What are Cholesterol Medications with Least Side Effects?
When it comes to lowering cholesterol with medical intervention, there is a chance for this option to cause some side effects. But if you are looking for cholesterol medications with least side effects, lifestyle approaches and heart-healthy diet are the best answer you should prioritize. These approaches are not only good in helping to lower your LDL (low density lipoprotein – commonly considered as ‘bad cholesterol) but also great ones for your entire health in long term.
Unfortunately, sometimes lifestyle approaches are not enough to help deal with. In such case, medical intervention is required.
Two individuals with high cholesterol who take the same medication may experience different side effects. So, the answer of that question may vary from patient to patient.
Overall, you doctor should clearly understand treatment that meets with your body needs most. Therefore, for in-depth information and more advice about this issue, discuss with your doctor /healthcare provider!
Furthermore, while each medical intervention has side effects, sometimes doctors prescribe a combination of different medications which means may cause more side effects. Whatever it is — this should provide more advantages that outweigh than disadvantages /side effects that may occur during and after the treatment.
The following are some common cholesterol medications and their side effects.
They may be the most common choice of medication prescribed by doctors for most people with high cholesterol, which are also pretty common used for the first line of treatment. When this option doesn’t work, doctors may prescribe other medications to treat the problem more effectively.
The side effects that may include muscles tenderness (in very rare cases), liver damage, and problems of intestine [1] .
The effectiveness of statins has been confirmed by some studies. Statins may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and heart attack because they decrease LDL and triglyceride (another kind of bad cholesterol).
They may also cause a mild effect to boost the level of HDL (high density lipoprotein or often called as ‘good cholesterol’).
How do they work? In general, they decrease LDL level by blocking and inhibiting the production of cholesterol in the liver.
You should not use statins without recommendation from your doctor because they may interact with certain medications that you are taking.
Furthermore, some studies found that the use of statins may also cause raised blood sugar, mental confusion, or memory loss [2]. Examples of statins that are commonly prescribed by doctors include Crestor (Rosuvastatin), Pravachol (Pravastatin), Lescol (Fluvastatin), Zocor (Simvastatin), and Lipitor (Atorvastatin).
They can bind to the bile produced by the liver, which is helpful to prevent bile from being reabsorbed into the system (cardiovascular system).
If bile can be prevented to be reabsorbed in your cardiovascular system, it would help decrease the chance of your LDL to rise.
Bile that comes from the liver is made largely from cholesterol. This means that you can deplete your body’s supply of cholesterol when the reabsorbing mechanism of your bile can be eliminated.
Since bile-acid resins work inside the intestine, the most common possible side effects that occur are problems associated with digestive system such as upset stomach, bloating /gas, and constipation [3].
WelChol, Colestid, Questran and Questran Light are some prescribed medicines categorized into bile-acid resins.
Basically, it is a kind of B-complex vitamin and therefore you can find it naturally in certain foods. But it is now also available in the tablet /capsule form (at high doses by prescription).
It is not only intended to help lower LDL but also to help boost HDL. Niaspan and Nicolar are some examples of this medication. And for side effects – these may include headache, itching, and tingling.
As the name suggests, these inhibitors are intended to help prevent the cholesterol absorption into the cardiovascular system. Zetia is one of the common choices for this kind of medication.
It can help lower LDL by restricting and preventing the absorption of dietary cholesterol. It may be used with statins.
And for the side effects that may occur, these include digestive problems, stomach pain, and muscles pain.
Overall, the tolerance of each cholesterol medication can vary from person to person. And you doctor can give the best advice for which one or a combination of different medications that meet to your body needs.
*Again — for in-depth information about the side effects of cholesterol medications, consult more with your doctor!
Again, medical interventions mentioned before are commonly used to treat high cholesterol when the problem doesn’t respond to lifestyle approaches. These options are also usually necessary when your doctor think that your cholesterol too high and should be lowered immediately.
Since these options can cause side effects, they are not commonly prescribed to be used in long term – unless if you have certain health conditions and your doctor believe that the advantages of taking certain medical intervention in long term are greater than the potential of side effects that may occur.
The takeaway, your doctor should have a strong medical reason when he or she recommends you to take a cholesterol medication in long term.
We all agree that it’s very important to get and stay at your best shape and weight. It’s not only about your physical appearance – but the most important thing is to improve your overall health, including for lowering your risk of high cholesterol.
In general, there are two crucial things you need to concern to lose weight; boost your physical activity and appropriately cut your calories intake.
If you are being overweight, visit here for more detailed information on how weight loss can help lower your LDL!
There are many foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol that can trigger your LDL to rise. But fortunately, you also have plenty options of healthy foods that can help boost your HDL and lower your LDL.
Here is a completely guide on how to lower LDL with dietary approaches.
While most cases of high cholesterol treatment often involve lifestyle approaches, there are also some supplements that may help.
Some of these supplements (according to the Cleveland Clinic Department of Nutrition) include:
my dr mentioned that i try EZETIMIBE as i already suffer from chronic muscle and body pain.says this one does not fall in the statin family but cuts out the cholesterol in the food before your body has chance to absorb..any bad cholesterol..taking 1 – 10mg of this Teva-Ezetimibe daily..as i have terrible issues with the statins.this one he has told me works completely different way and not so hard on body? I really have lots i cannot do as i cannot walk..and am alone…i never had weight issues till about 5 yrs ago..2 yrs after lung cancer.(non-smoker!).but inflammation has caused the uric acid to inflammation in my body..i do have PKD..and mitral valve prolapse..and again never had issues with high blood pressure i was only 110 till about 53, 54 yrs old always moving..now i am terrified.and my spouse just passed 22 months ago..i really could use some advice..my cholesterol..my cardiologist said ..my triglycerides are good and the good cholesterol is good..and my number should be at 200 i am 8over the mark.i should be..and knowing how i suffer terribly with so much body pain.issued me the ezetimibe 10 mg 1 daily..and said it acts differently..as it directly makes sure the body does not absorb the foods cholesterols..before it hits my blood system..i am scared nd i do take lots of different supplements..but once again i am told so many things not to eat or drink naturally due to my health..i am 59..and scared..please help me i feel truly lost and alone in this fight..i wsas so athletic..but my feet are just so bad i cannot step on them even just to walk to kitchen..as every morning i start my day off with 3/4 cup warm spring water with tablespoon raw honey, 1 lemon.(juiced) 2 tablespoons of purathrive – liquid, liposomal turmeric with Fulvic acid..and three tablespoons of ACV..with Mother..early morning i have that to break my fast with my meds..then couple hours later around 9am i take my supplements with my steel cut oatmeal cooked and add approx 1/3cup of flax seed in that with pure maple syrup and almond milk..i have that..with blueberries/blackberrie/ or rasberries..and also a few large majoohd dates..i drink a full 10 oz of water several times day and night..and thru the day i drink my pure pommegrenade juice.carrot juice..eat my oranges.i have no lower teeth as i loved eating my almonds and brazil nuts..now i can’ t so now when i can i have couple tablespoons pure almond butter..etc..and sorry list is long enough to get into my evening.but everything i have is in doses that re sensible..i have learned to munch on.my berries..instead of sweets…and i luv.it..as well as their is a long list of supplements.and i do take meds for bp.and pain.and tummy..am i hopeless? Jackie
the cardiologist i saw..says my triglycerides are good as are my good cholesterol based on the good and bad cholesterol, the one he says is worrisome slightly/..is that it should be 200 and its 2.80..i have heard such horror stories regarding statins and meds taken to help lower cholesterol, although he does say to me, that this med has some of the least side effects and still helps lower your numbers/ please send me back something clarifying.your answer and easy to understand!!
God bless and thank you for taking time to be doing this..
While high blood cholesterol level may improve with a few changes in diet, sometimes it’s more difficult to control and here cholesterol medications are required. Your medications should outweigh the risks. Since high cholesterol will take a serious toll on your overall health, especially for your heart health, statins are sometimes prescribed.
But the number of high cholesterol alone is not enough to comprehensively tell you and your doctor whether or not you have to take statins. There are several factors that determine your treatment plan. The most important thing is your long-term risk of certain health conditions (e.g. stroke or heart attack). If your risk for such things is low, statins are less likely to be used – unless your bad cholesterol levels (LDL) are higher than 4.9 mmol/L (190 mg/dL). If possible, see another doctor for second opinion if you in-doubt with any advice or recommendation from your primary physician.
Also, it’s important to keep your stress under control. I do understand that your condition may make you feel anxious and stressed. But uncontrolled stress is very bad for overall health, including your blood cholesterol levels! All the best for you.