If you regularly follow a low-cholesterol, low-saturated-fat diet and you exercise, but still can’t reach your cholesterol goal, your doctor may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medicine to take along with your diet and exercise program.
Here’s an overview of prescription medicines your doctor may consider. Each medicine has its own set of benefits and risks, such as side effects. Only your doctor can decide which type is right for you.
Statins
Statins are the most commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering medicine. They typically lower levels of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), the "bad" cholesterol, more than other types of drugs. They can also raise HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), known as the "good" cholesterol. Statins interfere with the chemical reaction that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. They can lower cholesterol by reducing the production of cholesterol and increasing the liver’s ability to remove the LDL-C already in the blood. Some statins have also been shown to help reduce fatalities caused by cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke.
Ezetimibe
Ezetimibe is a medicine that is used either alone or with other drugs, like statins. It lowers cholesterol by reducing your body’s ability to absorb cholesterol from food.
Nicotinic acid
Nicotinic acid, or niacin (one of the B vitamins), lowers total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels, while raising HDL-C levels.
Fibrates
Fibrates are generally used to lower levels of triglycerides and, to a lesser extent, to increase HDL-C levels. Unfortunately, they are not very effective in lowering LDL-C.
Bile acid sequestrants (synthetic resins)
These medicines attach to cholesterol-containing bile acids in the intestines and are then removed through the bowel. Small doses of sequestrants can lower LDL-C. Sometimes they are prescribed in combination with a statin to lower cholesterol even further.
If your doctor has told you that your cholesterol is too high, take action. Work closely with your doctor to manage your cholesterol. Set targets, work to reach them, and check your progress often.