High Cholesterol Treatment Online | Walgreens

High Cholesterol Treatment Online

Get High Cholesterol Treatment prescribed online, if approved. It’s easy with Walgreens Virtual Healthcare.

High Cholesterol Treatment, Just A Few Clicks Away:

  • Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found throughout your body. It is essential for good health and is used to build cells in your body and make hormones and vitamins. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need, but it is also obtained from certain foods such as meat, eggs, cheese and milk products. Too much cholesterol can lead to health issues.

    There are different kinds of cholesterol:

    • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered the “bad” cholesterol and high levels of it can lead to heart disease and stroke.
    • High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the “good” kind of cholesterol and high levels of it can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
    • Triglycerides are a type of fat in your body. High levels of triglycerides can contribute to problematic cholesterol build up in your body.

    High cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia, is when you have too much cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol and fatty substances (together known as plaque) can build up in arteries in your body. As plaque builds up, the insides of your arteries narrow which blocks blood flow to and from your heart and other organs. When blood flow is blocked, it can lead to chest pain or a heart attack. Hyperlipidemia also increases your risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the United States.

    In most cases, there are no signs or symptoms of hyperlipidemia until there is a blockage. That is why it’s important to check your cholesterol to make sure you’re at a healthy level, as well as practice healthy lifestyle habits like eating a healthy and balanced diet, exercising and eliminating tobacco. Your provider might also recommend medications to help lower your cholesterol levels. Speak with your healthcare provider about the best treatment plan for you.

  • During your Walgreens Virtual Healthcare High Cholesterol Rx Refill visit, you will start by completing an online intake to answer questions about your medical history and cholesterol medication history. To qualify for a high cholesterol visit, you must have a prior diagnosis of high cholesterol, have previously been prescribed high cholesterol medication and have taken it within the last 4 weeks. Photos of your most recent cholesterol medication prescription are required for the consultation. Then, a doctor or nurse practitioner will connect with you via secure online chat. It is helpful but not required for you to have your cholesterol levels (lipid panel) checked within the last 6 months. If appropriate, your Walgreens Virtual Healthcare provider will refill your cholesterol medication, and the prescription can be sent to your local Walgreens or pharmacy of your choice.

  • Numerous treatments are available to help improve high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). Some of the most common medications used are statins, fibrates, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and omega-3 fatty acids. Your provider will determine which medication or combination of medications is best for you, based on your lipid levels, goals of therapy and medical and health history.

    Statins work by disrupting the production of cholesterol made in the liver. They prevent the liver’s access to an enzyme known as HMG CoA reductase, which is essential to make cholesterol. Most of the cholesterol in the body is produced by the liver; the remainder is from diet. So, this disruption in cholesterol production can lead to significant changes in cholesterol levels. Some statins are effective at lowering your LDL (low-density lipoprotein or “bad”) cholesterol and may also reduce triglyceride levels. Additionally, some statins increase the HDL (high-density lipoprotein or “good”) cholesterol. In most cases, statins provide the most effective treatment for improving lipid levels, and some have been proven to reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. Common statin medications include atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor).

    Fibrates are medications that decrease the triglyceride production in the liver, making them very effective in reducing triglyceride levels in your blood. They also have a mild LDL-lowering effect while raising HDL levels. Some common fibrate medications are fenofibrate (Tricor) and gemfibrozil (Lopid).

    Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors, such as ezetimibe (Zetia), prevent cholesterol from being absorbed in the intestines from dietary sources. This leads to a decrease in LDL cholesterol in your bloodstream. They are used in combination with lifestyle changes and other cholesterol lowering medications to further reduce cholesterol levels.

    Omega-3 fatty acids are medications derived from fish oils and are used alongside dietary changes to help decrease triglyceride levels.

  • The cost of a Walgreens Virtual Healthcare High Cholesterol Rx Refill visit is $33. Currently, Walgreens Virtual Healthcare does not accept insurance for consultations. However, insurance can help pay for many medications, including those prescribed to treat high cholesterol. Please speak with your insurance company or pharmacy about any questions you may have regarding your prescription drug coverage. The cost of medication is not included in the cost of your Walgreens Virtual Healthcare visit.

  • High cholesterol treatments vary based on various factors such as your current lipid levels, goals of therapy, and your health and medication history. Your Walgreens Virtual Healthcare provider can discuss with you your current high cholesterol medication, how it fits into your goals of therapy and can answer questions you may have about it.

Cholesterol Treatments Offered Through Walgreens Virtual Healthcare

The cholesterol treatment that your health care provider determines is best for you is dependent on your specific factors such as current cholesterol levels, goals of therapy, and health and medical history. Some of the medications that can be prescribed through Walgreens Virtual Healthcare High Cholesterol Rx Refill visit include:

Statins

  • Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

  • Lovastatin (Altoprev)
  • Pravastatin (Pravachol)
  • Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
  • Simvastatin (Zocor)

Fibrates

  • Fenofibrate (Tricor)
  • Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

Omgea-3 Fatty Acids

  • Omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza)
  • Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)

Cholesterol absorption inhibitors

  • Ezetimibe (Zetia)

Stay on track with Rx alerts & expert care

Frequently Asked Questions

  • There are usually no signs or symptoms associated with most stages of high cholesterol. Cholesterol and fatty substances (together known as plaque) can slowly build up in arteries without noticeable symptoms. It’s not until a large blockage develops in the artery that you may notice symptoms, such as chest pain, pain in your jaw or arms, nausea, sweating, shortness of breath or weakness. These symptoms are typically signs that there is a serious blockage which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

    This is why it is important to have routine bloodwork done to measure your cholesterol levels, even if you have no symptoms. Your provider can consider your cholesterol numbers along with other factors that may increase your risk of heart disease or stroke, such as age, family history, if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or if you are a smoker, and ensure you have a treatment plan that is safe for you.

  • Your liver naturally produces all the cholesterol it needs. But you also get cholesterol from foods you eat, such as full-fat dairy products, eggs, fried foods, simple carbohydrates and fatty meats. Eating too much of these foods can increase your cholesterol above what your body needs, resulting in high cholesterol levels and health problems. Behaviors that can also increase your cholesterol levels include lack of physical activity, smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke, and being overweight or obese. High cholesterol is often caused by poor lifestyle but can also be from conditions passed on by families, also known as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).

  • Statins are a group of medications used to treat high cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia. Statins lower “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or LDL), lower triglyceride levels and lower total cholesterol levels, while increasing “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein or HDL) levels. Some FDA approved statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Altoprev), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor). These medications can be prescribed in different amounts depending on your cholesterol levels and your goals of therapy.

    Statins are oral medications and can be taken with or without food. Some are recommended to be taken only at night. Grapefruit juice should be avoided when taking certain statins to minimize potential side effects. Speak with your Walgreens pharmacist or healthcare provider about your specific statin and its dosing administration, food interactions and other unique characteristics.

  • Providing cholesterol lab results is not required to get a prescription refill through Walgreens Virtual Healthcare. However, if you do have labs available for your provider to review, you may be eligible for longer refills. If you are able to provide a photo of a lipid panel within the last six months, you may be eligible for up to a 90-day (3 month) supply of medication with 1 refill. If you do not have recent labs, you may be eligible for a 90-day (3 month) supply of medication with no refills.

  • During your Walgreens Virtual Healthcare High Cholesterol Rx Refill visit, you will upload photos of your most recent cholesterol medication prescription(s). Your provider will review these medications, along with your health history. If appropriate, your provider may refill your medication. If you had your cholesterol levels (lipid panel) checked within the last six months and can provide a photo of the results, you may be eligible for refills up to 6 months. Without updated labs, you may be eligible for refills for up to three months.

  • Insurance can help pay for many medications, including those prescribed to treat high cholesterol. Please speak with your insurance company or pharmacy about any questions you may have regarding your prescription drug coverage. The cost of a Walgreens Virtual Healthcare High Cholesterol Rx Refill visit is $33. Currently, Walgreens Virtual Healthcare does not accept insurance for consultations. The cost of medication is not included in the cost of your Walgreens Virtual Healthcare visit.

    Interested in paying for your medication out-of-pocket? Find lower prescription prices at Walgreens with our free search tool, Walgreens Rx Savings Finder.

  • Stress can affect cholesterol levels in multiple ways. Prolonged stress often leads to elevated cortisol levels, which can increase LDL cholesterol, commonly known as "bad cholesterol," as well as triglycerides. Additionally, stress frequently results in poor dietary choices, decreased physical activity, and increased alcohol consumption, all of which can further elevate cholesterol levels. Stress can also increase inflammation in the body, causing damage to blood vessels and increased plaque accumulation, which can lead to increased risk of high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. While it may not always be possible to decrease emotional stressors, such as work or busy home life, adjusting your diet and participating in regular physical activity can help prevent worsening cholesterol changes. These lifestyle changes can play a major role in improving overall health and lessening the risks associated with high cholesterol.

    • Side Effects of High Cholesterol Treatments10-19

      As with all medications, those used to treat high cholesterol have potential side effects. See the information below regarding side effects and safety of some high cholesterol medications.

      Statins - atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Altoprev), pravastatin (Pravachol, brand name discontinued), rosuvastatin (Crestor), simvastatin (Zocor)
      SIDE EFFECTS: Some of the common side effects of these statins include myalgia or arthralgia, headache and nausea/constipation/diarrhea. Notably, patients taking atorvastatin, pravastatin or simvastatin may also experience upper respiratory tract infections or nasopharyngitis.

      WARNINGS: Do not use statins if you have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the medication or its ingredients or if in acute liver failure. All the listed statins may cause myopathy (muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness associated with elevated creatine kinase) and rhabdomyolysis. Increases in liver enzymes have been reported in all the above-listed statins. In most cases, these changes appeared soon after initiation, were temporary, were not accompanied by symptoms, and resolved or improved with continued statin use or after a brief interruption in statin medication use. Rare reports of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy have been reported in the listed statins (except for pravastatin). Notify your provider if you experience any of these conditions. Promptly inform your prescriber if unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness develops. Contact provider if pregnant, plan to be pregnant or breastfeeding as these statins are not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.

      DRUG INTERACTIONS: Grapefruit juice consumption, especially in excessive amounts, can raise the plasma levels of atorvastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin and may increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. It is generally recommended to avoid grapefruit juice while taking these medications to reduce the risk. When taking rosuvastatin with an antacid containing aluminum and magnesium hydroxide (i.e. Tums), take rosuvastatin at least 2 hours before the antacid.

      Fibrates - fenofibrate (Tricor), gemfibrozil (Lopid)
      SIDE EFFECTS: Some common side effects of fenofibrate include abnormal liver enzymes, increased CPK and rhinitis. Some common side effects of gemfibrozil include dyspepsia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue.

      WARNINGS: Do not use the above listed fibrates if you have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the medication or its ingredients, or have hepatic or severe renal dysfunction, unexplained persistent liver function abnormality or preexisting gallbladder disease. Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported in patients taking these fibrates, with a higher rate in patients also taking a statin, especially in elderly patients and patients with renal failure or hypothyroidism. The above listed fibrates can increase liver enzymes and increase risk of gallstones. Notably, fenofibrate can increase serum creatinine levels.

      Speak with your provider if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding, as these fibrates should only be used in pregnancy if medically needed. Women should not breastfeed during treatment with fenofibrate and for 5 days after the final dose. It is not known whether gemfibrozil is excreted in human milk, so a decision should be made with your provider to discuss risks regarding breastfeeding while taking this medication.

      Cholesterol absorption inhibitors - ezetimibe (Zetia)
      SIDE EFFECTS: When administered alone, common side effects of ezetimibe include upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, arthralgia, sinusitis, pain in extremities, fatigue, and influenza. When ezetimibe is co-administered with a statin, common side effects include nasopharyngitis, myalgia, upper respiratory tract infection, arthralgia, diarrhea, back pain, influenza, pain in extremity, and fatigue.

      WARNINGS: Do not use ezetimibe if you have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the medication or its ingredients. Ezetimibe may cause increases in serum transaminases, myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Ezetimibe should be used during pregnancy and nursing only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the baby.

      Omega-3 Fatty Acids - omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza), icosapent ethyl (Vascepa)
      SIDE EFFECTS: Some common side effects of omega-3-acid ethyl esters include belching, dyspepsia, and taste distortion. Some common side effects of icosapent ethyl include musculoskeletal pain, peripheral edema, constipation, gout, and atrial fibrillation.

      WARNINGS: Do not use the above listed omega-3 fatty acids if you have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to the medication or its ingredients. The listed omega-3 fatty acids are associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter requiring hospitalization. These medications contain components derived from fish oils. Use with caution if you have a known hypersensitivity to fish and/or shellfish and discontinue the medication and seek medical attention if any reactions occur. Omega-3-acid ethyl esters may increase levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Icosapent ethyl has been associated with an increased risk of bleeding.

      Speak with your provider if you are pregnant or plan to be pregnant as data on these omega-3 fatty acids in pregnancy is insufficient. Studies have detected omega-3 fatty acids in human milk, but no data is available on the effects of these medications on the breastfed infant or on milk production, so a decision should be made with your provider to discuss risks regarding breastfeeding while taking these medications.

References

Disclaimers

*Currently available in the following states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI

Based on national averages. Actual times may vary.

Labcorp and Quest staff are not associates, employees and/or agents of Walgreen Co. or any Walgreens subsidiary or affiliated company. Lab service will be a separate fee, price may vary.

Prescription based on medical evaluation and not guaranteed.

Walgreens-affiliated medical practices are independently owned and operated by licensed physicians who provide services using the Walgreens virtual care program telehealth platform. For more information about the relationship between Walgreens and the medical practices click here.

Walgreens Health Medical Group California P.C. is a California professional medical corporation utilizing the fictitious name “Walgreens Health Medical Group California P.C.” pursuant to Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 2415. To view the Fictitious Name Permit click here.