If you have high triglycerides and LDL levels, diet and exercise modifications are often enough to lower these levels to healthy ranges. If diet and exercise are not sufficient, however, your doctor may prescribe a medication or combination of medications to help lower your triglyceride and LDL levels.
Nicotinic Acid
Nicotinic acid, also referred to as niacin, is prescribed to help lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels. In addition, nicotinic acid can help increase HDL levels. Nicotinic acid does have a fairly high potential to cause side effects, such as facial flushing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and high blood sugar. Because of this, your doctor will generally start you on a small dose of nicotinic acid and then increase your dosage gradually based on how your body handles the medication. It is important to note that the nicotinic acid used to treat high cholesterol is not the same as the niacin sold as dietary supplement. Supplemental nicotinic acid should not be used for high cholesterol.
Fibrates
Fibrates are prescribed to lower triglyceride levels, although they may also increase HDL cholesterol levels as well. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, fibrates generally decrease triglycerides by 20 to 50 percent and increase HDL levels by 10 to 15 percent. Fibrates are well-tolerated by most people. When side effects do occur, they are usually mild and include nausea and stomach pain. Patients taking fibrates also have an increased risk of developing gallstones.
Statins
Statins are the most commonly prescribed medication for lowering LDL levels. Statins work by blocking the action of an enzyme that is needed for your liver to make cholesterol. Statins also trigger your body to reabsorb LDL cholesterol that has already accumulated on the walls of your arteries. Statins can decrease LDL cholesterol levels by 20 to 50 percent. Statins should be taken in the evening before bedtime to increase their effectiveness. Possible side effects of statins include constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, muscle cramps and weakness.
Bile Acid Sequestrants
Bile acid sequestrants work by binding to bile acids, which are used in digestion, and rendering them useless. In response, the liver uses up cholesterol to produce more bile acids, thus lowering the levels of cholesterol in your blood. Bile acid sequestrants can lower your LDL cholesterol levels by 10 to 20 percent. When taken in combination with statins, bile acid sequestrants have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol by more than 40 percent. Possible side effects include constipation, bloating, nausea and gas. MayoClinic.com notes that bile acid sequestrants may actually increase your triglyceride levels so they should be used with caution.
Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors block the absorption of dietary cholesterol in your digestive tract, preventing cholesterol from entering your bloodstream. This class of medication significantly lowers LDL cholesterol and slightly lowers triglyceride levels. Possible side effects include stomach pain, sore muscles and fatigue.
