High Cholesterol

Question 1

What is the most commonly used drug for cholesterol problems? What do these drugs do?

Answer 1

Statins
They slow down body’s production of cholesterol and also help to eliminate the excess cholesterol buildup from the arteries

Question 2

List generic names for Statins

Answer 2

Atorvastatin, pravastatin, simvastin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, rosuvastatin, pitavastatin

Question 3

What are the adverse effects of lipid regulating agents?

Answer 3

Constipation/flatulance

Dyspepsia, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, insomnia, back pain, myalgia (muscle pain)

Question 4

What are some nursing considerations when looking after a pt on lipid regulating agents?

Answer 4

Regular serum lipid monitoring

Liver function test prior to staring, at 6 and 12 weeks then twice yearly

Question 5

What meds are used for high cholesterol?

Answer 5

Lipid regulating agents