Drug class

Generic

Side effects

Statins work in the liver to prevent cholesterol from forming.

Lipitor (atorvastatin), Lescol (fluvastatin), Zocor (simvastatin), Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium)

Diarrhea, upset stomach, muscle and joint pain

PCSK9 inhibitors interact with a liver protein to lower LDL.

Repatha (evolucumab) and Praluent (alirocumab)

Back pain, symptoms of cold or flu

Selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors prevent cholesterol from being absorbed in the intestine.

Zetia (ezetimibe)

Diarrhea, tired feeling, headache, stomach pain, back pain

Bile acid sequestrants or bile acid-binding drugs work in the intestine to increase cholesterol disposal.

Questran (cholestyramine), Colestid (colestipol), WelChol (colesvelam)

Constipation, stomach pain, gas, indigestion, diarrhea