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Treatment area: Cholesterol

Elevated cholesterol: medically checked and treated

Elevated LDL cholesterol usually causes no symptoms, but over the years it can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Here you will find prescription cholesterol-lowering medications, and a doctor will review your questionnaire to determine if treatment is suitable for you.

Behandlungsoptionen vergleichenCompare treatment optionsComparer les options de traitementBehandelopties vergelijken
Ratgeber lesenRead the guideLire le guideGids lezen
  • online questionnaire
  • Medical examination
  • Discreet Shipping
  • Money back if not suitable

BehandlungsoptionenTreatment optionsOptions de traitementBehandelopties

Overview of cholesterol-lowering drugs

All medications are prescription-only and intended for adults with a medical diagnosis of elevated blood lipids or a high cardiovascular risk. After making your selection, you will complete a medical questionnaire, and a doctor will determine if a treatment is suitable for you.

Selbst einschätzenAssess it yourselfFaire le point vous-mêmeZelf inschatten

Which medication might be suitable?

  1. 1 If you are already taking a statin and tolerating it well If well tolerated and blood test results are satisfactory, the usual medication is often continued, provided the previous strength is available. Please indicate the medication, dose, and current values ​​in the questionnaire. The doctor will decide on the prescription.
  2. 2 If you want to know when to take the tablet Atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and ezetimibe can be taken at any time of day, preferably at the same time each day; simvastatin is taken in the evening. The choice of medication depends primarily on blood test results, pre-existing conditions, and other medications. Your doctor will decide which medication is right for you.
  3. 3 If your LDL cholesterol does not decrease sufficiently with a statin alone, or if you cannot tolerate statins Ezetimibe inhibits cholesterol absorption in the intestine and is approved as an adjunct to a statin, but only if a statin is not tolerated or is unsuitable. Your doctor will decide whether this is an option for you.
  4. 4 If you are taking other medications, could become pregnant, or have a liver, kidney, or muscle disease. A thorough review is then particularly important, as interactions and pre-existing conditions determine which active ingredient and dose are appropriate. Statins are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Women who could become pregnant must also use reliable contraception when taking atorvastatin and rosuvastatin. Please provide complete information on the questionnaire. The doctor will make the final decision.

Diese Hinweise helfen bei der Orientierung und ersetzen keine ärztliche Beratung. Ob und welche Behandlung für Sie geeignet ist, entscheidet der Arzt anhand Ihres Fragebogens.This guidance helps you get your bearings and does not replace medical advice. Whether a treatment is suitable for you, and which one, is decided by the doctor on the basis of your questionnaire.Ces indications vous aident à vous orienter et ne remplacent pas un avis médical. C’est le médecin qui décide, sur la base de votre questionnaire, si un traitement vous convient et lequel.Deze aanwijzingen helpen u op weg en vervangen geen medisch advies. Of en welke behandeling voor u geschikt is, bepaalt de arts aan de hand van uw vragenlijst.

Statins

Statins inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver and are taken once daily as a tablet.

Atorvastatin RezeptpflichtigPrescription onlySur ordonnanceUitsluitend op recept

Atorvastatin

Statin tablets are used to lower elevated cholesterol and for prevention in cases of high cardiovascular risk.

WirkeintrittOnsetDélai d’actionWerkingsaanvang
within 2 weeks, full effect after about 4 weeks
WirkdauerDurationDurée d’actionWerkingsduur
The inhibitory effect lasts approximately 20 to 30 hours; taken once daily.
FormFormFormeVorm
Film-coated tablets

So wirkt es:How it works:Mode d’action :Zo werkt het: Atorvastatin inhibits the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase in the liver, which is necessary for cholesterol production. As a result, liver cells absorb more LDL cholesterol from the blood. This lowers LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Das kann für Sie passenThis may suit youCela peut vous convenirDit kan bij u passen
  • If you have been medically diagnosed with elevated cholesterol
  • If you are already taking atorvastatin at a fixed dose and tolerate it well
  • If current blood lipid and liver values ​​are available
Anwendung & wichtige HinweiseUse & important informationUtilisation et informations importantesGebruik en belangrijke aandachtspunten

Anwendung:Use:Utilisation :Gebruik: Film-coated tablets for oral use, once daily at any time of day, preferably at the same time each day, and regardless of meals. The dose is determined by a doctor and adjusted no sooner than after 4 weeks.

Verfügbare Stärken:Available strengths:Dosages disponibles :Beschikbare sterktes: 10 mg · 20 mg · 40 mg · 80 mg

Among other things, it should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, in cases of active liver disease, or in combination with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir. Women who could become pregnant should only take it with reliable contraception. Unexplained muscle pain or weakness should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.

abfromà partir devanaf 37,97 € Endpreis, inkl. ärztlicher PrüfungFinal price, incl. medical reviewPrix final, évaluation médicale incluseEindprijs, incl. medische beoordeling
Optionen wählenChoose optionsChoisir une optionOpties kiezen
rosuvastatin RezeptpflichtigPrescription onlySur ordonnanceUitsluitend op recept

Rosuvastatin

Statin tablets are used to lower elevated cholesterol and for prevention in cases of high cardiovascular risk.

WirkeintrittOnsetDélai d’actionWerkingsaanvang
within one week, full effect after about 4 weeks
WirkdauerDurationDurée d’actionWerkingsduur
Half-life approximately 19 hours, taken once daily.
FormFormFormeVorm
Film-coated tablets

So wirkt es:How it works:Mode d’action :Zo werkt het: Rosuvastatin inhibits the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase in the liver, which is necessary for cholesterol production. As a result, liver cells absorb more LDL cholesterol from the blood. This lowers LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Das kann für Sie passenThis may suit youCela peut vous convenirDit kan bij u passen
  • If you have been medically diagnosed with elevated cholesterol
  • If you are already taking rosuvastatin at a fixed dose and tolerate it well
  • If current blood lipid, liver and kidney values ​​are available
Anwendung & wichtige HinweiseUse & important informationUtilisation et informations importantesGebruik en belangrijke aandachtspunten

Anwendung:Use:Utilisation :Gebruik: Film-coated tablets for oral use, once daily at any time of day, preferably at the same time each day, and regardless of meals. The dose is determined by a doctor and adjusted no sooner than after 4 weeks.

Verfügbare Stärken:Available strengths:Dosages disponibles :Beschikbare sterktes: 10 mg · 20 mg

Among other things, it should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, in cases of active liver disease, severe kidney failure, myopathy, or in combination with cyclosporine or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir. Women who could become pregnant should only take it with reliable contraception. Unexplained muscle pain or weakness should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.

abfromà partir devanaf 38,82 € Endpreis, inkl. ärztlicher PrüfungFinal price, incl. medical reviewPrix final, évaluation médicale incluseEindprijs, incl. medische beoordeling
Optionen wählenChoose optionsChoisir une optionOpties kiezen
Simvastatin RezeptpflichtigPrescription onlySur ordonnanceUitsluitend op recept

Simvastatin

Statin in the evening for elevated cholesterol and to reduce the risk of vascular disease of the heart or diabetes.

WirkdauerDurationDurée d’actionWerkingsduur
Take once daily in the evening
FormFormFormeVorm
Film-coated tablets

So wirkt es:How it works:Mode d’action :Zo werkt het: Simvastatin is activated in the liver, where it inhibits the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is necessary for cholesterol production. As a result, liver cells absorb more LDL cholesterol from the blood, thus lowering LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Das kann für Sie passenThis may suit youCela peut vous convenirDit kan bij u passen
  • If you have been medically diagnosed with elevated cholesterol
  • If you are already taking simvastatin at a fixed dose and tolerate it well
  • If your other medications are known and there are no interactions
Anwendung & wichtige HinweiseUse & important informationUtilisation et informations importantesGebruik en belangrijke aandachtspunten

Anwendung:Use:Utilisation :Gebruik: Film-coated tablets for oral use, once daily in the evening, regardless of meals. The dose is determined by a doctor and adjusted no sooner than after 4 weeks.

Verfügbare Stärken:Available strengths:Dosages disponibles :Beschikbare sterktes: 10 mg · 20 mg · 80 mg

Do not take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, if you have active liver disease, or in combination with certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin, antifungal medications such as itraconazole, certain HIV medications, gemfibrozil, ciclosporin, or danazol. Avoid grapefruit juice.

abfromà partir devanaf 39,66 € Endpreis, inkl. ärztlicher PrüfungFinal price, incl. medical reviewPrix final, évaluation médicale incluseEindprijs, incl. medische beoordeling
Optionen wählenChoose optionsChoisir une optionOpties kiezen

Cholesterol absorption inhibitors

Ezetimibe inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine and is usually taken in addition to a statin, and only on its own if a statin is not tolerated or is not suitable.

Ezetimibe RezeptpflichtigPrescription onlySur ordonnanceUitsluitend op recept

Ezetimib

A tablet that inhibits cholesterol absorption in the intestine, usually taken in addition to a statin.

WirkdauerDurationDurée d’actionWerkingsduur
Half-life approximately 22 hours, taken once daily.
FormFormFormeVorm
Tablets

So wirkt es:How it works:Mode d’action :Zo werkt het: Ezetimibe blocks the transport protein NPC1L1 in the small intestine, which is responsible for the absorption of cholesterol from food and bile. This reduces the amount of cholesterol reaching the liver, and the liver then absorbs more LDL cholesterol from the blood. When used in combination with a statin, its mechanisms of action are complementary.

Das kann für Sie passenThis may suit youCela peut vous convenirDit kan bij u passen
  • If your cholesterol does not decrease sufficiently with a statin alone
  • If you cannot tolerate statins or if they are not suitable for you.
  • If current blood lipid levels are available
Anwendung & wichtige HinweiseUse & important informationUtilisation et informations importantesGebruik en belangrijke aandachtspunten

Anwendung:Use:Utilisation :Gebruik: One tablet to be taken once daily, at any time of day and regardless of food. Often taken in combination with a statin, the dose of which is determined by a doctor.

Verfügbare Stärken:Available strengths:Dosages disponibles :Beschikbare sterktes: 10 mg

Do not take in combination with a statin if you have active liver disease, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Do not use alone while breastfeeding.

abfromà partir devanaf 64,14 € Endpreis, inkl. ärztlicher PrüfungFinal price, incl. medical reviewPrix final, évaluation médicale incluseEindprijs, incl. medische beoordeling
Optionen wählenChoose optionsChoisir une optionOpties kiezen

RatgeberGuideGuideGids

What you should know about high cholesterol

Elevated cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol-lowering medications complement a healthy lifestyle, but do not replace it.

What does elevated cholesterol mean?

Cholesterol is a blood lipid that the body needs for cell walls and hormones, among other things. The body produces a large portion of it itself, primarily in the liver. In the blood, a distinction is made between:

  • LDL cholesterol: It can be deposited in the walls of blood vessels (arteriosclerosis)
  • HDL cholesterol: transports cholesterol back to the liver
  • Triglyceride: other blood lipids that are usually measured as well

Elevated levels usually cause no symptoms and are detected during a blood test. Causes include genetic predisposition, diet, lack of exercise, and being overweight, but also conditions such as hypothyroidism. In the hereditary form (familial hypercholesterolemia), LDL cholesterol is often significantly elevated even at a young age.

How do cholesterol-lowering drugs work?

Whether treatment is advisable depends not only on the cholesterol level, but on the overall cardiovascular risk. This includes factors such as age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and previous heart attacks or strokes. The individual target value for LDL cholesterol is also determined based on these factors.

  • Statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin): inhibit cholesterol production in the liver
  • Ezetimibe: inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine, usually in addition to a statin

Cholesterol-lowering drugs are usually taken long-term. Their effect only lasts with regular use; after discontinuation, cholesterol levels usually rise again.

Side effects and cautions

Side effects of statins can include muscle pain, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and altered liver function tests. Blood sugar levels may rise in individuals with risk factors for diabetes. Rarely, severe muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) can occur, especially with high doses or drug interactions. Side effects of ezetimibe include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue.

Statins are not suitable for use in cases of active liver disease, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women who could become pregnant should only take atorvastatin and rosuvastatin if they use reliable contraception. Certain antibiotics, antifungal medications, or cyclosporine can increase the risk of muscle damage.

Unexplained muscle pain, muscle weakness, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, blisters on the skin, double vision or drooping eyelids must be investigated by a doctor immediately.

Warning signs: When immediate help is needed

It is important to know the warning signs of heart attack and stroke as possible consequences. Call emergency services immediately on 112 (Switzerland: 144) if:

  • Pain, pressure, or tightness may occur in the chest, possibly radiating to the arm, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen.
  • sudden paralysis, numbness, speech or vision problems, or a drooping corner of the mouth may occur.
  • Swelling of the face, tongue or throat, or severe shortness of breath occurs

If you experience severe or persistent muscle pain or weakness, especially with fever or reddish-brown urine, or a skin rash with blisters, stop taking the tablet and seek immediate medical attention or go to an emergency room. You should also consult a doctor if you have very high blood sugar levels, a family history of early heart attacks, or leg pain when walking.

Cholesterol in everyday life

Healthy blood vessels in everyday life

Medication is only one part of the treatment. Diet, exercise, and quitting smoking also influence blood lipids and cardiovascular risk. Many small changes can easily be incorporated into everyday life:

  • Less saturated fat from sausage, fatty meat, butter and processed foods, and more vegetable oils, nuts, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
  • Regular exercise, for example at least 150 minutes per week of brisk walking, cycling or swimming
  • Take the tablet at the same time every day and attend all scheduled appointments for blood lipid and liver function tests.

Maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol consumption also have a positive effect on blood lipids, especially triglycerides. Avoid grapefruit juice when taking simvastatin and large quantities when taking atorvastatin. If you are prescribed new medication, such as antibiotics, inform your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking a cholesterol-lowering drug. Smoking further damages blood vessels. You can find support here: smoking cessation. Our online doctor answers general medical questions..

Zu den BehandlungsoptionenView treatment optionsVoir les options de traitementNaar de behandelopties

AblaufHow it worksDéroulementWerkwijze

In vier Schritten zur BehandlungFour steps to your treatmentEn quatre étapes vers votre traitementIn vier stappen naar uw behandeling

Ärztlich geprüft, diskret und ohne Wartezimmer.Reviewed by a doctor, discreet and without a waiting room.Examiné par un médecin, discret et sans salle d’attente.Door een arts beoordeeld, discreet en zonder wachtkamer.

  1. 1Behandlung wählenChoose a treatmentChoisir un traitementBehandeling kiezenWählen Sie Ihr Anliegen und das gewünschte Präparat oder stellen Sie eine allgemeine Anfrage.Choose your concern and the medicine you want, or send a general request.Choisissez votre problème et le médicament souhaité, ou envoyez une demande générale.Kies uw klacht en het gewenste middel, of stuur een algemene aanvraag.
  2. 2Fragebogen ausfüllenFill in the questionnaireRemplir le questionnaireVragenlijst invullenDie medizinischen Fragen beantworten Sie online, vertraulich und in Ruhe.You answer the medical questions online, confidentially and at your own pace.Vous répondez aux questions médicales en ligne, en toute confidentialité et à votre rythme.U beantwoordt de medische vragen online, vertrouwelijk en in alle rust.
  3. 3Ärztliche PrüfungMedical reviewÉvaluation médicaleMedische beoordelingEin zugelassener Arzt prüft Ihre Angaben. Ist die Behandlung nicht geeignet, erhalten Sie Ihr Geld zurück.A licensed doctor reviews your answers. If the treatment is not suitable, you get your money back.Un médecin agréé examine vos réponses. Si le traitement ne convient pas, vous êtes remboursé.Een bevoegde arts beoordeelt uw gegevens. Is de behandeling niet geschikt, dan krijgt u uw geld terug.
  4. 4Diskreter VersandDiscreet deliveryLivraison discrèteDiscrete verzendingNach Ausstellung des Rezepts versendet eine EU-Partnerapotheke Ihr Arzneimittel meist innerhalb eines Werktages.Once the prescription has been issued, an EU partner pharmacy usually sends your medicine within one working day.Une fois l’ordonnance établie, une pharmacie partenaire de l’UE expédie votre médicament généralement sous un jour ouvré.Na het uitschrijven van het recept verstuurt een EU-partnerapotheek uw geneesmiddel meestal binnen één werkdag.

Häufige FragenFrequently asked questionsQuestions fréquentesVeelgestelde vragen

Questions about cholesterol-lowering drugs

Haben Sie eine andere Frage? Unsere Ärzte und unser Service-Team helfen Ihnen gerne weiter.Have another question? Our doctors and our service team will be glad to help.Vous avez une autre question ? Nos médecins et notre équipe de service vous aident volontiers.Heeft u een andere vraag? Onze artsen en ons serviceteam helpen u graag verder.

Frage an einen ArztAsk a doctorPoser une question à un médecinVraag stellen aan een arts
Do I need a prescription for cholesterol-lowering medication?

Yes. Statins and ezetimibe are prescription-only medications. A licensed physician will review your questionnaire to determine if a prescription is medically appropriate. Therefore, please provide complete information about any pre-existing conditions, your current treatment, and all medications you are taking. The inquiry itself is free; you will only be charged for prescribed treatment.

The basis of every treatment is a blood test, including blood lipids and liver function tests; for rosuvastatin, kidney function tests are also required. Follow-up checks are also necessary, usually a few weeks after starting treatment or changing the dose, and then regularly thereafter. If current test results are unavailable, we recommend having a blood test done at a local doctor's office. You can upload any existing test results or a doctor's letter in the questionnaire.

In most cases, treatment is long-term, as levels typically rise again after discontinuation. Whether the dose needs adjusting or the treatment continues unchanged is determined by the doctor based on blood test results, tolerability, and overall risk. Therefore, do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor. However, if you experience warning signs of a serious side effect, stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical attention.

Muscle problems can occur with statins, but are not always related to the medication. Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or cramps should be investigated by a doctor immediately, usually including a blood test to check the creatine kinase (CK) level. If symptoms are severe or persistent, especially if accompanied by fever, malaise, or dark, reddish-brown urine, stop taking the tablet and seek immediate medical attention or go to an emergency room. The doctor will then decide on the next steps.

In that case, no prescription will be issued, and you will receive a full refund of all payments made. You will typically receive feedback from a medical professional within 24 hours. For very high readings, unclear causes, or known cardiovascular disease, we recommend discussing treatment in person with your general practitioner or a cardiologist.

Medizinische ExpertiseMedical expertiseExpertise médicaleMedische expertise

Jede Anfrage in ärztlichen HändenEvery request in a doctor’s handsChaque demande entre des mains médicalesElke aanvraag in medische handen

Dr. Viktor Simunovic
Medizinischer GutachterMedical assessorMédecin évaluateurMedisch beoordelaarDr. Viktor SimunovicAllgemeinmedizin & digitale GesundheitGeneral medicine & digital healthMédecine générale et santé numériqueHuisartsgeneeskunde en digitale zorg
Dr. Codruta Anca Pandalache
Medizinische GutachterinMedical assessorMédecin évaluatriceMedisch beoordelaarDr. Codruta Anca PandalacheReproduktionsmedizin & FrauengesundheitReproductive medicine & women’s healthMédecine de la reproduction et santé des femmesVoortplantingsgeneeskunde en vrouwengezondheid
Lernen Sie unsere Ärzte kennenMeet our doctorsFaites connaissance avec nos médecinsMaak kennis met onze artsenHintergrund, Erfahrung und FachgebieteBackground, experience and specialismsParcours, expérience et spécialitésAchtergrond, ervaring en vakgebieden

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