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Today we are discussing Statins.
…also known as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors…and antilipemics.
These meds lower lipid levels by interfering with cholesterol synthesis.
Basically, they reduce serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, or low-density lipoproteins, thereby reducing a patient’s risk for coronary artery disease (CAD).
…remember as far as cholesterols go, HDL = healthy and LDL = lethal
so…If that’s how they work and what they do, in what instances would they be useful?
Statins are useful for patients that have high cholesterol levels and are at elevated risk for CAD, especially those that have already made other lifestyle modifications (i.e. smoking cessation, dietary changes, etc.) but are still experiencing high cholesterol.
Other useful info about :
· common ending: -statin
· examples: atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin,
· side effects: myalgia; muscle cramps; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; headache; flushing; pruritus
· adverse effects: elevated liver enzymes, rhabdomyolysis; myopathy
· nursing considerations/patient teaching:
assess baseline LFTs prior to starting drug therapy, then monitor lipid levels every 4 - 6 weeks for the first 6 months of lipid therapy, then periodically throughout the first year
contact physician for unexplained muscle pain, weakness, tenderness, especially if accompanied by fever and malaise
monitor for fat-soluble vitamin deficiency
avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice
taking med in relation to food varies depending upon which statin is prescribed
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