Are Injectable Cholesterol Drugs Right for You?

Injectable cholesterol drugs, also known as PCSK9 inhibitors, are a type of medication used to lower cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol who have not been able to control their cholesterol with diet, exercise, and other medications. PCSK9 inhibitors are given as an injection once or twice a month and work by blocking a protein that helps cholesterol stay in the blood.

PCSK9 inhibitors are effective at lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels. They can also help to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, PCSK9 inhibitors are expensive and can cause side effects, such as muscle pain, nausea, and injection site reactions.

The decision of whether or not to take a PCSK9 inhibitor should be made in consultation with a doctor. The doctor will consider the person's cholesterol levels, risk of heart disease, and other medical conditions when making a recommendation.

PCSK9 inhibitors are typically prescribed for people who have:

* Very high LDL cholesterol levels (over 190 mg/dL)

* A history of heart disease or stroke

* Diabetes

* Familial hypercholesterolemia (a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol)

PCSK9 inhibitors may also be prescribed for people who are unable to tolerate statins, which are another type of cholesterol medication.

If you are considering taking a PCSK9 inhibitor, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.