Cerivastatin

Cerivastatin is a prescribed drug used to lower the amount of cholesterol to an individual. It is also known to prevent the risks of cardiovascular disease. However, on August 8, 2001 Bayer Pharmaceutical Division has recalled Cerivastatin from the United States because of several reports of severe side effects associated to the drugs.

Cerivastatin is a drug that belongs to the class of satins used primarily for patients who are suffering from high cholesterol. Cerivastatin was distributed by Bayer A.G. under the brand name Lipobay and Baycol.

Cerivastatin also prevents the risk of stroke and heart attack. It functions by blocking away the enzymes in the liver that is responsible in the production of cholesterol inside the body.

Usually, patients with elevated blood cholesterol undergo initial treatment by means of exercise, proper diet and weight loss programs. If any of these treatments fail to lower the cholesterol level, drugs such as Cerivastatin is used.

Treatment guides are available for Cerivastatin which are published by the National Cholesterol Education Program.

Cerivastatin is in a tablet form and can be taken orally. It should be taken daily with or without food. The ideal time for the drug to be taken is before bedtime.

The effectiveness of Cerivastatin in decreasing cholesterol depends on the dosage. It means that the higher the dose more cholesterol is decreased. Tests are conducted regularly to help the doctor determine if adjustment of dosage is necessary.

There are several side effects associated by using Cerivastatin. Some of the known side effects include diarrhea, nasal congestion, constipation, headache and heartburn. There are also rare cases of muscle damage, sexual problems, fever, difficulty in breathing and change of mood. These rare side effects may require you to stop medication. If any of unwanted effects occur, you must visit your doctor immediately.

Before using the drug, you must first consult your doctor. Inform your doctor of any other medical problems you have like heart disease, kidney problems, alcoholic, blood disorders and gland disorder. It is also important to tell your doctor any medicine you are taking.

If you are under medication with this drug, you must avoid driving or operating any machine because the drug affects your alertness and reflexes.

Cerivastatin must not be used by pregnant women and nursing mother without consulting with a doctor. Women planning to get pregnant must also seek the advice of a doctor and discuss the risks involved.

Muscle damage may occur when Cerivastatin is used with other drugs like cyclosporine, erythromycin, nicotinic acid, gemfibrozil and itraconazole.

It is a good habit to exercise daily while under medication so that it supplements the medication and speed up the treatment. However you must consult your doctor for the proper exercise program which is safe for your health condition and your age. You must also maintain a low fat diet and eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Ask for a recommended diet from your doctor.

You must also avoid alcohol and smoking which can hamper the effectiveness of the medicine.

Cerivastatin has the following structural formula:

Review published on: 26 June 2009