For millions of patients, high cholesterol means taking statins. The use of statins has been ongoing for decades, and they are a well-accepted treatment to reduce the risks associated with high cholesterol. However, they are not the only option. More recently, PCSK9 inhibitors have come onto the market, giving those suffering from high cholesterol another option to consider.
Speak to a Professional
Before getting any further into this topic, it should be pointed out right from the beginning that this is the type of decision you need to make with the help of your doctor. While there is plenty of information available online these days, nothing can replace the expert opinion of someone who has been trained in this specific field of medicine. Only when you have spoken with your doctor about the pros and cons of the various treatment options can you make a confident decision about your future.
A Long Track Record
As mentioned above, statins have been on the market for many years, and they have proven successfully in helping countless people battle high cholesterol. However, they are not without their drawbacks. As is the case with nearly any medication, there are side effects to the use of statins. Specifically, possible side effects of statin use include liver damage, muscle damage, kidney damage, higher blood sugar, and more. While not all patients who use statins to treat high cholesterol will experience side effects, it is important to be aware of this possibility.
A Different Approach
The use of PCSK9 inhibitors is significantly different from the use of statins. For one thing, this category of drugs is only going to be an option for a segment of the overall high cholesterol population. Generally, PCSK9 inhibitors will only be considered if you are at a high risk for a cardiovascular issue. If your cholesterol has not been controlled through the use of statins, it may be possible to turn to PCSK9 inhibitors for help. Where statins are taken by mouth in pill or capsule form, PCSK9 inhibitors can only be taken by injection.
Unfortunately, many of the same possible side effects from statin use are also seen when PCSK9 is prescribed. This drug comes along with the potential for things like liver damage, kidney damage, diabetes, and more. Also, since these drugs are far newer than statins, there is less long-term data to review with regard to their health effects. Studies have shown PCSK9 drugs to be effective in the treatment of high cholesterol, so this is a category of drugs which shows promise for patients in the appropriate categories.
As mentioned above, you should speak to your doctor right away when you would like more information on high cholesterol treatment options. Both statins and PCSK9 inhibitors can be the right decision in certain cases, but only your doctor will be able to tell you which is the better way to go for your needs. If you would like to visit Beverly Hills Cardiovascular, Dr. David Filsoof can bring his experience and expertise to your case. Thank you for stopping by our site.
