Cholesterol-lowering medications can help many people if taken as prescribed. First, however, answer two questions. Have you tried to lower cholesterol through diet, exercise, and weight loss? Are you at high risk of cardiovascular problems? Doctors usually suggest trying diet and exercise before cholesterol-lowering medications. But if you're at high risk, your doctor may recommend starting cholesterol lowering medications right away. Here are seven tips to help you get the most out of your cholesterol lowering medications.
1. Ask your doctor to explain how each different cholesterol-lowering medication works, and which one may be best for you.
2. Tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking. This includes vitamins, herbs, and supplements, which can sometimes interact with prescription medications to cause dangerous side effects or make the medications less effective.
3. Stick with your prescription. Many people may skip doses of statins and other cholesterol-lowering medications because they don't "feel any better" while taking them. But high cholesterol is a silent disease, and you may not realize the benefit you're getting. Don't cut back on your doses, skip them, or stop taking your drug altogether to save money. If you're having trouble with affordability, talk to your doctor about how to cut costs safely.
4. Keep your supplies of cholesterol-lowering medications filled. Don't wait until you are out to go to the pharmacy, and be sure to get enough of the prescription ahead of time if you expect to be traveling.
5. Niacin (nicotinic acid) has been approved by the FDA as a cholesterol-lowering medication, but it should be taken in prescription form from your doctor. Over-the-counter supplements may not contain the amount found on the label.
6. Side effects are rare with most cholesterol-lowering medications, but you should be aware of the specific side effects that go with the drug you're taking. Keep your doctor informed of any side effects. For example, statins have a rare side effect of muscle problems, so if you have muscle soreness, pain, or weakness, tell your doctor.
7. For any symptom that you think might be a side effect of a cholesterol-lowering medication, call your doctor right away. Don't wait for your next appointment.
source: http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/features/checklist-cholesterol-lowering-medications?ecd=wnl_chl_102709
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2 Comments:
that really nice info..thanks
Good post. And if you are a smoker and have a high cholesterol level, you should stop smoking to lower your cholesterol: tobacco raises the level of "bad cholesterol".
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