Convenient access to High Cholesterol Treatments With GP24.

Our prescription service costs €25

This service is available to patients anywhere in Republic of Ireland.

Yes - this service is based on the same patient-doctor confidentiality that you would expect in a face-to-face consultation.

If you’re not entirely sure about your condition and have not had a previous prescription, it is recommended that you first chat with our doctor using either our Video Consultation or Phone consultation services first.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found naturally in your body and in some foods. It plays a vital role in building cell membranes, producing hormones, and supporting vitamin D synthesis.

Your liver produces most of the cholesterol your body needs, but cholesterol also comes from animal-based foods like meat, dairy, and eggs.

While cholesterol is essential for health, having too much of certain types—especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad cholesterol”—can lead to high cholesterol. This condition means excess cholesterol builds up in your blood, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke by causing plaque to form in your arteries.

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is important to support your heart and overall wellbeing.

High cholesterol can develop due to a combination of lifestyle choices, genetics, and certain health conditions.

Common causes include:

• Unhealthy diet: Eating foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol—such as fried foods, processed snacks, and fatty meats—can raise your cholesterol levels.

• Lack of physical activity: Regular exercise helps improve your cholesterol balance. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to higher levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and lower “good” HDL cholesterol.

• Genetics: Family history plays a significant role. Some people inherit genes that cause their bodies to produce too much cholesterol or prevent it from being cleared effectively, a condition known as familial hypercholesterolemia.

• Obesity: Excess weight is linked to higher LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol.

• Age and gender: Cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. Women’s cholesterol levels may increase after menopause.

• Certain medical conditions: Diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney or liver diseases can affect cholesterol metabolism.

• Smoking: Tobacco use can lower “good” HDL cholesterol and damage blood vessels, making cholesterol buildup more dangerous.

High cholesterol itself usually does not cause any symptoms, which is why it’s often called a “silent” condition. Many people don’t know their cholesterol levels are too high until they have a blood test.

You may be eligible to request cholesterol treatment through GP24.ie if you:

• Are over 18 years of age

• Have been previously diagnosed with high cholesterol by a healthcare professional

• Need a repeat prescription for commonly prescribed cholesterol medication

Please note: This service is not suitable for initial diagnosis of high cholesterol. Blood test results will be required if a repeat prescription is requested.

Yes! You can take several effective steps to lower high cholesterol and improve your heart health:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit saturated fats (found in red meat and full-fat dairy), trans fats (in many processed foods), and reduce your intake of cholesterol-rich foods. Incorporate healthy fats like those in olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish.

• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, like brisk walking or cycling, each week to raise “good” HDL cholesterol and lower “bad” LDL cholesterol.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Losing excess weight can improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.

• Quit smoking: Smoking lowers your good HDL cholesterol and damages your arteries. Quitting helps your cholesterol balance and overall cardiovascular health.

• Limit alcohol intake: Drinking alcohol in moderation can be part of a healthy lifestyle, but excessive drinking can raise cholesterol and blood pressure.

• Follow your treatment plan: If prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications, take them as directed and keep up with regular doctor visits and blood tests.

We prescribe statins, a widely used and effective medication to help lower high cholesterol levels. Statins work by reducing the cholesterol your liver produces, which helps decrease the amount of “bad” LDL cholesterol in your blood. This lowers your risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Our medical team will review your health history and cholesterol levels to determine the right statin and dose for you. We also provide guidance and ongoing support to ensure your treatment is safe and working effectively.

Statins are generally safe and well-tolerated, but like all medications, they can cause side effects in some people. Common side effects may include:

• Muscle aches or weakness

• Headaches

• Digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation

• Fatigue

• Elevated liver enzymes (usually detected through blood tests)

Serious side effects are rare but can include muscle damage or liver problems. It’s important to report any unusual muscle pain, weakness, or dark urine to your doctor immediately.

Stop taking the medication and seek medical advice immediately. You can also contact us for follow-up support or guidance from one of our GPs.

Complete an Online Questionnaire: Fill out a secure, confidential medical assessment form detailing your symptoms and health history

Medical Review: An Irish-registered doctor will review your information to determine if treatment is appropriate for you

Prescription Issuance: If suitable, a prescription will be sent directly to your chosen Irish pharmacy via secure Healthmail

Yes. To ensure your safety, you’ll need to complete a confidential health questionnaire, which will be reviewed by a Doctor before any prescription is issued.

Your medical information is reviewed only by Irish Medical Council Registered Doctors and is handled in line with GDPR and Irish data protection laws.

Your prescription will be sent electronically via the Healthmail system to the Irish pharmacy of your choice - you can nominate any pharmacy in Ireland to receive your prescription

Once your medical questionnaire is submitted, prescriptions are typically issued within 24 hours.

(Please note this may vary on weekends)