Not treating high cholesterol can lead to heart disease or other serious health conditions. For this reason, doctors are very severe when it comes to its control.
Although medicines to treat cholesterol have been stagnant for several decades, the Food and Drug Administration (or FDA) has approved 2 new non-statin-based drugs. Both treatments are taken orally and once a day. However, before consumption, it must have the approval of a doctor.
Find out which are the new 2 non-statin based cholesterol medications .
What about statins and cholesterol?
When you have high levels of cholesterol, it accumulates in the arteries, restricting the passage of oxygen and blood flow. For its part, an adequate level of cholesterol allows the formation of cells, hormones, bile acids and vitamin D.
Statins are a drug whose main function is to lower blood cholesterol levels , as well as prevent heart attacks and strokes, among other diseases. However, in the long term it can have side effects such as headaches, redness of the skin, muscle cramps or difficulty sleeping.
In that sense, the intake of statins is not recommended for all people , or for a long time. On the other hand, cholesterol is also obtained from food, so it is recommended to follow a strict diet and refrain from smoking.
Non-statin-based cholesterol medications
Newer cholesterol medications that are not based on statins are known as Nexletol and Nexlizet. However, despite not having this drug, they also have side effects.
According to some studies, the most common side effects of these drugs are respiratory infections, kidney stones, anemia, and elevated liver enzymes. For this reason, the intake of medications to control cholesterol should be done under strict medical supervision.
Until now, the most appropriate treatment against high cholesterol is to modify the lifestyle and follow the balanced diet indicated by the doctor, but the specialist may have the option of prescribing these medications in the future, depending on the patient.
conclusion
Statins and newer drugs to control cholesterol levels have long-term side effects. Therefore, it is recommended to take these drugs under strict medical supervision.
Even so, the best way to control high cholesterol is to change your lifestyle and follow a strict but balanced diet, since some foods lead to an increase in cholesterol. Find out about what you should eat and consult with a specialist which diet is best for you.
Reference
- Hicks, T. 2 New Non-Statin Drugs Approved to Treat High Cholesterol: Are They Right for You? For Healthline. [Revised March 2020]
