Q. I have tried many statin drugs for high cholesterol but had muscle pain with all of them. Two years ago my doctor prescribed cholestyramine. It is in powder form and I take one packet a day in juice or water. It is terrific and has lowered my cholesterol with no muscle pain.
A. Cholestyramine was a common prescription drug for high cholesterol long before the statins were invented. It binds to bile acids in the digestive tract, which leads to lowering of cholesterol. Side effects may include constipation, flatulence and digestive upset.
