Medicines, supplements can raise your cholesterol

Published: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 6:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, May 23, 2011 at 2:26 p.m.

Q: I started two new medications a few months ago, and suddenly my cholesterol is too high. Can drugs raise cholesterol?

A: Yes, hundreds of them can. Nowadays, people are quick to take statins (like Zocor) and fibrate medications (like Tricor) to lower their cholesterol. Something you take every day for one condition can cause your cholesterol to creep up. Some dietary supplements can raise it, too. The type of reaction is very individual and it takes weeks to months to occur. If you think your medication is causing high cholesterol, speak to your doctor about discontinuing or switching medicine. I am not suggesting that people stop their medicine, that's up to you and your doctor.

Here's a list of some popular items that cause hypercholesterolemia; some cause slight increases while others really spike it.

Rosaglitazone (Avandia): Once upon a time, a blockbuster diabetes drug, this can raise cholesterol. That's the least of it's worries, as consistent reports of life-threatening reactions have led the United Kingdom and South Africa to both withdraw this drug from their countries. This drug is still FDA-approved for U.S. citizens.

Vitamin D: I love this antioxidant, but some people are overdoing it. Excessive D can cause excessive calcium in the blood, and this can cause hypercholesterolemia.

Diuretics: These "water pills" help reduce blood pressure. The "thiazide" and "loop" diuretics are known to elevate total cholesterol, LDL and blood glucose. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is sold as a drug itself, and also is found in dozens of combo drugs sold under various brand names, usually ending in "HCT." And furosemide (brand name Lasix) is quite possibly the world's most popular loop diuretic. Any med that contains HCTZ or furosemide may contribute to high cholesterol.

Escitalopram (Lexapro): A popular antidepressant, related to Celexa. The slight elevation was shown in post-marketing studies.

Fluoxetine (Prozac): Another popular antidepressant that may raise cholesterol, cause hypoglycemia and trigger gout episodes; it may reduce iron and potassium (sparking cardiac arrhythmias).

Creatine: A dietary supplement used primarily by sports enthusiasts, body-builders and people with muscle disorders and Lou Gehrig's disease. It may cause a slight elevation in cholesterol if you take large doses.

Prednisone: This anti-inflammatory drug and its cousins in the "corticosteroid" class can cause high cholesterol with chronic use; it doesn't matter if you take the steroid orally, inject it or inhale it.

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