Cholesterol Drugs
High levels of cholesterol are precursors to dangerous heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
Cholesterol drugs can be essential for managing your high cholesterol and improving your cholesterol ratio, and there are many available on the market.
These drugs are considered cholesterol reducing drugs. Based on the type of cholesterol problem that you have, and how long you have been dealing with this problem, your doctor can prescribe cholesterol drugs that can improve your condition.
Cholesterol Drug Options
Cholesterol lowering drugs are typically only prescribed if lifestyle and nutritional alterations to the diet are not sufficient to reduce the overall level of cholesterol, as determined by a blood serum cholesterol test. However, it should be noted that not all medications are created equal and that not all medications work for each individual. That is why it is essential to discuss your options with your doctor – and also research the many options available today so that you can be a more informed partner in your cholesterol management.
Types of Cholesterol Drugs: Statins
There are two main types of cholesterol-lowering drugs available. The first type is called statins, which is a type of drug that prevents the body from creating cholesterol. Statins are used to decrease the amount of low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol, which is the “bad” kind of cholesterol. Statins can also help to reduce triglycerides and raise the high-density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol. Statins are generally safe and have few side effects. However, if you have liver problems then statins are not ideal for you.
Types of Cholesterol Drugs: Non-Statin
The second type of drugs for lowering cholesterol is called non-statin drugs. There are several drugs in this class includes cholesterol absorption inhibitors, resins, fibrates, and niacin. Selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors are drugs that prevent cholesterol from being absorbed in the intestines, and it also allows the body to properly dispose of the cholesterol through an increase in bile production. Again, this type of drug may not be ideal for those suffering from liver conditions as the drug partly acts on the liver to increase bile. Fibrates are ideal for decreasing triglycerides.
Some fibrates can help to increase HDL, which is the good cholesterol. Unfortunately fibrates are not indicated for lowering LDL, which is the bad cholesterol. Sometimes fibrates can be utilized in conjunction with statin drugs for a combination of utility to combat high cholesterol associated with high triglycerides. Fibrates are a new cholesterol drug. Niacin, which is also known as vitamin B3, is something that can be prescribed to help lower triglycerides, increase HDL and decrease LDL. Niacin does have side effects, particularly in large doses which are only found in the prescription form. Prescription niacin is considered a non statin cholesterol lowering drug.
Finding the Right Cholesterol Drugs
It is oftentimes the case that one cholesterol lowering medication may not work for every individual, or that your doctor may need to adjust the level of your medication throughout the course of treatment. It is ideal to work with your doctor on the choice of medications as your doctor knows best based on your medical history. Be aware that all medications have side-effects and not all medications may be right for your situation. Additionally, it is your responsibility as a patient to make certain that your doctor or other healthcare provider is aware of any other medications you are taking, including any supplements, because many medications and supplements may interact with cholesterol drugs. Likewise, it is also important to check with your doctor if you wish to begin herbs or vitamins, as these can also interact with cholesterol drugs and can possibly interfere with their effectiveness.
