Cholesterol Medication Online

Getting cholesterol medication online

High cholesterol is a common condition that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. In Australia, a significant proportion of adults have elevated cholesterol, and for many people prescription medication is an important part of managing the risk. A NewDoc telehealth consultation lets you renew an existing cholesterol medication or discuss treatment options with an AHPRA-registered GP.

Your GP will review your lipid panel results, your overall cardiovascular risk, and any other health conditions before deciding on the appropriate treatment. The consultation is bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders, and the eScript is included at no extra charge.

How online cholesterol prescription works

Book a telehealth consultation, join the video or phone call at your scheduled time, and discuss your cholesterol history with an AHPRA-registered GP. If your GP determines that a script is clinically appropriate, an eScript is sent to your phone by SMS, typically within minutes of the call ending.

You can fill the script at any Australian pharmacy. Most cholesterol medications are PBS-listed, so the out-of-pocket cost is the standard PBS co-payment (lower for concession cardholders).

Monitoring on cholesterol medication

Your GP will typically arrange a blood test to check your lipid panel within 2 to 3 months of starting treatment, and again every 6 to 12 months once stable. Baseline liver function tests are also commonly ordered. All these referrals can be issued electronically during a telehealth consultation.

When telehealth may not be suitable

Most cholesterol management can be handled via telehealth. However, your GP may recommend an in-person review if your case is complex (for example, familial hypercholesterolaemia, history of cardiovascular events, or intolerance to several medications), or if physical examination is needed. If that happens, your GP can issue a referral to a local clinic or specialist as part of the consultation.

References

High cholesterol, Healthdirect Australia
Cholesterol, Heart Foundation Australia
Guidelines for the management of absolute cardiovascular disease risk, RACGP

This content is informational and does not replace individual medical advice. For personal assessment, book a consultation with your GP. In emergencies, call 000.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP, Chief Medical Officer, NewDoc

Last reviewed 22 April 2026. Editorial policy

Frequently asked questions

Can I get cholesterol medication online in Australia?

Yes. If you have an existing diagnosis of high cholesterol and are already on treatment, an AHPRA-registered GP can review your regimen during a telehealth consultation and, if clinically appropriate, issue a repeat eScript sent to your phone.

Is the cholesterol medication consultation bulk billed?

Yes, for eligible Medicare cardholders. The consultation is bulk billed and the eScript is included at no extra charge. You only pay the pharmacy dispensing fee at the time of collection. Most cholesterol medications are PBS-listed, so the cost at the pharmacy is the standard PBS co-payment.

Do I need a recent blood test before getting cholesterol medication?

Yes, a recent lipid panel (usually within the last 12 months) helps your GP assess whether your treatment is working and whether any adjustment is needed. If you do not have recent results, your GP can issue a pathology referral during the telehealth consultation before or after prescribing a repeat.

Can I start a new cholesterol medication via telehealth?

In many cases, yes. If your lipid panel shows elevated cholesterol and your cardiovascular risk warrants treatment, your GP can discuss the options and, where clinically appropriate, issue a script. For complex cases (for example, familial hypercholesterolaemia), a specialist referral may be more appropriate and your GP can arrange it.

What about side effects from cholesterol medication?

Common concerns include muscle aches, digestive symptoms, and occasional liver or blood sugar changes. Your GP will take a careful history before prescribing and can adjust the dose or switch to an alternative if you are experiencing side effects. Baseline liver function tests are often recommended, and can be ordered electronically.

How often should I review cholesterol treatment?

Your GP will typically recommend a lipid panel and review within 2 to 3 months of starting or changing treatment, then every 6 to 12 months once stable. Regular reviews help ensure the medication is working and are bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders.

Can lifestyle changes reduce the need for cholesterol medication?

Diet, regular physical activity, weight management, limiting alcohol, and stopping smoking all help improve cholesterol levels. For some people, these changes may be enough on their own; for others, lifestyle plus medication is the most effective approach. Your GP will discuss what is most suitable for your cardiovascular risk profile.