Several types of statins exist such as atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin. Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are the most potent, while fluvastatin is the least potent. These medicines are sold under several different brand names including Lipitor (an atorvastatin), Pravachol (a pravastatin), Crestor (a rosuvastatin), Zocor (a simvastatin), Lescol (a fluvastatin) and Vytorin (a combination of simvastatin and ezetimibe). Mevastatin is a naturally occurring statin that is found in red yeast rice.
Research over the last few years has uncovered other benefits linked to statins, apart from cardiovascular ones. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic carried out a study that found that statins may reduce people's risk of developing esophageal cancer (cancer of the gullet).
Benefits of statins largely outweigh the risks. A report published in the journal Circulation: 'Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes concluded that overall, the benefits from taking statins are greater than the risks associated with the medication'.