High cholesterol medication refills, right from home

Question 1

What is high cholesterol?

Answer

High cholesterol is also called hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia. This common condition happens when too many fats (or lipids) build up in the blood vessels. When the body has more cholesterol than it needs, plaques can start to build up in the blood vessels, making them stiffer and narrower. The heart then has to work harder to pump blood through them. Left untreated, it can lead to serious medical conditions like heart disease, stroke or diabetes.

Question 2

What are the categories of cholesterol?

Answer

There are two types:

Blood cholesterol is a waxy substance made in the liver. It plays an essential role in bodily functions like producing hormones and digesting fat in foods.
Dietaryolesterol comes from animal foods like meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products a chnd seafood.

Question 3

What causes high cholesterol?

Answer

A combination of risk factors can include:

Smoking and tobacco use
Heavy alcohol consumption
Lack of exercise
A diet high in fat, processed foods or animal products
Family history of high cholesterol
Certain medical conditions, including chronic kidney disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, hypothyroidism and lupus

Question 4

What do HDL and LDL mean?

Answer

Cholesterol is carried through the blood by two different kinds of proteins called lipoproteins.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) absorbs cholesterol and takes it back to the liver, where it’s broken down and flushed out of the body. HDL is sometimes called “good” cholesterol because high levels of HDL can reduce the risk of heart problems or stroke.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) makes up the majority of blood cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is sometimes called “bad” because when LDL levels are too high, it can form plaques in blood vessels—especially when combined with high levels of fat (triglycerides).

Question 5

How long does it take to lower cholesterol?

Answer

Most cases are treatable with medication and lifestyle interventions. Everyone’s reaction to treatment is different, so lowering cholesterol levels can’t be promised within a set timeline. But LDL levels should generally begin to drop within 3 to 4 months of treatment.

Question 6

How do I know if I have high cholesterol?

Answer

This common condition typically doesn’t cause any symptoms. So it’s important to have regular blood tests to measure cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Question 7

Do I have high cholesterol or high blood pressure?

Answer

High blood pressure—or hypertension-—happens when the force of the blood against your blood vessels is too high. About 60% of people who have hypertension also have high cholesterol. But the exact nature of this relationship isn’t known. Both conditions cause few or no symptoms. (With hypertension, side effects usually only occur in severe cases.) Get your blood pressure and HDL and LDL levels checked regularly to monitor your risk.

Learn more about hypertension treatment.

Question 8

What prescription treatments are available for high cholesterol?

Answer

When a healthy diet and exercise aren’t enough, statins can help reduce the amount of cholesterol produced in the liver. Statins are often first-line treatment options. Common statins include Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Pravastatin (Pravachol), Rosuvastatin (Crestor), Lovastatin, Pravastatin and Simvastatin.

Question 9

Why do you only offer high cholesterol prescription refills?

Answer

An in-person provider should perform an initial diagnosis. Once they’ve diagnosed the condition and established a medication dosage, Dr. B can help refill prescriptions with hassle-free online care. To access prescription refills, you must share a photo of your current medication (to verify your prescription and dosage level).

Question 10

How are cholesterol medications used?

Answer

Most medications are taken orally (by mouth) once or twice a day. These medications are most effective when combined with dietary and lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. A heart-healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats like olive oil. Avoid saturated or trans fats, which are found in fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy and packaged snacks or desserts. It’s also important to quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake while taking these medications.

Question 11

What are the common side effects of cholesterol medicine?

Answer

With cholesterol pills like Atorvastatin, Lovastatin or Crestor, side effects may include muscle problems (like pain), digestive problems and memory problems. Most people who use statins do not experience any serious side effects. But in rare cases, they can cause liver problems. Talk to your medical provider right away if you experience any new problems—including muscle pain or digestive issues—after starting treatment.

Question 12

How can I get a high cholesterol prescription online?

Answer

Need a refill for your prescription? Dr. B can help! Our online medical service walks you through a comprehensive health assessment. A doctor or medical provider will review your assessment. If they believe a prescription refill is appropriate, they’ll send it to your preferred pharmacy for pickup.

Question 13

How much does high cholesterol medication cost?

Answer

Consultation: A virtual medical consultation costs $15.00, which is lower than most doctor copays. Currently, we don’t submit medical consultation claims to insurance companies. But you can use insurance for any resulting prescriptions at your pharmacy.

Medication: Dr. B only charges for the medical consultation. When medications are prescribed, we let you choose the most affordable or convenient pharmacy to fill the prescription. Your medication prices will vary depending on your insurance coverage and whether the drug is a brand or generic.

Question 14

Do you accept insurance?

Answer

Right now, we don’t submit medical consultation claims to insurance companies. But you can use health insurance for any resulting prescriptions at your pharmacy.