Bile acid sequestrants are a type of cholesterol-lowering medication that work in the digestive tract to reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, but they can also bind to other drugs and nutrients, potentially affecting how well they are absorbed. Because of this, timing and medication spacing are important considerations when taking them alongside other prescriptions or supplements.
According to Dr. Randy Gould, a cardiologist with Manhattan Cardiology in New York City, “Bile acid sequestrants are generally safe medications that are usually used for people who cannot tolerate statins or in certain situations [when they can’t be used], such as during pregnancy,” noting that they are not absorbed into the bloodstream, which limits systemic side effects. Dr. Gould adds that while they are effective, they are less potent than statins and may be used alone or in combination therapy depending on cholesterol goals and overall cardiovascular risk. Read the full article here.
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