The Impact of Common Medications on Your Cholesterol Profile

Did you know that some prescription medications impact your cholesterol profile? While medications are typically prescribed for treating health conditions, it’s important to be aware of their potential side effects. This is especially true regarding cholesterol, as some common medications may increase your total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (“Bad cholesterol”), VLDL, or all of the above.

Here are some of the most common medications that can affect your cholesterol levels:

1. Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure, angina, and other conditions. They can also raise your LDL cholesterol levels and lower your HDL (“Good cholesterol”) levels.
2. Thiazide diuretics: Thiazide diuretics are often used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. They can also raise your LDL cholesterol levels and lower your potassium levels.
3. Birth control pills: Some types of birth control pills contain estrogen, which can raise your LDL cholesterol levels and lower your HDL cholesterol levels.
4. Antivirals: Antiviral medications used to treat hepatitis C can raise your total cholesterol levels and may increase your risk of heart disease.
5. Anticonvulsants: Anticonvulsant medications used to treat seizures can raise your LDL cholesterol levels.
6. Retinoids and corticosteroids: Retinoids (used to treat skin conditions like acne) and corticosteroids (used to treat inflammation) can both raise your LDL cholesterol levels.
7. Growth hormones: Growth hormone therapy can cause an increase in LDL cholesterol levels.
8. Antipsychotic drugs: Some second-generation antipsychotic drugs, such as clozapine and olanzapine, can raise your LDL cholesterol levels.
9. Antiretroviral (ART) protease inhibitors: Protease inhibitors used to treat HIV can raise your LDL cholesterol levels.
10. Cyclophosphamide: Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy drug that can raise your total cholesterol levels.
11. Oral estrogen: Oral estrogen therapy can raise your LDL cholesterol levels.
12. Tamoxifen: Tamoxifen, a medication used to treat breast cancer, can raise your LDL cholesterol levels.

If you are taking any of these medications, it’s important to discuss their potential impact on your cholesterol profile with your healthcare provider. They may recommend lifestyle modifications or additional medications to help manage your cholesterol levels.

Even if you’re not on any of these medications, it’s important to consider your cholesterol health. Taking proactive steps to manage your cholesterol can reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health!

If you’d like to meet with one of our practitioners about your cholesterol health, please call our clinic at 314-208-2874.