Need a Cholesterol Drug 12 Must-Know Facts - Article Health

Cholesterol-lowering drugs
No one really likes having to take medications, but millions of people in the United States (and around the world) are on cholesterol-lowering drugs to reduce their heart disease risk.

They’re not for everyone
Statins and other cholesterol drugs work, but they are not for everyone. All have side effects, and some of them, including statins, may cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Experts don’t entirely agree on who may benefit
More people than ever are eligible for statins, including folks at “average risk” of having a heart attack or stroke, Dr. Gotto says. But guidelines on who should receive preventive treatment differ a bit.

You can’t ignore your diet
Your LDL may drop once you start taking the medication, but these aren't magic pills. You still may need to lose weight, eat a low-fat diet, and exercise.

Watch for side effects
All drugs have side effects, and cholesterol-lowering drugs are no exception. Although many side effects are more of a nuisance than anything else, some can be serious.

Not all are pricey
Cholesterol drug prices vary depending on the type, dosage, where you buy it, your insurance, and whether you're a cash-paying customer using a coupon or discount card.

There are some surprising benefits
Statins are heralded for their cholesterol-lowering potential. But they convey other health benefits too.

Most people don’t take them correctly
The American Heart Association considers failure to take medication a major threat to patients. Some people simply forget; others skip or neglect medicines because they're worried about costs or side effects.

Grapefruit juice can be a problem
"Grapefruit juice can make statins more potent, so you may get side effects," Dr. Gotto says.


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