New cholesterol drug offers another option for patients who can't tolerate statins

For decades, statins have been the standard treatment for lowering LDL, commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. Doctors say the medications have had a significant impact on reducing cardiovascular risk.

“Statins have had a positive impact on reducing and preventing cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol,” said Dr. Phillip Rozeman, a cardiologist with Willis-Knighton Health.

But statins aren't tolerated by everyone. Some patients experience side effects, including muscle aches, that can make it difficult to stay on the medications.

In recent years, doctors have increasingly turned to other classes of cholesterol-lowering medications. However, those treatments have primarily been available as injections.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new oral medication called enlicitide, giving patients another option.

“It’s the first oral of the new drugs that are not statins, are just as potent as statins, and are going to make a huge impact for those people,” Rozeman said.

The medication works differently from statins and can significantly lower LDL cholesterol, according to Rozeman. However, he cautions that enlicitide is not intended to replace statins for everyone.

“Statins are the drug of choice. Statins are generic. Statins are affordable,” he said.

While the FDA has approved enlicitide, insurance coverage and access are still being worked out.

Rozeman recommends patients interested in the medication talk with their healthcare provider or cardiologist. A doctor can determine whether the patient is a candidate for the treatment and discuss what insurance may cover.