In the past, statins have been the go-to drug for those that are suffering from high cholesterol. This class of drugs has proven to be very effective at helping people, but for various reasons not everyone can take this type of medication. Some people have adverse reactions to the drugs and the side effects can be more harmful than the problem that they are supposed to help alleviate.
Statins do a lot of good. According to some studies, they reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart disease by about 25 to 35 percent. For someone at a high risk of this, every little advantage that they can find is helpful. This drug can do a lot of good in this respect. But not everyone sees the same benefits. A lot of the side effects of this type of drug are common amongst other medications. For example, things like nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and dizziness are almost universal when it comes to potential side effects. But in some cases, the side effects can be more severe. There are instances of Type 2 diabetes, memory loss, neuropathy, and confusion being associated with statins.
This is a good drug, but it’s not ideal for everyone. Luckily, researchers are currently in the final stages of getting a new drug approved for use in the fight against high cholesterol levels.
This medication is called bempedoic acid, which is a medication that is still undergoing clinical trials. That means that in many parts of the world, this medication is not yet approved for use by the general public. However, the results that have been uncovered so far indicate that this drug has a lot of potential.
Is bempdeoic acid going to replace statins? Probably not. But it is a good tool for doctors to have at their disposal–assuming that it is fully approved for use and is deemed to be free of harmful side effects. In fact, the researchers involved in the clinical trials have commented that this new drug could work well as a complementary drug. That means it could be used alongside other medications, including statins, to help the outcome be even better. Again, we’re still not at this stage when it comes to getting a prescription from a doctor, but things appear to be headed in that direction.
When a loved one has suffered from a heart attack or stroke, it is a difficult experience for the entire family. Your mom or dad might be struggling to get through their daily tasks safely. This can be concerning, and you might be tempted to rely on a nursing home for help. While this is the right choice for some, it doesn’t need to be your only option. In-home care can be a great alternative to senior care as your loved one recovers.
If your parent needs help around the house during their recovery process, get in touch with us. Our professional caregivers have the experience to not just help out, but also to monitor medications and keep an eye on potential warning signs for future health concerns.
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