It's normal to feel a little scared when your doctor tells you that your cholesterol is a little high in your blood. Most of the time, the first thing they tell you to do is control your diet and exercise, right? That means reducing saturated fat, completely eliminating trans fat, reducing sugar, and getting some exercise every day.
However, sometimes, lifestyle changes alone cannot control your body's 'bad' cholesterol, that is, LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol levels. That's when your doctor may suggest that you start taking medication to help you. But remember, you can't give up those good habits just because you've started taking medication, right? You need to do both. Let's see what these cholesterol-lowering medications are.
First choice: Statins
Simply put, these are the most popular and commonly used medications that doctors prescribe for cholesterol. They help lower your 'bad' LDL cholesterol, lower another type of fat called triglycerides, and slightly increase your 'good' HDL cholesterol levels.
Research has found that using statins significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks.
Here are some commonly prescribed statins:
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
- Fluvastatin (Lescol)
- Lovastatin
- Pravastatin (Pravachol)
Do statins have side effects?
Like all medicines, these can cause minor side effects. But not everyone gets them. The most common are stomach upset, muscle pain, or inflammation. Very rarely, liver damage can occur. There is also a small increased risk of high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes. But the risk is very small, and it is said that the risk is negligible when compared to the benefits of statins.
Most importantly: If you are taking a statin drug, avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice altogether, as it can interfere with the absorption of the drug and its effectiveness.
Other types of drugs and how they work
There are several other medications besides statins. Sometimes, your doctor may decide to give one of these along with a statin, or as an alternative for someone who is allergic to statins.
| Drug type | Functionality and what to know |
|---|---|
| Drugs that act on the intestines (Bile Acid Sequestrants) | These bind to bile in the intestines, preventing it from being reabsorbed into the body. Since bile is made from cholesterol, it reduces the amount of cholesterol in the body. Examples: Cholestyramine, Colesevelam. Side effects: constipation, flatulence, stomach discomfort. |
| Ezetimibe (Zetia) | This stops the body from absorbing cholesterol from food in the small intestine and is often given with statins. Side effects: muscle or back pain, diarrhea, stomach pain. |
| PCSK9 Inhibitors | These are new, powerful drugs. They are given to people whose cholesterol cannot be controlled with conventional treatments or who have genetically high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia). They are given as an injection. Examples: Alirocumab (Praluent), Evolocumab (Repatha). Side effects: Symptoms such as itching, swelling, pain, and a cold sensation at the injection site. |
| Niacin (vitamin B3) | A vitamin that lowers LDL and raises HDL. However, there is no clear evidence that giving this supplement to someone taking statins further reduces the risk of heart disease. Side effects: flushing, itching, headache. |
| Fibrates | These mainly help reduce triglyceride levels and increase 'good' HDL cholesterol. Examples: Fenofibrate, Gemfibrozil. |
| Omega-3 | Prescription-strength omega-3 medications can help lower triglycerides. However, over-the-counter fish oil supplements have not been proven to have the same effect. So, don't use them without medical advice . |
Follow these instructions to use the medicine correctly.
Once a medication is prescribed, to get the most out of it, you need to use it exactly as the doctor says. Otherwise, it won't produce the desired results.
Make it your daily habit.
- Know exactly why you are taking this medication. It is important to understand your own condition.
- Take your medicine at the same time every day. Make this a habit. It's a good idea to set a reminder on your phone.
- Do not stop taking your medication or change the dosage without talking to your doctor. Even if you feel fine now, cholesterol is a silent enemy that shows no symptoms. Therefore, it is important to take your medication as prescribed.
- Use a weekly pillbox. At the beginning of the week, put all the medication for that week in it. That way, you won't miss a day.
Talk openly with the doctor.
- Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or Ayurvedic/traditional medicines you are taking, as some things can interact with cholesterol medications.
- If the cost of medication is an issue, don't be shy about talking to your doctor. There may be cheaper alternatives or other solutions.
- Ask your doctor in advance what to do if you miss a dose of medication. Be aware of things like whether to take it as soon as you remember or wait until the next scheduled dose.
- Before undergoing any surgery or anesthesia, such as tooth extraction, be sure to tell the doctor or dentist about the medications you are taking.
- Ask your doctor about drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol with some medications can increase side effects or decrease the effectiveness of the medication.
If you're having trouble understanding what your doctor is saying, bring a trusted friend or family member with you. Things are remembered more clearly when two people are listening.
Take-Home Message
- The first and most important step in controlling cholesterol is always to maintain a healthy diet and an active lifestyle . Medication is just an additional help.
- Although statins are the most commonly used type of medication, only your doctor can determine the most appropriate medication and dosage for you after examining your blood tests and health condition.
- Any medication can have side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as muscle pain, don't panic and inform your doctor.
- It is very important to take your medication exactly as prescribed, at the right time, and in the right dosage. Avoid stopping your medication or changing the dosage without consulting your doctor.
- It is for your own safety to give your doctor a complete description of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments have been posted yet. Add your comment here for the first time.
Add your comment