So, you’ve been told your cholesterol is high huh? Well, fret not fellow human. There are quite a few things you can do to reduce your levels – and no we’re not talking about just avoiding bacon altogether. Here’s everything that you should know on what medications or supplements one could take in order to lower cholesterol.

Statins

Statins are drugs which work by lowering the amount of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol produced by the liver.

“Hip Hip Hooray!”

If taken as directed (usually once/day), statins have shown to decrease LDL-cholesterol levels from 20% up-to 60%, depending on the type and dose of medication used. This makes them a popular option amongst physicians for their patients with elevated cholesterol levels! Some common brand names include; atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), simvastatin (Zocor).

Although it might be tempting to run off to drug store after reading this fantastic news, make sure that you talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new medication regime.

Bile Acid Sequestrants

But what if there was another option available besides popping pills every day? Enter bile acid sequestrants!

Bile Acid Sequestrant is a fancy term used for drugs which bind themselves onto bile acids already present inside one’s gut – thus they cannot react with fat cells resulting in reduced absorption which then eventually causes overall decreased amount of “Bad Cholesterol” aka low-density lipoproteins(LDL-C) produced in body.

A common side effect however may sometimes lead towards constipation. Nonethless Yikes, who knew waste removal would become so technical!

Examples Of Bile Acid Sequestrants:

• Colestid – It has been known that people who have taken (Colestipol) for more than a month showed a significant reduction in LDL-C & total cholesterol.
• WelChol (Colsevelam Hydrochloride) – It may also decrease triglycerides levels in the blood.

Prismatic Powder? Wait, What?

Fun fact: The powders used to create bile acid sequestrants are known as ‘resins’. Thus it should come as no surprise that these drugs were originally produced by Pharmacist Henri Boudet of PharmaRenavissance . That’s right folks, higher art indeed.

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

It’s time to up our game with Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors.

You’re Hired!

These medications do exactly what their name suggests – they block absorption of baddie-cholesterol into bloodstream from small intestine. As you may be aware, well-balanced minerals aid to counteract “Bad” cholesterol functioning within body.

“So long and farewell!

If diet modification does not lead towards results one can always add medicines such as Ezetimibe and stop absorbtion. These tablets can partly reduce quantities of LDL present with another group of statin related meds mentioned earlier!

Did You Know?

The first oral tablet containing Ezitembe was created through partnership between Eisai Co.-LTD based outta Tokyo & Merck Pharmaceutical who rocked us back n forth through 50s-60s meanwhile came together in `90s when ZETIA ™ hit markets like wildfire which led overall financial revenue boost for both pharmaceutical companies!

Can’t blame them too much using machine code is just boring we need excitement 🙂

Fibrates or Fibric Acid Derivatives

Don’t let the fancy terms scare ya! They might seem like something straight outta star-trek but fibrates merely help increase HDL/C (high-density lipoproteins)/ good cholesterol while also fighting the LDL/ bad buddy!

Sold to the beating heart in front row!

Gemfibrozil and Fenofibrate

Are common members of this drug group. They allow enzymes responsible for increased production of HDL-C – ( apo A1 or Apolipoprotein A-I ) & can counteract functions which increase oxidation rate present like “Bad” low density Lipoproteins aka “LDL”.

Well, How Do These Work?

In easier terms fibrates lower blood triglycerides levels in addition reduces overall amount of total cholesterol found within blood’s plasma.

That’s right dear readers, these are some effective ways to tackle your high levels of cholesterol. Talking with your doctor is key when choosing what route you want to take weather that be through prescribed medication or otherwise. Make sure everything suits you pleasantly and always remember – DO NOT SELF MEDICATE without first seeking advice from licensed health professional.

Stay safe everybody!