cholesterol

We need cholesterol, a fatty, waxy substance because our cells use it to form the membrane -- a critical part of the cell. But because it is fatty, it does not dissolve in the blood, but is carried to your cells by certain proteins. We get concerned about cholesterol when there is too much of it, particularly when there is too much "Low-Density Lipoprotein" or LDL cholesterol. This type of cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for coronary heart disease. On the other hand, there is High-Density or HDL cholesterol, which is "good" cholesterol, and good levels of HDL are associated with less risk of stroke and heart attack.

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