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Medication PDF Print E-mail
Thursday, 16 July 2009 09:42
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People with a genetic risk to high cholesterol (hypercholesteroleamia) usually need medication. Your doctor will talk to you about the one they think is right for your situation. Medications can be taken on their own or combined with other medications for the best results.

If you take a complementary medicine such as traditional Chinese preparations, herbs or vitamins, be sure to tell your doctor about them because some cholesterol lowering drugs can have interactions which may be harmful.

Classes of cholesterol drugs:

Statins (HMG CoA reductase) are inhibitors which block an enzyme (HMG CoA reductase) used in the cholesterol production. They increase the liver’s ability to manufacture cholesterol.
Common statins are atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin. They can decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by between 20-50 per cent and increase HDL (good) cholesterol by 5- 15 per cent. Although they’re expensive they’re listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme which reduces the cost because the Government provides a subsidy.
Side effects: stomach upset, headache.

Cholestyramine and colestipol are bile-acid-binding resins which merge with intestinal bile acids, preventing them from being absorbed into the body. The liver needs bile acids to make cholesterol so less bile acids means less cholesterol. These medications are gritty powders which are mixed with water, juice, broth or milk. They can be taken with or without food.
Side effects: Constipation.

Gemfibrozil and fenofibrate are referred to as fibrates. They are used when cholesterol doesn’t respond to other medications or when triglycerides are high. While they increase HDL (good) cholesterol in the blood, fenofibrate lowers total cholesterol. Gemfibrozil tablets are usually taken twice a day while Fenofibrate tablets are taken once per day.
Side effects: Stomach upset which could include diarrhoea, flatulence and abdominal pain or a rash.

Nicotinic acid can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides and increase HDL (good) cholesterol. They come in tablet form and are usually taken three times a day with food.
Side effects: Can cause skin flushing of face and neck which goes away anywhere between two and six weeks later, decreased glucose tolerance which is important for diabetics,

Ezetimibe is a cholesterol absorption inhibitor which reduces cholesterol absorption from the intestine into the bloodstream. Reduces total cholesterol and LDL (bad) and increases HDL (good) cholesterol. You may be prescribes ezetimibe if you’re already using a statin and your cholesterol level is still elevated because combining these medications can be more effective in lowering LDL cholesterol than taking just a statin. It can be taken with our without food but it’s important to take it at the same time each day.
Side effects: muscle aches (you should see your doctor immediately if this happens), dark urine, hives and rashes.

Remember to speak with your doctor before taking anything that he or she hasn’t specifically recommended for you or a product they do no know you are taking
Last Updated on Thursday, 16 July 2009 09:47