<unk> , sold under the brand name Lipitor among others, is a statin medication used to prevent cardiovascular disease in those at high risk and to treat abnormal lipid levels. For the prevention of cardiovascular disease, statins are a first-line treatment. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects include joint pain, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and muscle pains. Serious side effects may include rhabdomyolysis, liver problems, and diabetes. Use during pregnancy may harm the fetus. Like all statins,<unk>  works by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme found in the liver that plays a role in producing cholesterol.<unk>  was patented in 1986, and approved for medical use in the United States in 1996. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is<unk> ilable as a generic medication. In 2019, it was the most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 112million prescriptions.
Atorvastatin
Clofibrate
Simvastatin
Fenofibrate
Lovastatin
Ezetimibe
Fluvastatin
Pravastatin