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Author: Sami Webb, PharmD

  • What You Need to Know: GLP-1 Medications Infographic

    What You Need to Know: GLP-1 Medications Infographic

    GLP-1 medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have recently been gaining popularity and media attention for their beneficial effects in treating diabetes and promoting weight loss. This article will provide a comprehensive guide from a pharmacist to anyone on a GLP-1 medication or thinking about starting one.

    Have questions about GLP-1 medications? If you don’t find them in the infographic or article below or just want more information, you can ask a pharmacist online 24/7 with Medidex Connect.

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    What You Need to Know About GLP-1 Medications Infographic

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    What are GLP-1 medications?

    GLP-1 is an abbreviation for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 receptor agonist, which is a class of medications commonly used to treat diabetes and to assist with weight loss in patients with or without diabetes. This class of medications contains the popular semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®), tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®), liraglutide (Victoza®, Saxenda®), dulaglutide (Trulicity®), and exenatide (Byetta®, Bydureon®). Only semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide are FDA approved for weight loss, but all of these medications are approved to treat type 2 diabetes.

    How do GLP-1 medications work?

    GLP-1 medications have multiple different mechanisms in the body that help with diabetes and weight loss, including:

    • Increasing the amount of insulin made by the pancreas, which helps control blood sugar in patients with diabetes
    • Decreasing the amount of excess sugar made by the pancreas, which helps control blood sugar in patients with diabetes
    • Slowing down digestion from the stomach, which results in feeling full for longer after eating
    • Signaling to your brain that you are full after eating, which helps suppress appetite and control cravings

    Tirzepatide contains an extra mechanism of action that other GLP-1 medications do not, known as GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) agonism. This extra mechanism provides the following benefits:

    • Greater appetite suppression and glucose control due to additive effects when combined with GLP-1 agonism
    • Improving how fat cells respond to insulin, which provides more effective blood sugar control
    • Promoting the breakdown of fat cells resulting in more effective weight loss

    How effective are GLP-1 medications?

    All GLP-1 medications have been proven to be effective for diabetes, and some have been studied and proven to be effective for weight loss as well. Below are details regarding their effectiveness in clinical trials.

    GLP-1s for Weight loss

    GLP-1s were studied for weight loss in patients 18 years old or older who are obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI > 27 kg/m2) with at least one weight-associated condition, such as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, or type 2 diabetes.

    In a study of 1,961 patients assigned to take either semaglutide or placebo for 68 weeks, 86.4% of the patients on semaglutide achieved at least 5% weight loss. In addition, 69.1% achieved at least 10% weight loss, and 50.5% achieved at least 15% weight loss. The most frequently reported side effects in this study were mild to moderate nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation.

    In a study of 2,539 patients assigned to take either tirzepatide or placebo for 72 weeks, the average weight loss achieved for patients taking tirzepatide 5 mg was 15%. Patients taking tirzepatide 10 mg achieved an average of 19.5% weight loss, and patients taking tirzepatide 15 mg achieved an average of 20.9% weight loss. The most frequently reported side effects were mild to moderate nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.

    In a study of 3,731 patients assigned to take either liraglutide or placebo, 63.2% of patients taking liraglutide lost at least 5% of their body weight and 33.1% of patients lost at least 10% of their body weight. The most frequently reported side effects were mild to moderate nausea and diarrhea.

    In a study comparing the effects of semaglutide and tirzepatide for weight loss, those receiving tirzepatide were more likely to achieve 5% or greater, 10% or greater, and 15% or greater weight loss and experienced larger reductions in body weight at 3, 6, and 12 months. Rates of reported side effects were similar between the two groups.

    GLP-1s for Diabetes

    While the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends personalized goals for the care of diabetes, all GLP-1 medications have shown to be effective. The 2024 Standards of Care in Diabetes does emphasize use of certain GLP-1 medications over others for certain goals. Semaglutide, liraglutide, and dulaglutide have all shown to reduce the occurrence of major cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke, and death in patients with diabetes, while tirzepatide is currently being studied for the same. Semaglutide, tirzepatide, and high dose dulaglutide have been deemed to have very high likelihood of achieving adequate blood sugar control, while other GLP-1s have been deemed highly likely. GLP-1 medications are recommended in the ADA Standards of Care for those with cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and/or kidney disease to reduce the risk of adverse events due to these conditions. GLP-1s are also recommended for blood sugar control in those who have a goal of weight loss in addition to managing their diabetes.

    Who should not take GLP-1 medications?

    GLP-1 medications should not be taken by anyone with a personal history or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, as development of these tumors were noted during early animal studies. These medications should also be avoided in anyone with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 due to increased risk. GLP-1 medications should be stopped if pancreatitis develops, and should likely be avoided in anyone with pre-existing gastroparesis.

    What are the side effects of GLP-1 medications?

    The most commonly reported side effects of GLP-1 medications are gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation. These are usually observed at the beginning of treatment and after dose increases, but typically go away with time. Acute pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and stomach paralysis have also been rarely reported with GLP-1 use.

    How are GLP-1 medications taken?

    Most GLP-1 medications are given via subcutaneous injection, which means an injection under the skin but not in the muscle. Most injectable GLP-1s are given once per week, while liraglutide is given once per day. Semaglutide is also available as a once-daily oral capsule (Rybelsus®) for the treatment of diabetes.

    Lifestyle tips to get the best results

    For the best results while taking any GLP-1 medication, a healthy diet and adequate exercise are recommended. The American Heart Association specifically recommends consuming a diet that emphasizes intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and healthy protein. They also recommend limiting intake of saturated fat, sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, and red meat. For exercise, the American Heart Association recommends three to four 40-minute sessions of moderate to vigorous intensity exercise per week for most adults. These lifestyle modifications will help with both weight loss and diabetes in addition to GLP-1s.

    Conclusion

    GLP-1 medications have proven to be effective for management of diabetes as well as for weight loss in those without diabetes, especially when combined with a healthy diet and adequate exercise. GLP-1 medications should not be taken by people with a history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. GLP-1s are generally well tolerated, with most gastrointestinal side effects subsiding over time.

    If you have additional questions on GLP-1 medications or just want more information on diabetes or weight loss treatment in general you can connect with a licensed pharmacist on-demand using Medidex Connect.

    References

    1. Min T, Bain SC. The Role of Tirzepatide, Dual GIP and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: The SURPASS Clinical Trials. Diabetes Ther. 2021 Jan;12(1):143-157. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-020-00981-0
    2. Pirro V, Roth KD, Lin Y, et al. Effects of Tirzepatide, a Dual GIP and GLP-1 RA, on Lipid and Metabolite Profiles in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2022 Jan 18;107(2):363-378. doi: https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgab722
    3. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 18;384(11):989-1002. doi: https://doi.org/0.1056/NEJMoa2032183
    4. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jul 21;387(3):205-216. doi: https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
    5. Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. N Engl J Med. 2015 Jul 2;373(1):11-22. doi: https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1411892
    6. Rodriguez PJ, Goodwin Cartwright BM, Gratzl S, et al. Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide for Weight Loss in Adults With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Intern Med. 2024;184(9):1056–1064. doi: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.2525
    7. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 9. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024. Diabetes Care. 2024 Jan 1;47(Suppl 1):S158-S178. doi: https://doi.org/10.2337/dc24-S009


    Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. No content on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content on this site is for educational and informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any kind of patient-provider or client-professional relationship by your use of this website. Although we strive to strictly provide accurate and up to date general information, content available on this site is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should not rely solely on the information provided here. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications.

  • High Blood Pressure Medication Infographic – How to Lower Blood Pressure

    High Blood Pressure Medication Infographic – How to Lower Blood Pressure

    High blood pressure is extremely common, affecting approximately one in three American adults. High blood pressure can contribute to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and even death when not treated appropriately. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be lowered quickly through diet, exercise, and blood pressure medications. This article will review how you can lower your blood pressure without medications as well as outline some of the most commonly used high blood pressure medication. An infographic is included for quick reference.

    Have questions on high blood pressure medications and how to lower blood pressure? If you don’t find them in the infographic and article below or just want more information, you can ask a pharmacist online 24/7 with Medidex Connect.

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    How to Lower Blood Pressure Quickly

    Blood pressure is most effectively lowered by lifestyle changes and medications.

    How to Lower Blood Pressure without Medications

    Depending on how high your blood pressure is, your provider may recommend you try to lower your blood pressure without medications initially. Blood pressure can be lowered quickly and effectively through things like diet changes, regular exercise, and weight loss if needed.

    Diet Changes

    One of the most commonly recommended diets to lower blood pressure is the DASH diet. The DASH diet is essentially eating a diet that emphasizes intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, while also reducing intake of fat. Another dietary way to lower blood pressure quickly is by reducing intake of sodium (salt). The American Heart Association recommends less than 1500 mg per day for most adults. It is also recommended to limit alcohol intake to 2 drinks or less per day for men, and one drink or less per day for women. These changes alone can lower blood pressure by up to 20 mmHg.

    Exercise

    Regular exercise has been proven to lower blood pressure, although works best when combined with other lifestyle changes and/or medications. A structured exercise program is recommended for adults with high blood pressure that combines aerobic and resistance training.

    Weight Loss

    It has been shown that for every 1 kg (2.2 lb) reduction in body weight, one can expect a roughly 1 mmHg drop in blood pressure. This is only recommended for adults who are overweight or obese.

    High Blood Pressure Medications

    Your provider may recommend taking high blood pressure medications if lifestyle modifications are inadequate, if you have a history of cardiovascular disease, or for prevention if you are at an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke. Some common blood pressure medication names and details are reviewed below.

    ACE Inhibitors

    Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are very effective and frequently used first-line for treatment of high blood pressure, especially if a person has other medical diagnoses like heart failure or ischemic heart disease. Some common examples are:

    • Lisinopril (Zestril)
    • Enalapril (Vasotec)
    • Ramipril (Altace)
    • Benazepril (Lotensin)
    • Captopril (Capoten)

    Some notable side effects of ACE inhibitors include dry cough and facial/mouth swelling (also known as angioedema). Patients who have a history of angioedema or renal artery stenosis should not take ACE inhibitors. Patients with chronic kidney disease are at an increased risk of elevated potassium levels from ACE inhibitors.

    ARBs

    Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are another first line class of high blood pressure medications. They work on the same biological pathway that ACE inhibitors work on, so these two medication classes should not be taken together. Some common examples are:

    • Losartan (Cozaar)
    • Valsartan (Diovan)
    • Irbesartan (Avapro)
    • Telmisartan (Micardis)
    • Olmesartan (Benicar)

    Similarly to ACE inhibitors, ARBs carry a risk of angioedema, however at a much lower rate. There is also the same risk of elevated potassium levels and kidney injury.

    Thiazide Diuretics

    Thiazide diuretics are another first line class of high blood pressure medications that work by causing the kidneys to excrete excess sodium and water. Some common examples are:

    • Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
    • Chlorthalidone (Thalitone)
    • Metolazone (Zytanix)
    • Indapamide (Natrilix)

    Since thiazides are diuretics, the most common effect patients may see is excessive urination. This may also cause electrolyte disturbances and should be monitored. Thiazides should be used with caution if there is a history of gout, since thiazides can cause increased uric acid levels.

    Calcium Channel Blockers

    Calcium channels blockers can be considered first-line agents in certain patients. Some common examples are:

    • Amlodipine (Norvasc)
    • Nifedipine (Procardia)
    • Nicardipine (Cardene)
    • Diltiazem (Cardizem)
    • Verapamil (Calan)

    Calcium channel blockers should generally be avoided in patients with a history of congestive heart failure. Calcium channel blockers can cause fluid retention in the legs. Diltiazem and verapamil can also cause heart rate to decrease, and these may be a good option in patients who also have atrial fibrillation. Nifedipine is a preferred option in pregnancy.

    Beta Blockers

    Beta blockers are sometimes used as add-on therapy when other agents do not achieve blood pressure goals, or if a patient has certain concomitant diseases like atrial fibrillation, previous heart attack, or congestive heart failure. Some common examples are:

    • Metoprolol (Toprol XL, Lopressor)
    • Carvedilol (Coreg)
    • Labetalol (Trandate)
    • Atenolol (Tenormin)
    • Nebivolol (Bystolic)

    The most common effect observed with beta blockers is decreased heart rate. Patients who have a history of asthma should use caution when taking a beta blocker, as some may worsen symptoms related to airway constriction. In patients with diabetes, beta blockers can also mask the symptoms of low blood sugar, so this should be monitored carefully.

    Loop Diuretics

    Loop diuretics are commonly used for high blood pressure when other agents do not achieve blood pressure goals, or if a patient has a history of congestive heart failure. Examples are:

    • Furosemide (Lasix)
    • Bumetanide (Bumex)
    • Torsemide (Demadex)

    Since loop diuretics are potent diuretics, they can lead to increased urination which may be bothersome to some patients. Loop diuretics can cause electrolyte disturbances, and, rarely, may cause hearing loss at higher doses.

    Alpha-2 Agonists

    Alpha-2 agonists may be added on to a high blood pressure regimen if other options do not achieve blood pressure goals. Some examples are:

    • Clonidine (Catapres)
    • Guanfacine (Tenex)
    • Methyldopa

    Alpha-2 agonists differ from other medications as they work in the brain instead of working directly on the blood vessels. Because of this, these medications may cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, etc. Methyldopa is a preferred option in pregnancy.

    Direct Vasodilators

    Direct vasodilators are sometimes used last-line if other options are inadequate or unable to be tolerated. Examples are:

    • Hydralazine (Apresoline)
    • Minoxidil (Loniten)

    These medications are effective at lowering blood pressure, but may cause unwanted side effects such as increased heart rate and fluid retention. Hydralazine, at high doses, may also be associated with drug-induced lupus-like syndrome. Minoxidil is more commonly used off-label to stimulate hair growth.

    Conclusion

    As described above, there are many different ways to lower blood pressure effectively and quickly. Healthy diet and exercise are recommended for most adults with high blood pressure, and high blood pressure medications may be recommended by your provider to further lower blood pressure if necessary.

    If you have additional questions on how to lower blood pressure, medications for treating high blood pressure or just want more information on high blood pressure in general you can connect with a licensed pharmacist on-demand using Medidex Connect.

    References

    1. Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hypertension. 2017;71(6). doi:10.1161/hyp.0000000000000065
    2. Unger T, Borghi C, Charchar F, et al. 2020 International Society of Hypertension Global Hypertension Practice Guidelines. Hypertension. 2020;75(6):1334-1357. doi:10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.15026
    3. Lexi-Drugs. UpToDate Lexidrug. UpToDate Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed October 2, 2024.


    Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. No content on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content on this site is for educational and informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any kind of patient-provider or client-professional relationship by your use of this website. Although we strive to strictly provide accurate and up to date general information, content available on this site is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should not rely solely on the information provided here. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications.

  • High Cholesterol Medication Infographic – How to Lower Cholesterol Quickly

    High Cholesterol Medication Infographic – How to Lower Cholesterol Quickly

    High cholesterol is among the most common medical problems in the United States. Having high cholesterol drastically increases the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, and/or death from heart disease and medication can be an effective option when determining how to lower cholesterol quickly. In this article, the different high-cholesterol medications and non-medication remedies that could reduce your risk of death due to heart disease from the effects of high cholesterol will be covered. An infographic on high cholesterol medication is included for quick reference which can be shared.

    Have questions on high cholesterol medications and how to lower cholesterol? If you don’t find them in the infographic and article below or just want more information, you can ask a pharmacist online 24/7 with Medidex Connect.

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    How To Lower Cholesterol Quickly - High Cholesterol Medication Infographic

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    How to Lower Cholesterol Quickly

    Cholesterol is most effectively lowered by medications and lifestyle changes like diet improvement and regular exercise.

    High Cholesterol Medication

    Statins

    Statins are the first-line medications used to lower cholesterol. Statins are a class of high cholesterol medications that work by halting the production of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in the liver while also increasing the amount of “good” cholesterol (HDL). Some statins can lower LDL cholesterol by over 50%. Statins also have antioxidant effects, slow plaque formation in blood vessels, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Some common examples are:

    • Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
    • Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
    • Simvastatin (Zocor)
    • Pravastatin (Pravachol)
    • Fluvastatin (Lescol XL)
    • Lovastatin (Altoprev)
    • Pitavastatin (Livalo)

    Since most of the body’s cholesterol is produced at night, some providers may recommend taking your statin at night for maximum effectiveness. This is true for most statins, but may not be necessary for statins with longer half-lives like atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and pitavastatin.

    Side Effects of Statins

    The most common side effects of statins are:

    • Muscle pain
      • Muscle pain (myalgia) is the most commonly reported side effect of statin medications, occurring in approximately 1 to 10% of patients. This can range in severity from person to person.
      • In less than 0.1% of patients, this muscle pain can progress to rhabdomyolysis, which is a life threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
      • If muscle pain does occur with one statin, it may alleviate once discontinued and/or switched to a different statin.
    • Liver injury
      • In some patients, statins can cause increases in AST and ALT, which are blood tests that may indicate liver dysfunction or liver injury. Your provider may choose to monitor these values periodically. If this occurs, these typically return to normal after discontinuing the statin.

    The above list is not all-inclusive. If you think you may be experiencing a side effect of a statin, it is best to contact your provider for evaluation.

    Other High Cholesterol Medication

    Ezetimibe (Zetia)

    Ezetimibe is a commonly used medication to help lower cholesterol if statins are not enough or if a person is unable to take a statin. Ezetimibe works by blocking cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream from the intestines. Ezetimibe may further lower cholesterol by up to 20%. Ezetimibe has a low incidence of side effects, however may cause muscle pain and liver injury similar to statins. Ezetimibe is relatively inexpensive, and is available alone or in a combination pill with simvastatin (Vytorin).

    Bile Acid Sequestrants

    Bile acid sequestrants are a class of medications that may be added onto statin therapy to further lower cholesterol by up to 30%. Some examples are:

    • Colestipol (Colestid)
    • Colesevelam (Welchol)
    • Cholestyramine (Questran)

    Bile acid sequestrants work as a high cholesterol medication by binding to bile acid in the intestine and stopping it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. The body then has to use available cholesterol to produce the additional bile acid it needs which in turn lowers cholesterol levels. Since these medications are not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, they may be associated with adverse effects such as nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, etc. Bile acid sequestrants may also stop the absorption of other medications from the gastrointestinal tract, so it is important to discuss with your pharmacist and provider to ensure it is safe to proceed.

    PCSK9 Inhibitors

    PCSK9 Inhibitors are increasingly popular injectable high cholesterol medication used to lower cholesterol if other medications are at maximum dosages or are not tolerated. Examples are:

    • Alirocumab (Praluent)
    • Evolocumab (Repatha)

    PCSK9 inhibitors bind to a specific protein in the liver to promote the breakdown of LDL cholesterol. These medications are given via a subcutaneous injection every 2-4 weeks. The most common side effect of this high cholesterol medication is reactions at the injection site (redness, pain, swelling, etc.). When added to statin therapy, they may further reduce cholesterol by up to 64%. These medications are relatively new, therefore their high cost may limit how widely they are used.

    Bempedoic Acid (Nexletol)

    Bempedoic acid is a newer medication that inhibits the production of cholesterol in the liver. It is typically added onto statin therapy to further lower cholesterol by up to 25%. The most common side effects are increased uric acid levels/gout (especially if there is a prior history of gout) and tendon rupture. Patients that are over 60 years old, taking corticosteroids or fluoroquinolones, or have kidney disease may be at increased risk of tendon rupture. This medication was approved by the FDA in 2020, and high cost may limit how widely it is used.

    How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally

    How to Lower Cholesterol Without Medication

    Diet

    Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the best natural ways to lower cholesterol. The American Heart Association specifically recommends consuming a diet that emphasizes intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and healthy protein. They also recommend limiting intake of saturated fat, sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages, and red meat.

    Exercise

    A combination of healthy diet and exercise is more effective at lowering cholesterol than diet alone. The American Heart Association recommends three to four 40-minute sessions of moderate to vigorous intensity exercise per week for most adults. When combined with a healthy diet, LDL cholesterol may be decreased by 5-20%. An added benefit is a roughly 15% increase in HDL levels with this combination, which promotes overall cardiovascular health. For some patients, this may not be sufficient alone, however diet and exercise may decrease the amount of medication they need to be on.

    Supplements That Can Lower Cholesterol

    There are multiple supplements that have been theorized to assist with lowering cholesterol. These include:

    • Fish oil: Though used mainly to help lower triglycerides, fish oil has been thought to lower cholesterol as well. Data has been mixed and currently, the American Heart Association does not recommend it be added for high cholesterol alone without high triglycerides. The most common side effects are fishy aftertaste, abdominal pain, and heartburn.
    • Niacin: Though used primarily to lower triglycerides, niacin may mildly reduce LDL cholesterol as well. These benefits are generally seen at doses greater than 500 mg, although lower dosages are available over the counter. The most common side effects are flushing, itching, and gastrointestinal complaints.
    • Red yeast rice: Most studies have shown that red yeast rice is effective at lowering cholesterol. Red yeast rice does contain monacolin K which identical to the medication lovastatin in varying concentrations. Because of this, it is not recommended to take red yeast rice in addition to statins due to the risk of additive side effects.
    • Plant Sterols: When combined with a healthy diet, plant sterols may be effective in reducing LDL cholesterol at doses of 2-3 grams daily. Plant sterols are also effective for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Plant sterols are generally well tolerated with minimal side effects.

    Always check with your provider or pharmacist before starting a new supplement, as they may not be safe for your specific medical conditions or other medications.

    Conclusion

    As described above, there are several different ways to lower cholesterol effectively and quickly. Healthy diet and exercise are recommended for most adults with cardiovascular disease, and high cholesterol medications may be recommended by your provider to further lower cholesterol levels.

    If you have additional questions on how to lower cholesterol, medications for treating high cholesterol, or just want more information on high cholesterol in general you can connect with a licensed pharmacist on-demand using Medidex Connect.

    References:

    1. Blausen.com staff (2014). “Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014”. WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436., CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    2. Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, et al. 2018. Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol. Circulation. 2019;139(25). doi: https://doi.org/10.1161/cir.0000000000000625
    3. American Heart Association. “Cholesterol Medications.” www.heart.org, 2018, www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia/cholesterol-medications.
    4. Mangione, Carol M., et al. “Statin Use for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Adults.” JAMA, vol. 328, no. 8, 23 Aug. 2022, p. 746, jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2795521, https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.13044.
    5. Rosenthal, RL. “Effectiveness of altering serum cholesterol levels without drugs.” Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2000 Oct; 13(4): 351–355. doi: 10.1080/08998280.2000.11927704
    6. Natural Medicines. (2024, Aug 13). Fish oil [monograph]. naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com.
    7. Natural Medicines. (2023, Apr 6). Niacin [monograph]. naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com.
    8. Natural Medicines. (2024, Mar 29). Red Yeast Rice [monograph]. naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com.
    9. Natural Medicines. (2023, Dec 8). Plant Sterols [monograph]. naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com.


    Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. No content on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content on this site is for educational and informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any kind of patient-provider or client-professional relationship by your use of this website. Although we strive to strictly provide accurate and up to date general information, content available on this site is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should not rely solely on the information provided here. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications.