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 |