Friday, June 12, 2015

FDA approves cholesterol lowering drugs that are more effective - Times Gazette

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Recently, the FDA has approved two new drugs that have been found to be more effective in lowering cholesterol levels. Alirocumab from Sanofi and evolocumab and Regeneron from Amgen are the new drugs. The increasing incidence of disorders such as hyperlipidemia induced by changing lifestyles has also influenced this approval.  More and more people taking to a sedentary lifestyle has been pointed out as the major cause for the increasing in diseases like hyperlipidemia. Unhealthy eating habits and processed foods only help in compounding the situation brought about by the sedentary lifestyle.




For long researchers have been focusing their efforts to address hyperlipidemia. Though there are several medications available for this, research is continuing to improve these drugs.

Presently, two new drugs that have been found to lower cholesterol more effectively have been approved by the FDA. Researchers have found that these two new drugs are significantly more effective and can decrease the fats dramatically in the blood stream.  Further, the new drugs can be administered only through injection and cannot be taken orally. The new drugs have been classified under the monoclonal antibodies and their effectiveness justifies the price. The estimated price of the drug for its annual supply is about $10,000 and a prescription is essential.

While researchers agree that the drug is a bit too pricey, they say that significant reduction of cholesterol can be achieved by continuously using the drug and no serious side effects unlike in the case of other medication for hyperlippidemia have been noticed.

Dr. Steven Nissen, a heart doctor at Cleveland Clinic says that the new drugs are much more effective compared to other drugs for lowering cholesterol, that are presently available.

The new drugs have also been well received in the medical circles.  Yet, one question that remains is about the efficacy of the new drug in checking the risk of heart diseases like in the case of other drugs presently sold in pharmacies.  Researchers opine that this is a question that raises concern for the patients.

Nevertheless, researchers stated that the new drugs work differently compared to the usual statins and the biggest advantage is that it is free from side effects such as muscle weakness when used continuously.  They also emphasized that it was important to have a prescription before starting on these new drugs since each of these drugs have their own individualized indication.




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