Conditions Guide · Pill4Me Chilliwack
High Cholesterol
High LDL cholesterol is one of the most common modifiable risk factors for heart attack and stroke. This guide covers the two most commonly prescribed statins at Pill4Me — how they work, what they cost, and what BC PharmaCare covers.
What is high cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that circulates in the blood. While some cholesterol is essential for cell function and hormone production, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — often called “bad” cholesterol — causes fatty deposits to build up in artery walls. Over time, these plaques narrow the arteries, restrict blood flow, and can rupture to cause a heart attack or stroke.
High cholesterol has no symptoms. Many Canadians don’t know their levels are elevated until a routine blood test or a cardiac event. Canadian guidelines recommend treatment when LDL is high and other cardiovascular risk factors are present — including smoking, diabetes, hypertension, age, and family history.
Statins are the most evidence-based class of cholesterol-lowering medications available. They don’t just lower LDL — clinical trials show they reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, independent of cholesterol levels, by stabilizing arterial plaques.
Statin medications at Pill4Me
Both are high-potency statins covered by BC PharmaCare as generics.
Rosuvastatin
Crestor (generic available)
How it works
Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme that controls cholesterol production in the liver. This reduces LDL ("bad") cholesterol by 45–55% at standard doses, raises HDL ("good") cholesterol, and lowers triglycerides.
BC PharmaCare coverage
Covered under BC PharmaCare via the Low Cost Alternative (LCA) program. PharmaCare pays the generic price — if you choose the brand Crestor, you pay the difference. Your pharmacist can dispense the generic rosuvastatin at no additional cost.
- Once daily oral tablet — can be taken at any time of day
- Available as 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg
- Avoid grapefruit juice in large quantities
- Monitor for muscle aches — report to your pharmacist
Atorvastatin
Lipitor (generic available)
How it works
Same mechanism as rosuvastatin — inhibits HMG-CoA reductase to reduce hepatic cholesterol synthesis, increase LDL receptor expression, and lower circulating LDL by 35–55% depending on dose.
BC PharmaCare coverage
Generic atorvastatin is broadly covered by BC PharmaCare Fair PharmaCare and Plan C. Multiple generics are available and the cost is typically low. Brand Lipitor costs more and the difference is your responsibility.
- Once daily oral tablet — can be taken at any time
- Available as 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg
- Longest clinical track record of any statin — 30+ years of safety data
- Some drug interactions — inform your pharmacist of all medications
About statin muscle side effects
Muscle aches (myalgia) are the most common reason patients stop taking statins. Before stopping on your own, talk to your pharmacist — many cases can be managed by switching to a different statin, adjusting the dose, or changing the timing. Stopping a statin abruptly increases cardiovascular risk. Your Pill4Me pharmacist can help find the right solution.
Frequently asked questions
Does BC PharmaCare cover Crestor (rosuvastatin) or Lipitor (atorvastatin)?
Both rosuvastatin and atorvastatin are listed on the BC PharmaCare drug benefit list. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) has widely available generics that are fully covered. Rosuvastatin (Crestor) also has generics listed under the LCA (Low Cost Alternative) program — PharmaCare covers the generic price, and you pay the difference if you choose the brand. Your Pill4Me pharmacist can confirm your plan's specific coverage.
What is the difference between rosuvastatin and atorvastatin?
Both are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) that lower LDL cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk. Rosuvastatin (Crestor) is generally considered more potent milligram-for-milligram and may achieve greater LDL reduction at lower doses. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) has a longer track record and more available generic options. The best choice depends on your individual cardiovascular risk profile, tolerability, and any drug interactions — your pharmacist and prescriber will determine this together.
What are the most common side effects of statins?
Muscle aches (myalgia) are the most commonly reported side effect, occurring in up to 10% of patients. Serious muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) is rare but requires immediate medical attention. Statins can also mildly raise liver enzymes and blood glucose. Most people tolerate statins well. If you experience significant muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine, contact your pharmacist or physician immediately.
Do I have to take statins forever?
For most patients with established cardiovascular disease or high cardiovascular risk, statins are intended as long-term therapy because the risk of stopping outweighs the inconvenience. For patients on statins primarily for elevated LDL without established heart disease, the decision to continue is shared between you and your prescriber based on risk factors and response to lifestyle changes. Never stop a statin without discussing it with your pharmacist or doctor first.
Can I get my statin prescription delivered in Chilliwack?
Yes — Pill4Me offers free same-day prescription delivery to all Chilliwack addresses including Sardis, Promontory, Vedder, and downtown. Order before 2 PM on any business day and your medication arrives the same day. Transfer your statin prescription in 60 seconds at pill4.me/transfer.
Get your statin delivered — free, same day
Transfer your Crestor or Lipitor prescription to Pill4Me. Free delivery anywhere in Chilliwack.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or pharmaceutical advice. Drug coverage criteria, LCA program details, and BC PharmaCare policies are subject to change. Consult your pharmacist or physician before starting, stopping, or adjusting any medication.