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A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is the beginning of a lifelong health journey, and it may feel overwhelming. If you or your child has received a diagnosis, one of the best things you can do as a next step is to educate yourself about the condition. To make sure you have the information you need, we’ve debunked common myths about type 1 diabetes.

Five Misconceptions About Type 1 Diabetes

Myth: Type 1 diabetes is only diagnosed in childhood.

Type 1 diabetes was once referred to as juvenile diabetes, and it’s true that it’s most commonly diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. However, a diagnosis can come at any age, and symptoms may first develop in adulthood.

It can be difficult to identify type 1 diabetes in adults, as early symptoms often develop rapidly and can be mistaken as illness. Here are some common signs to watch for:

Other symptoms include drowsiness, vision changes, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Undiagnosed diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications. If you experience any of the symptoms above, speak with your provider about an evaluation for a potential diagnosis.

Myth: It can be reversed with lifestyle changes.

Type 2 diabetes, the more common of the two main types of diabetes, develops gradually as the result of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This is not the case with type 1. While the exact causes of type 1 diabetes aren’t entirely understood, it is considered an autoimmune condition, which means that a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks their own tissues and organs.

In type 1 diabetes, the body attacks the pancreas, destroying its ability to produce insulin. As a result, people with type 1 diabetes need insulin every day. (This is another important distinction between the two types of diabetes — type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, meaning that the pancreas produces some insulin, but cells don’t respond normally to it.)

Many autoimmune disorders run in families, and type 1 diabetes is thought to have a genetic component. Having a parent or sibling with the condition may increase a person’s risk for developing it.

Myth: If you have type 1 diabetes, you can’t eat sugar.

A common myth about both type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that they’re caused by sugar. This is not true, and people with either type of diabetes can indeed consume sugar.

That said, managing blood sugar is one of the most important aspects of diabetes treatment, and diet can significantly affect a person’s blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates increase blood sugar levels more than any other nutrient. Since daily insulin dosages are based on daily insulin-to-carb ratios, people with diabetes need to monitor their carb intake.

This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid carbohydrates altogether, but rather that you need to plan ahead and maintain a balanced diet. You should still be able to eat a variety of foods so long as you plan meals carefully and spread your carbohydrate intake throughout the day.

Myth: You can’t lead an active life with type 1 diabetes.

Quite the opposite! In fact, regular physical activity is as important for people with diabetes as it is for anyone else. However, there are extra fitness-related considerations to account for when you have diabetes.

Exercise is another factor in blood sugar levels, and some people experience decreased blood sugar during or after exercise. A variety of factors can affect your blood sugar response to exercise, including:

Your blood sugar levels prior to exercise

To exercise safely as a person with diabetes, check your blood sugar before, during, and after exercise, and be prepared to treat low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.

Generally speaking, mild hypoglycemia can be treated by following the 15-15 rule: eat fifteen grams of carbohydrates to restore blood sugar levels to a healthy range and check your levels again after fifteen minutes. If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL or your own personal target, eat fifteen more grams of carbohydrates. Repeat these steps until your blood sugar is back to normal, then eat a meal or snack to maintain it.

Consuming the following items may help raise your blood sugar:

4 ounces (½ cup) of juice or regular soda (not diet)

Myth: Treatment stays the same throughout a person’s life.

While treatment for type 1 diabetes isn’t as varied as treatment for type 2 diabetes, and everyone with type 1 diabetes needs insulin therapy, a person’s insulin needs will likely change throughout their life.

The physical changes caused by puberty and pregnancy often lead to evolving diabetes treatment needs, including different blood sugar targets and insulin dosages. Plus, as you learn more about diabetes and become more familiar with your body’s needs, you may find that you have a different experience of living with the condition.

Given the complexities of diabetes management, it’s important to regularly see an endocrinologist who can evaluate your insulin needs and the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

Alto is with you every step of the way in managing your or your child’s diabetes. We make it simple to follow the treatment plan your doctor recommends, with proper packaging of temperature-controlled medications and same-day delivery right to your doorstep.

We also provide personalized support via in-app messaging. If you have questions about insulin therapy, side effects, insurance terminology, or anything else related to diabetes treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Learn more about national medication shortages affecting people and pharmacist everywhere, what causes shortages, steps you can take if you are affected, and other frequently asked questions. Read on.

Medication Shortages, Explained | Alto Pharmacy

Few things are more frustrating — or frightening — than being unable to access the medication your doctor has prescribed. But it has become a common experience in recent years, as medication shortages remain a persistent healthcare challenge in the U.S. And if you take medication, you may be familiar with the panic of struggling to find enough of what you need.

Not only are these shortages incredibly frustrating and debilitating, they are also confusing and unpredictable, arising seemingly at random, and with little known about an anticipated resolution.

While Alto will always go above and beyond to bring you your medications without delay, these shortages are beyond our control, and we share your frustrations and concerns. To provide more clarity and context as to why these shortages occur — and why, unfortunately, there are few short-term solutions — we’ve compiled answers to some of the questions we hear most frequently.

Like every pharmacy across the country — as well as many around the world — Alto has been affected by medication shortages in the last few years. Each pharmacy’s stock fluctuates in tandem with demand, so if you call multiple pharmacies, it’s possible that one will have a greater supply of an affected medication than another on any given day. But ultimately, no pharmacy is immune to these challenges, and if a medication is in short supply, each pharmacy may feel the impact at some point.

If Alto currently does not carry your medication and you would like to transfer your prescription to another pharmacy, be sure to call that new pharmacy to confirm availability of your medication — medication shortages often impact most pharmacies within a specific region. 

The causes of medication shortages are complex, with multiple, and often intersecting, factors at play.

Any issues that affect the production of a medication may lead to reduced supply. This includes disruptions to manufacturing, like when Hurricane Maria damaged production sites in Puerto Rico in 2017.

Covid is another example of how a natural disaster or global crisis can disrupt medication production. The United States relies heavily on other countries for the raw ingredients needed to manufacture a medication.* This leaves us incredibly vulnerable to changes in workforce capacity or manufacturing activities overseas.

*As of 2019, only 28% of our country’s supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) — the substances directly responsible for a medication’s therapeutic benefits — were manufactured domestically.

Even when manufacturing circumstances are ideal, rising demand for a medication can lead to low supply. This winter’s difficult cold and flu season, with high cases of Covid, the flu, and R.S.V., contributed to a decreased supply of children’s formulations of ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and several commonly prescribed antibiotics.

Adderall®, a stimulant used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is another medication whose demand has increased in recent years. Prescriptions for the medication increased by 15.1% in 2020, in comparison to a 7.4% increase in 2019. This comes after a surge in new ADHD diagnoses, which more than doubled between 2007 and 2016 and continue to rise. Worker shortages and production delays experienced by Teva, a leading manufacturer of Adderall, have added additional pressure and compounded the challenges.

High demand has also contributed to recent shortages of the diabetes medications Ozempic® and Wegovy®,  as they have been increasingly prescribed for weight loss.

Addressing increased demand is often easier said than done. Most generic manufacturers decide how much of a medication to produce at the beginning of the year, with virtually no flexibility, so it isn’t an option to simply make more. This is why there is often a seasonal pattern to shortages, with many intensifying at the end of the year.

In the case of Adderall, a Schedule II controlled substance, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) imposes strict production quotas to prevent misuse. With quotas based on estimates, our manufacturing system isn't prepared to respond to unexpected factors like the recent rise in ADHD diagnoses. 

Why are shortages happening more frequently?

Medication shortages are in the headlines more these days, but they are not a new occurrence. They have steadily increased since 2006, becoming a public health crisis in more recent years. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) reports that, at the end of 2022, ongoing and active shortages were the highest they’ve been since 2014.

The growing intensity of these shortages reflects the strain that Covid put on our entire healthcare system — which we still haven’t fully recovered from — along with other unpredictable healthcare patterns, like growing demand for ADHD medications.

Are certain medications more likely to be affected than others?

Ultimately, any medication can go into shortage, but some types are more prone to recurring supply chain issues.

Medication shortages frequently occur with commonly used (and low-profit) generic medications — like the antibiotic amoxicillin — as pharmaceutical companies have little financial incentive to produce more of them.

Some injectable generics are especially vulnerable to shortages. Fewer manufacturers make these medications, so any production disruption can become a larger issue.

The Adderall shortage illustrates that low stock of a single medication can create a class-wide issue. For many people with ADHD, switching to another medication has proven challenging, as alternatives grow scarce too. This is also the case with Ozempic and other diabetes medications.

Medication shortages are rooted in factors that are far beyond any one person’s control, and unfortunately, there is little we can do to prevent them. Industry experts have proposed solutions, including ramping up domestic production of key pharmaceutical ingredients and building a more resilient medical supply chain. These aren’t quick fixes, and government action is needed for meaningful progress.

What can I do to navigate a medication shortage?

While many medication shortages are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to potentially minimize their stress and impact.

You can track medication shortages on the U.S. Food & Drug Administration or ASHP websites to learn more about a medication’s supply.

To give yourself more time to figure out a short-term solution — such as switching to an alternative medication — refill your medication as far in advance as you can. In some cases, it may be possible to get a 90-day supply of your medication, though this isn’t always an option for controlled substances, and your insurance plan may also limit coverage of refills.

If your medication is in scarce supply, speak with your doctor about alternatives. In addition to taking a different medication, you may be able to switch to a different dose or formulation. Many medications require that you safely taper off of them, which is another reason it’s important to stay on top of refills and ideally learn about supply issues before the last minute.

If an alternative medication costs more or is not covered by your insurance plan, there are resources to help alleviate some of the burden, including coupons, manufacturer-sponsored copay cards, and patient assistance programs. Alto is here to support your savings investigations, and we also suggest reaching out to your insurance provider and verifying your plan’s details — they may be required to cover a branded option if a generic is unavailable.

Our team can answer any questions you have about your medications. We also offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills to make it as simple as possible to stay on track with treatment.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

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Learn more about national medication shortages affecting people and pharmacist everywhere, what causes shortages, steps you can take if you are affected, and other frequently asked questions.

Diabetes is a complex and often misunderstood condition. One of the most important things you can do to manage or prevent it is to educate yourself about the facts. To help, we’ve debunked five common myths about type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Type 2 Diabetes

Myth: Weight is the main risk factor for type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, the more common of the two main types of diabetes, develops gradually as the result of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. (Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that most commonly develops in childhood.) Obesity is one of the type 2 diabetes risk factors that many people are familiar with, and there are several misconceptions about the relationship between diabetes and weight.

While being overweight or obese may increase a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it is not the only risk factor. Frequency of physical activity, genetics, and age are also contributing factors. Many people who are overweight or obese do not develop diabetes, and people who are at a healthy weight may develop the condition.

Diabetes is characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar, or glucose, a source of energy that carbohydrates are converted into during the process of digestion. This often leads to the misconception that eating sugar can directly cause diabetes, which is not the case.

Still, if you have prediabetes, it is often recommended to consume soda, sports drinks, and other sweetened or sugary beverages in moderation, as they do not contain any fat or protein to balance their carbohydrate content.

Myth: People with diabetes have to eat a special diet

Any time you digest carbohydrates, in the form of food or drinks, your body turns those carbs into glucose, causing your blood sugar levels to rise. For those without diabetes, the body’s natural insulin response helps to balance blood sugar levels. However, for those with diabetes, insulin resistance keeps blood sugar at a higher level.

For this reason, it is important that individuals with both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are mindful of their carbohydrate intake. However, this doesn’t mean that you cannot consume bread, potatoes, pasta, or other foods that are high in carbs. Recent studies have found that eating a diet with a good balance of carbs, protein, and fat can help with blood sugar management.

If you have prediabetes or diabetes, work with your provider to develop a healthy, balanced meal plan that you can consistently follow.

1 in 3 U.S. adults have prediabetes, a health condition defined by higher than normal blood sugar levels that often precedes type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, prediabetes can lead to serious complications like heart disease and kidney damage.

While prediabetes is serious, it doesn’t need to result in diabetes. If you’ve received a diagnosis of prediabetes, work with your provider to prevent it from progressing into type 2 diabetes. Depending on your health history, that might mean increasing your physical activity, quitting smoking, or controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Myth: Taking insulin means you’re not managing your diabetes well

People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce any insulin on their own and rely on insulin therapy every day to maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Treatment is more varied for type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by insulin resistance.

Some people with type 2 diabetes are able to manage their condition with lifestyle changes alone while others need to take oral diabetes medications like metformin or insulin.

If you have type 2 diabetes and your doctor recommends adding insulin therapy to your treatment plan, it does not mean you haven’t done a good job of managing your blood sugar. An individual’s type 2 diabetes treatment needs may change with time; the condition is progressive for many, and often, the body gradually becomes less able to produce insulin on its own. 

We’re specialists in treatment for type 2 diabetes, and whether you’re beginning oral medications or transitioning to insulin, Alto’s pharmacists are here to support you on your health journey.

Additionally, we make it as simple as possible to stay on track with treatment, with free, same-day delivery right to your doorstep, temperature controlled packaging, and savings investigations.

Reach out via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging to learn how Alto can be a partner in your diabetes care.

If you’ve ever been told not to eat a specific food while taking a medication, it was likely due to the possibility of a medication interaction.

Some medications work less effectively or cause unpleasant side effects when mixed with certain foods, beverages, vitamins, or supplements. (As you’ll learn below, sometimes taking a medication as prescribed means avoiding grapefruits.)

Medication Interactions, Explained

If you’ve ever been told not to eat a specific food while taking a medication, it was likely due to the possibility of a medication interaction.

Some medications work less effectively or cause unpleasant side effects when mixed with certain foods, beverages, vitamins, or supplements. (As you’ll learn below, sometimes taking a medication as prescribed means avoiding grapefruits.)

Several factors affect how a medication works, and interactions can happen between:

Most potential medication interactions are known. So as long as your provider is aware of your health history and all the medications you’re currently taking — including over-the-counter ones — you should be able to experience the benefits of your medications and avoid unnecessary side effects.

It’s also helpful to understand why these interactions occur. Below, you’ll find an overview of medication interaction basics. In addition, always ask your doctor or pharmacist as many questions as you need to in order to feel confident taking your medications.

Proteins in your liver called enzymes are responsible for helping your body absorb and process a medication. Sometimes a medication, vitamin, or supplement changes how these enzymes work.

If one medication causes enzymes to break down another medication more slowly, you may experience an interaction between the two medications. This can cause a medication to stay in your body for too long, or increase its quantity in your body. Both scenarios can lead to unwanted side effects or worsen side effects that you typically experience.

On the flip side, a medication interaction might cause enzymes to work faster, making medication pass through your body too quickly. In these types of medication interactions, you won’t experience a medication’s normal benefits, which can worsen symptoms of a health condition.

Other times, a food or supplement binds to an oral medication, preventing that medication from entering your bloodstream or lowering your blood levels of it.

Keep in mind that each person’s body and genetic makeup is unique. Your specific genes can profoundly impact how medications are metabolized and any resulting medication interactions.

A medication-medication interaction occurs when the combination of two or more medications produces an unwanted side effect. As an example, when the heart medication digoxin (Lanoxin®) is combined with another heart medication called amiodarone (Pacerone®), blood levels of digoxin may increase, resulting in side effects.

Other examples of medication-medication interactions include:

Anticoagulants and antibiotics/OTC pain relief: Antibiotics and many common pain relief medications including ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®) aren’t safe to combine with blood-thinning medications like warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®), as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

Levothyroxine and omeprazole: The thyroid medication levothyroxine (Synthroid®) requires extremely precise dosing and other medications can easily alter blood levels of it. In particular, the heartburn medication omeprazole (Prilosec®) can decrease the body’s absorption of levothyroxine.

Diuretics and certain antidepressants: Diuretics, a class of blood pressure-lowering medications that includes chlorthalidone (Thalitone®, Tenoretic®, and Clorpres®) and hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril®, Microzide®, and Esidrix®), can lower sodium levels. Combining these medications with certain antidepressants including fluoxetine (Prozac®) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR®) can increase the risk of severely low sodium levels.

Even some of the most nutritious foods can pose health risks when combined with certain medications. For example, grapefruits and grapefruit juice can block the enzymes your body needs to break down cholesterol-lowering statins, leading to higher blood levels of the medication and a greater risk of side effects.

Some statins interact more strongly with grapefruits and grapefruit juice — like atorvastatin (Lipitor®), lovastatin (Mevacor®, and simvastatin (Zocor®) — while others, including fluvastatin (Lescol®) and pravastatin (Pravachol®), are less affected. If you have concerns about this potential medication interaction, speak with your doctor about your options.

Other common food-medication interactions include:

Warfarin and vitamin K-rich vegetables: The anticoagulant warfarin blocks the effects of vitamin K, which helps your blood clot. High intake of vitamin K-rich veggies like broccoli and spinach can make the medication less effective. Consult with your doctor about nutrition considerations when taking warfarin, and maintain a consistent diet.

Metformin and alcohol: Drinking heavily while taking the oral diabetes medication metformin can increase your risk of extremely low blood sugar. In rare cases, it can also cause a condition called lactic acidosis, in which too much acid accumulates in the bloodstream. Many people are able to safely drink in moderation while on metformin. The specific interaction of alcohol and metformin varies by individual. Consult with your doctor to determine what precautions you should take.

Dairy products and antibiotics: Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products can reduce the body’s absorption of certain antibiotics, including tetracycline, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline.

Dairy products and bisphosphonates: Dairy products can also reduce absorption of some oral bisphosphonates used to treat osteoporosis.

As a precaution against food-medication interactions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the best ways to take your medication. The potential for these interactions doesn’t necessarily mean avoiding certain food or drinks altogether, but rather making small modifications or being mindful of when you eat or drink them. For example, it is typically recommended to consume dairy products at least three hours after taking an antibiotic.

Interactions between medication and a health condition

Doctors need to know your health history in order to safely prescribe a medication. Certain health conditions may increase a medication’s side effects, and some medications can worsen symptoms of a health condition.

Examples of interactions between a medication and health condition include the following. If you are concerned about the possibility of a medication-condition interaction, speak with your doctor about appropriate alternative medications.

Decongestants and hypertension: Some decongestants used to relieve colds, including pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®), can tighten blood vessels throughout your body, increasing blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, look for decongestant-free cold medicines like Coricidin®.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hypertension: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen and naproxen can also increase blood pressure. Aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is typically a better option for pain or fever relief for individuals with hypertension.

Beta blockers and asthma: Beta blockers, a medication class commonly used to lower blood pressure, can tighten airway muscles, potentially causing an asthma attack.

Acetaminophen and liver function issues: Your liver is critical in your body’s absorption of acetaminophen. If your liver function is impaired, the medication can accumulate in your bloodstream and further damage your liver. If you have any known issues with liver function, ask your doctor if acetaminophen is safe to take. They may recommend a lower dosage or suggest taking an alternative medication.

The best way to prevent any negative medication interaction is to make sure that anyone prescribing a medication for you is informed of your entire health history. This is especially important if you see multiple doctors, take multiple medications, or live with a chronic health condition.

When you are prescribed a medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you take — both OTC and prescription — as well as supplements, vitamins, and herbs. They should also have a sense of your diet.

Consolidating your prescriptions at one pharmacy can also prevent interactions between multiple medications. At Alto, we check for potential interactions when we receive a new prescription by reviewing every prescription on file.

You should always know the answers to the following questions when taking a medication. Never hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for additional clarification.

Can I take this medication with other medications?

Should I avoid certain foods or drinks when taking this medication?

Are there known potential medication interactions? If so, what signs should I watch for?

Our expert pharmacists can answer any questions you have about medication interactions, side effects, or release right in the Alto app. We also offer free same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills to make it as simple as possible to stay on track with your treatment.

Reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Hyperlipidemia refers to high blood levels of two types of lipids: cholesterol and triglycerides. While high cholesterol is the most common type, hyperlipidemia also includes hypertriglyceridemia — in which triglyceride levels are too high — and mixed hyperlipidemia, in which both cholesterol and triglyceride levels are high.

Hyperlipidemia, Explained

Untreated hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for coronary artery disease, and those with the condition may face a greater risk for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. Fortunately, all forms of hyperlipidemia can be managed with lifestyle changes and/or medications.

Below, we explain more about the causes and risk factors for hyperlipidemia and how to manage the condition.

Hyperlipidemia occurs when a person’s levels of triglycerides, LDL cholesterol (aka “bad cholesterol”), or both are too high. Both triglycerides and cholesterol are types of lipids, or fatty acids, that move through your blood.

Neither cholesterol nor triglycerides are inherently bad. In fact, your body needs them, and each serves a distinct purpose:

Cholesterol builds cells and some hormones

In high amounts, however, LDL cholesterol and/or triglycerides cause plaque to gradually accumulate inside of your blood vessels. Over time, this makes it increasingly difficult for blood to move through your body. By depriving the heart and brain of nutrients and oxygen, this can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Other complications of hyperlipidemia include:

Hyperlipidemia can develop as the result of genetics, lifestyle factors, other health conditions, and medications.

If you have been prescribed any of the above medications, speak with your doctor about the balance of benefits and risks.

Hyperlipidemia is typically not accompanied by any visible symptoms, so it’s important to stay on track with regular screening.

A lipid profile, or lipid panel, is a simple blood test that measures your levels of:

HDL cholesterol (aka “good cholesterol”)

LDL cholesterol (aka “bad cholesterol”)

The exact definition of “healthy” cholesterol and triglyceride levels depends on a variety of health factors and may vary by individual. Below are general guidelines, however it’s important to work with your doctor to determine your target range.

A healthy range for total cholesterol is typically considered to be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)

A healthy range for HDL cholesterol is typically considered to be higher than 40 mg/dL for men and higher than 50 mg/dL for women

A healthy range for LDL cholesterol is typically considered to be less than 100 mg/dL

A healthy range for triglycerides is typically considered to be less than 150 mg/dL

If your cholesterol and triglycerides are in what your doctor considers to be a healthy range, the recommended frequency for screening is usually every 4-6 years. If you are at a higher risk for heart health issues, you may need more frequent screenings.

In most cases, a doctor will recommend lifestyle changes as the starting point of treatment for hyperlipidemia.

Diet is one of two main sources of cholesterol — the other being your liver — so revisiting your dietary choices is a simple way to rebalance cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels.

Aim to reduce your consumption of saturated fats such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, which increase blood levels of LDL cholesterol. Avoid trans fats such as baked goods, fast food, vegetable shortening, and margarine as much as possible.

Healthy foods to load up on include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts.

Exercise is another component of managing hyperlipidemia — and of practicing an overall heart-healthy lifestyle. The American Heart Association suggests 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or about 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise each day.

If you are just beginning to develop your workout routine, remember that the important thing is to start somewhere, and you can always work your way up to more intense exercise.

If you have unhealthy cholesterol or triglyceride levels, smoking further increases your risk of heart health issues. If you currently smoke, ask your doctor for smoking cessation resources. If you don’t smoke, try to limit your exposure to secondhand smoke.

Medication may be prescribed to improve cholesterol or triglyceride levels if lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient.

The following types of medications are commonly used to lower cholesterol:

Statins such as atorvastatin (Lipitor®) and fluvastatin (Lescol®) act on the liver to prevent cholesterol from forming. They are the most common cholesterol-lowering medication.

The cholesterol absorption inhibitor Ezetimibe (Zetia®) is the most commonly used non-statin cholesterol medication.

ACL inhibitors such as bempedoic acid (Nexletol®) are often taken in combination with statins to further lower cholesterol in individuals with heart disease. These medications target a certain enzyme to block production of cholesterol in the liver.

For a closer look at cholesterol-lowering medication options, read How to Manage High Cholesterol: Diet, Medications, and More.

The following types of medications are commonly used to lower triglyceride levels:

Fibrates such as Gemfibrozil (Lopid®) and Fenofibrate (Antara®, Lofibra®, Tricor®, and Triglide™) - these typically aren’t recommended for those with severe kidney or liver disease

Niacin, a B vitamin that reduces the liver’s production of blood fats

Prescription-strength fish oil formulations such as Lovaza®

At Alto, we make it as simple as possible to stay on top of your cholesterol-lowering medications. We will work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to ensure your medications are as affordable as possible. And our team of pharmacists is available to chat whenever questions come up about side effects or how to take your medication properly.

After an initial stroke, 1 in 4 individuals will have another within five years. Medications play an important role in preventing another stroke and treating stroke-related complications, often in tandem with lifestyle changes.

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications based on the underlying cause of your stroke as well as its impact on your physical and mental health.

Medications Used After a Stroke

After an initial stroke, 1 in 4 individuals will have another within five years. Medications play an important role in preventing another stroke and treating stroke-related complications, often in tandem with lifestyle changes.

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications based on the underlying cause of your stroke as well as its impact on your physical and mental health.

Here’s what to know about stroke causes and medications commonly prescribed during recovery.

A stroke disrupts the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, potentially damaging brain tissue. This can lead to impaired speech, impaired cognitive function, memory loss, numbness, and paralysis.

Strokes can be life-threatening, so it’s important to seek immediate medical care if you exhibit signs of a stroke such as the following:

Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg

Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding speech

Sudden severe headache without another cause

There are two types of strokes, with different underlying causes:

An ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, often due to a blood clot or the accumulation of plaque in blood vessels. It is the more common type of stroke. Associated health risk factors include high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes.

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures, damaging brain cells as a result. Associated health risk factors include high blood pressure and aneurysms.

Additionally, a transient ischemic attack (TIA) — sometimes referred to as a ministroke — occurs when there is temporarily reduced or blocked blood supply to the brain, often as the result of a blood clot. Unlike ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, a TIA does not result in permanent damage.

Many of the leading risk factors for a stroke are modifiable, including:

Aftercare may include management of these risk factors.

There are a variety of medication classes used during stroke recovery, including the following.

Since high blood pressure is a leading cause of hemorrhagic strokes, stroke recovery may involve the use of several types of blood pressure medications.

Beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and less forcefully, lowering blood pressure. Commonly prescribed beta blockers include atenolol (Tenormin®), bisoprolol (Zebeta®), metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor®), metoprolol succinate (Toprol-XL®), acebutolol (Sectral®), and propranolol (Inderal®).

ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure by blocking production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow. Commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include benazepril (Lotensin®), enalapril (Vasotec®), fosinopril (Monopril®), lisinopril (Prinivil®, Zestril®), and ramipril (Altace®).

Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels so that the heart beats with less force. Commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers include amlodipine (Norvasc®), diltiazem (Cardizem CD®, Tiazac®), nifedipine (Procardia XL®), and verapamil (Calan SR®, Verelan®).

Diuretics lower blood pressure by helping the body get rid of excess sodium and water, reducing the volume of fluid in blood vessels. Commonly prescribed diuretics include chlorthalidone (Thalitone®, Tenoretic®, and Clorpres®), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril®, Microzide®, and Esidrix®), and indapamide (Lozol®).

Read Common Types of Blood Pressure Medications to learn more about these medications and potential side effects.

Anticoagulants interrupt the body’s natural blood clotting process to prevent new clots from forming and existing ones from growing. The following types of anticoagulants may be prescribed after an initial ischemic stroke.

Warfarin (Coumadin® and Jantoven®) prevents your liver from producing proteins that help form blood clots. It is taken orally as tablets. It has been associated with excessive bleeding in some individuals. Inform your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder so that they can prescribe an alternative.

Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) directly block the blood’s ability to form new clots. Commonly prescribed DOACs include apixaban (Eliquis®), dabigatran (Pradaxa®), edoxaban (Savaysa®), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto®).

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