Policosanol

Policosanol is a medicine used to treat high cholesterol. This medicine helps by lowering "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels in blood. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that builds up in your blood vessels and causes narrowing, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Policosanol should be taken in the dose and duration as advised by the doctor. You can take it at any time of day but try to take it at the same time each day. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel ill, but if you stop taking this medicine, your condition could get worse. This may lead to your cholesterol levels rising up again and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

It is important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly. This medicine is only one part of a treatment program which should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol intake, and weight reduction. You can eat normally while taking this medicine, but try to avoid foods that are high in fat.

Common side effects of this medicine include rash, fatigue, headache, weight loss, excess urination, and insomnia. If you experience any of this side effect that does not resolve on its own or get worse, let your doctor know.

Before taking this medicine it is better to let your doctor know about all the other medicines that are prescribed to you. It may interfere with the working of other medicines. This medicine should be taken with caution if you are suffering from any kidney or liver disease. Also, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should not take this medicine without consulting the doctor. Your doctor may ask to get regular tests for kidney function while you are taking this medicine.

• High cholesterol

High cholesterol
Policosanol effectively reduces the high cholesterol levels in your body. Lowering the amount of cholesterol reduces the chances of heart diseases and helps you remain healthier for longer. Take it regularly and make appropriate lifestyle changes (such as eating healthy and staying active) to maximize the effectiveness of this medicine. Keep taking it even if you feel well.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Heartfelt

• Fatigue
• Rash
• Headache
• Weight loss
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Policosanol is to be taken with food.

Policosanol belongs to the class of drugs called lipid modifying agents. It acts by decreasing the cholesterol production in liver thereby reducing the bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or LDL) level in the blood.

• Take it as per dose and duration suggested by the doctor.
• Take it with or without food.
• Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor lipid levels, kidney function, and lung function while you are taking this medicine.
• Inform your doctor if you notice muscle pain or muscle weakness while you are taking this medicine.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Drugs.com. Policosanol. [Accessed 20 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from: