Today, many people in our country use some kind of medicine to control cholesterol. Maybe you are one of them. There are many people who have started taking medicine when they go to see the doctor because their cholesterol is a little high. Usually, we are used to 'statin' type medicines. But some people get muscle pain and other discomforts because of these medicines. So you may be thinking, "Are there no other alternatives to this? Haven't new, better medicines come out?" In fact, with the development of medical science, new methods and medicines have also come out to control cholesterol. Today, let's talk about those new things.
Is the time of giving everyone the same medicine over?
Unlike in the past, cholesterol treatment has moved beyond a "one-size-fits-all" approach, where everyone is prescribed a single statin. Doctors are now trying to tailor treatment to each individual. Simply put, the best treatment is chosen based on many factors, including your age, other medical conditions you have (such as cancer), and your family history.
Even current research is looking at what treatments are best for older people and what works best for people with other medical conditions. So there's more room for you to talk to your doctor and come up with the best treatment plan for you.
What are the latest methods for controlling cholesterol?
In addition to statin drugs, there are now several other options. These can be very useful, especially for those who have difficulty controlling their cholesterol with statins alone, or for those who experience side effects from statins. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Medicine / Treatment | Simply put, functionality | Who is best suited for? |
|---|---|---|
| Nexletol (Bempedoic acid) | It reduces the production of cholesterol in the liver, but it affects a different enzyme pathway (ACL pathway) than statins. | - For those with hereditary high cholesterol conditions (Familial Hypercholesterolemia). - For those who already have heart disease and want to further reduce their cholesterol. |
| PCSK9 Inhibitors (e.g. Repatha, Praluent) | This is a vaccine. It works in a completely different way than statins. It helps the liver remove bad cholesterol (LDL) from the blood. | - For those who cannot tolerate muscle pain caused by statins. - For those who have difficulty controlling cholesterol with statins. - For those with hereditary high cholesterol conditions. |
| Pitavastatin (Livalo) | This is also a type of statin, but the incidence of muscle pain is much lower compared to other statins. | - A good alternative for those who have experienced muscle pain while using other statins. |
A little more information about this medicine
- PCSK9 Inhibitors: Some people may be scared when they hear the name "PCSK9 Inhibitors" and think, "Do I have to get vaccinated every day?" No, it's not. You only have to get vaccinated every two weeks . So it's not a big deal. The two main side effects of statins, muscle pain and liver damage, are almost nonexistent with this drug.
- Familial Hypercholesterolemia: This is a genetic condition. Simply put, the body of these people cannot properly recycle and remove bad cholesterol (LDL). As a result, their blood cholesterol levels are always high. PCSK9 Inhibitors are a very effective treatment for these people.
Another thing is that some people have such high cholesterol levels that they even have to undergo a treatment called `LDL apheresis`, which removes bad cholesterol from the blood. It may be a good idea to start taking medications like Nexletol before you reach that stage.
Medicine alone is not enough! A change in lifestyle is essential
No matter how many new medicines come out, there's one thing we should never forget: the value of a healthy lifestyle.
Imagine, when you go to the doctor, he says, "Your cholesterol is a little high, let's start medication. At the same time, control your diet and exercise for at least half an hour a day."
Now there are some people who say, "Oh, doctor, I'll control my diet a little, but I don't have time to exercise." Others take the pill and think, "Now I can eat and drink whatever I want." Both of these approaches are wrong.
Remember, with a good diet and regular exercise, you can lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) levels by about 20-30 points. If you do, you may be able to reduce the dose of medication you are prescribed, and in rare cases, stop taking the medication altogether.
So be open with your doctor. Be honest about whether you can really make lifestyle changes. He or she can then assess your risk factors (such as heart disease, stroke) and decide whether you need medication or whether lifestyle changes alone can help. This is a decision that should be discussed between the two of you.
Take-Home Message
- In addition to traditional statin drugs, there are now several modern and effective medications for cholesterol control.
- If you are experiencing side effects such as muscle pain from statins, talk to your doctor about alternatives such as PCSK9 Inhibitors or Pitavastatin.
- Highly effective treatments are now available specifically for hereditary high cholesterol conditions.
- No matter what medication you take, it's important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. This may even allow you to reduce your medication dosage.
- Always discuss openly and honestly with your doctor to determine which treatment option is best for you.
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