Atorvastatin alternative medication

They should always be used in addition to lifestyle changes. They might be onto a secret called plant sterols and stanols. Sounds like a grocery list, right?

The reason these are becoming a popular choice for managing high cholesterol is their unique ability to block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. If you become pregnant or are planning to, this should be shared with your healthcare provider to ensure they pick the safest option for you.

Your pharmacist can help you determine which cholesterol-lowering agents are covered by your insurance plan.

For those keen on trying a more natural route, it's worth chatting with your healthcare provider to see if it makes sense for you.

Looking for some numbers to back up this talk? They can be found over-the-counter, which means you don't need a prescription to get started on this alternative route.

Pros

• Derived from natural sources.
• Can lower LDL cholesterol significantly when coupled with a balanced diet.
• Available in many fortified foods, making it easy to incorporate into meals.

Cons

• Less effective than statins for someone with significantly high cholesterol.
• May require consistent consumption to see results.
• Could interfere with the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins.

Lately, more studies support the use of plant sterols and stanols as a doable alternative to drugs like Atorvastatin.

HMGCoA reductase inhibitors, more commonly referred to as “statins”, were first discovered in the late 1970s. LDL cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol that leads to plaque build-up in the arteries. Fibrates are contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease or unexplained liver function abnormalities.

Zetia (ezetimibe)

Ezetimibe is an oral antilipemic and cholesterol absorption inhibitor drug, which can be used alone or in combination with statins or fibric acid derivatives to treat hypercholesterolemia.

However, always chat with your healthcare provider about whether this is the right treasure to add to your health regime.

Alternative Two: Plant Sterols and Stanols

Ever wondered how some people can chow down on burgers with barely a care? If you've been on Atorvastatin and are curious about other options, you're not alone.

The first statin drug to be approved to come to market by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was lovastatin, branded as Mevacor. High blood cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, is a condition where you have unhealthy levels of cholesterol, typically due to genetic patterns or unhealthy lifestyle choices.

While atorvastatin is a very effective choice for reducing LDL cholesterol, it may not be right for everyone.

Atorvastatin, branded as Lipitor by Pfizer, came to the market in 1996 and has since become one of the most widely used statin drugs. Atorvastatin can lower LDL levels between 40% and 60% from baseline, depending on dose. Whether you're looking for natural remedies or something packed with scientific backing, there's something for everyone.

Many of these agents are generic and relatively affordable.