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Peel Best
Pharmacy

Cholesterol Medication & Management in Mississauga

Peel Best Pharmacy carries all major statin and lipid-lowering medications. Our pharmacists help you understand your options, manage side effects, and stay adherent to your cardiovascular treatment plan.

Call (905) 712-0003 Get Directions

Address

550 Matheson Blvd W, Unit 106
Mississauga, ON L5R 4B8
Inside Heartland Town Centre

Hours

Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Contact

(905) 712-0003

Walk-in · No appointment needed

40%
of Canadian adults have elevated total cholesterol
25–55%
LDL reduction achievable with appropriate statin therapy
ODB
Generic statins covered for eligible Ontario patients
High cholesterol is one of the most common reasons Canadians take prescription medication. Statins — the backbone of lipid-lowering therapy — are well-studied, generally well-tolerated, and highly effective at reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. At Peel Best Pharmacy in Mississauga, we carry the full range of lipid-lowering medications and our pharmacists can help you understand your results, discuss side effects, review your ODB or insurance coverage, and ensure your regimen is working as intended.

Lipid-Lowering Medications We Carry

We stock all major cholesterol medication classes. ODB coverage noted for each.

Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors)

Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Rosuvastatin (Crestor), Simvastatin, Pravastatin, Lovastatin

The most widely prescribed lipid-lowering agents. Reduce LDL cholesterol by 30–55% depending on dose and agent. Also reduce inflammation and stabilise arterial plaques.

Atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin are ODB-listed. Generic statins are the most cost-effective option.

Ezetimibe

Ezetrol, generic ezetimibe

Inhibits cholesterol absorption in the small intestine. Reduces LDL by 15–20% as monotherapy; often combined with a statin for greater LDL reduction.

Generic ezetimibe is ODB-listed.

PCSK9 Inhibitors

Evolocumab (Repatha), Alirocumab (Praluent)

Injectable monoclonal antibodies that dramatically lower LDL (50–60% reduction). Reserved for high-risk patients or those intolerant to statins.

Available through ODB with prior approval for qualifying high-risk patients.

Fibrates

Fenofibrate, Gemfibrozil

Primarily lower triglycerides and raise HDL. Less effective at reducing LDL. Used in mixed dyslipidaemia or when triglycerides are very elevated.

Fenofibrate is ODB-listed.

Bile Acid Sequestrants

Cholestyramine (Questran), Colestipol

Bind bile acids in the intestine, reducing cholesterol reabsorption. Modest LDL reduction. Rarely used as primary therapy; may cause GI side effects.

Cholestyramine is ODB-listed.

Niacin & Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Extended-release niacin, Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa), Omega-3 ethyl esters

Omega-3 agents (particularly icosapent ethyl/Vascepa) reduce cardiovascular events in high-risk patients with elevated triglycerides. Niacin is less commonly used now due to evidence limitations.

Icosapent ethyl available with prior approval for qualifying patients.

How Your Pharmacist Supports Cholesterol Management

MedsCheck Annual Review

A provincially funded consultation covering all your medications — including statins, blood pressure agents, and diabetes medications. Your pharmacist reviews interactions, duplications, adherence barriers, and whether your regimen aligns with current guidelines.

Statin Side Effect Management

Muscle aches are the most common reason patients stop taking statins. Our pharmacist can review whether your symptoms are likely statin-related, discuss dose adjustments, and liaise with your physician about alternatives — without you needing a separate appointment.

Coverage & Cost Review

We review your ODB, Trillium, or private insurance coverage and suggest the most cost-effective equivalent when a branded medication is not covered. Generic statins are among the least expensive chronic disease medications available.

Blister Packing & Adherence

Patients managing cardiovascular medications alongside other chronic prescriptions benefit from blister packs — each dose pre-sorted by day and time. Ask about our free compliance packaging for qualifying patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cholesterol medications covered by OHIP or ODB in Ontario?
Generic statins — including atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, and pravastatin — are listed on the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) formulary. If you qualify for ODB (age 65+, Ontario Works/ODSP, Trillium), your statin will be covered with a small co-pay if applicable. For patients not on ODB, generic statins are among the least expensive prescription medications — typically a few dollars per month at your preferred pharmacy. Newer agents such as PCSK9 inhibitors require prior authorisation and meet a higher bar for coverage. Our pharmacist can review your specific plan.
What is the difference between Crestor (rosuvastatin) and Lipitor (atorvastatin)?
Both are high-potency statins that lower LDL cholesterol effectively. Rosuvastatin (Crestor) tends to have a slightly greater LDL-lowering effect per milligram and is often preferred for patients who need very significant LDL reductions. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is one of the most extensively studied statins and is highly effective with a long safety record. Generic versions of both are widely available and inexpensive. The choice between them is usually based on LDL targets, tolerability, drug interactions, and physician/patient preference. Your pharmacist can review both options.
Can statins cause muscle pain — and what should I do?
Muscle aches (myalgia) are the most commonly reported statin side effect, occurring in roughly 5–10% of patients in clinical practice (though much lower rates in clinical trials). Severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) is rare. If you develop significant muscle pain or weakness after starting a statin, contact your pharmacist or physician. Do not stop suddenly without medical advice. In many cases, switching to a different statin, reducing the dose, or switching to every-other-day dosing resolves the problem. Our pharmacist can help you navigate this.
Is it safe to eat grapefruit while taking a statin?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice inhibit CYP3A4, an enzyme that metabolises several statins — particularly simvastatin, lovastatin, and to a lesser extent atorvastatin. This interaction can raise statin blood levels and increase the risk of muscle-related side effects. Rosuvastatin and pravastatin are not significantly affected by grapefruit. If you take a statin that interacts with grapefruit, your pharmacist can advise whether to avoid grapefruit entirely or whether switching to an unaffected statin is appropriate.
Can a pharmacist prescribe or renew my cholesterol medication?
Ontario pharmacists can adapt and renew existing prescriptions under certain conditions — for example, renewing a lapsed prescription for a stable chronic condition or adjusting the dose or form. This is not the same as an initial diagnosis and prescription, which still requires a physician. However, if your cholesterol prescription has lapsed and you have not been able to get in to see your doctor, our pharmacist may be able to provide a temporary supply or a limited renewal to bridge the gap. Call or walk in to discuss your situation.
My doctor says my LDL is high but I have no symptoms. Do I really need medication?
Hypercholesterolaemia is largely asymptomatic — most people feel nothing despite significantly elevated LDL levels. The damage happens silently over years as atherosclerotic plaques build up in arterial walls, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. The decision to start statin therapy is based on your overall cardiovascular risk — which factors in age, smoking status, blood pressure, diabetes, family history, and LDL level together, not LDL alone. Your physician calculates your 10-year cardiovascular risk using tools such as the Framingham Risk Score. If your physician has recommended a statin, the evidence for cardiovascular risk reduction is strong across all major trials.

Related Services

Blood Pressure Management Diabetes Pharmacy Blister Packaging

Questions About Your Cholesterol Medication?

Walk in or call to speak with our pharmacist. We can review your statin, check your coverage, and help you manage any side effects — no appointment needed.

(905) 712-0003 Get Directions

550 Matheson Blvd W, Unit 106, Mississauga  ·  Heartland Town Centre

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