Most cholesterol medications lower cholesterol with few side effects, but their effectiveness can vary from patient to patient. A doctor may recommend periodic liver function tests to monitor the a medication's effect on the liver. Statins (brand names Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor, and others) are a class of drugs that lower cholesterol levels in the blood by reducing the production of cholesterol by the liver. Statins are used to prevent and treat hardening of the arteries which may cause chest pain, heart attacks, strokes and other conditions. Medication can help control cholesterol — but lifestyle choices matter too. For more information on healthy cholesterol levels, visit www.dailyrx.com.
