If lifestyle changes alone don’t bring your cholesterol levels into the desired range, your doctor may prescribe one or more medications to lower your cholesterol. These drugs fall into a few different categories. Show
StatinsMost patients with high cholesterol will be prescribed statins. Statins are a class of drugs that prevent cholesterol from forming in the liver, where it is made. This then lowers the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood. They are most effective at lowering LDL cholesterol, but can also lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), statins typically don’t cause serious side effects. Most side effects are mild and disappear if you continue to use the drugs. The most common side effects of statins include:
But statin use may increase hemoglobin A1C in people who are pregnant or have diabetes, and those with certain types of liver disease should not take statins. Commonly prescribed statins in the United States include:
If you are intolerant of statins or they aren’t working to decrease your high cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe other cholesterol-lowering medications. Bile Acid SequestrantsAlso known as bile acid binding agents, these drugs work by removing bile acids from the liver. Since LDL cholesterol is needed to make bile acids, the body breaks down more LDL cholesterol particles. Bile acid sequestrants typically are prescribed with a statin. They include:
Cholesterol Absorption InhibitorsCurrently, ezetimibe (Zetia) is the only cholesterol absorption inhibitor drug on the market, and it's the most commonly used nonstatin cholesterol drug, according to the AHA. Ezetimibe works by preventing cholesterol from being absorbed in the intestine. This means less cholesterol is delivered to the liver, and ultimately the blood. PCSK9 InhibitorsA newer type of medicine, PCSK9 inhibitors bind to and deactivate a protein on certain liver cells, which then lowers LDL cholesterol. Administered by injection, they are often given to patients with high cholesterol that doesn’t respond to statins or to people with familial hypercholesterolemia. FDA-approved PCSK9 inhibitors include:
Adenosine Triphosphate-Citrate Lyase (ACL) InhibitorsACL inhibitors work by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver. They are used as a primary prevention of high cholesterol in individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), according to research in the journal Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs. ACL inhibitors are also used for the secondary prevention of high cholesterol in combination with statins and dietary changes for adults who have established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and need additional lowering of LDL cholesterol. To date, the only FDA-approved ACL inhibitor used to reduce LDL cholesterol is bempedoic acid (Nexletol). Add-On Treatments for High CholesterolAlthough the data doesn’t support the ability of the following drugs to directly lower LDL and total cholesterol, your doctor may also prescribe these drugs to manage your triglyceride levels. FibratesThese medications reduce overall triglyceride levels by reducing the liver’s production of very low density lipoproteins, which are made up mostly of triglycerides. They also increase the removal of triglycerides from the blood. Some commonly prescribed fibrates are:
NiacinAlso known as nicotinic acid or vitamin B3, niacin is a B vitamin that can raise HDL cholesterol while lowering levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides by limiting your liver’s ability to produce cholesterol. Niacin hasn’t been shown to provide any additional benefit over statins alone, and has been linked to liver damage and increased stroke risk. As a result, most doctors recommend niacin only for people who can’t take statins. Combination DrugsDrug manufacturers have started combining cholesterol absorption inhibitors or niacin with statins in a single formulation. Together, these combination drugs limit production of cholesterol in your liver alongside the effects of either niacin (which raises HDL cholesterol) or ezetimibe (which limits cholesterol absorption in the small intestine). These combination drugs include:
Omega-3 Fatty Acid SupplementsIn large doses, omega-3 fatty acids can help lower triglyceride levels. The most common supplement is OTC fish oil, but they are also available by prescription. Omega-3 supplement prescriptions are sold under several brand names, including:
Let your doctor know if you plan to take OTC omega-3 or fish oil supplements, since they can affect how your body responds to other medications you’re already taking. What is the safest cholesterol medicine on the market?According to a research review people who take simvastatin (Zocor) or pravastatin (Pravachol) may experience fewer side effects.
What are the top 5 cholesterol medications?Statins include:. Atorvastatin (Lipitor®). Fluvastatin (Lescol. ®). Lovastatin (Mevacor®). Pravastatin (Pravachol®). Rosuvastatin (Crestor®). Simvastatin (Zocor®). What is the first line treatment for high cholesterol?HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins, are the recommended first-line therapy for most patients. These are the most prescribed drugs in the world and are considered the most effective lipid-lowering agents available, both in lowering LDL-C levels and in the prevention of CV events.
What reduces cholesterol quickly?Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Soluble fiber is found in such foods as oatmeal, kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Add whey protein. Whey protein, which is found in dairy products, may account for many of the health benefits attributed to dairy.
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What is the best medication for high cholesterol
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