When non-statin cholesterol meds, cholesterol-lowering drugs used when statins aren’t tolerated or aren’t enough. Also known as alternative lipid-lowering therapies, they help people lower LDL without the muscle pain, liver issues, or diabetes risk that some get from statins. If you’ve been told to avoid statins — or you’re on them but still not hitting your target — these options aren’t just backup plans. They’re proven, FDA-approved tools that work.
One of the most common is ezetimibe, a pill that blocks cholesterol absorption in the gut. It’s often paired with a low-dose statin, but it’s also used alone. It doesn’t drop LDL as hard as a statin, but it’s gentle, cheap, and has almost no side effects. Then there’s PCSK9 inhibitors, injectable drugs like evolocumab and alirocumab that help the liver remove more LDL from the blood. These aren’t for everyone — they’re expensive and require shots — but for people with genetic high cholesterol or heart disease, they can slash LDL by 60% or more. Other options include bempedoic acid, which works in the liver like a statin but without reaching the muscles, and omega-3 fatty acids at prescription doses, which help lower triglycerides but don’t do much for LDL.
What ties all these together? They’re not magic. They don’t replace diet, exercise, or weight loss. But when those aren’t enough, or when your body can’t handle statins, they fill a real gap. The posts below cover real comparisons — like how ezetimibe stacks up against newer drugs, what the side effects really look like, and which options make sense for someone with kidney disease, diabetes, or a history of muscle pain. You’ll find clear breakdowns of cost, effectiveness, and safety — no fluff, no marketing. Just what works, what doesn’t, and why your doctor might suggest one over another.
