If your cholesterol levels are too high, your physician may ask you to take medication. The following medications may help you control cholesterol levels.

• Statins are often prescribed for people who cannot lower their cholesterol through lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and weight loss. A statin may lower your LDL level by 18 to 55 percent. Many people do not have problems with statins. But rarely, statins can cause serious muscle or liver problems. Ask your physician what to do about signs of possible side effects, such as muscle pain, fever, nausea, vomiting or dark urine.
• Bile acid sequestrants used alone can usually lower LDL levels by 15 to 30 percent. Take a sequestrant with plenty of water or juice. This may help with constipation, nausea or gas.
• Niacin is also known as the vitamin B3. In high doses it can lower your LDL level and your triglyceride level. It may also raise your HDL level. Too much niacin is dangerous, so talk with your physician before taking it. Feeling flushed is a common side effect when taking niacin. You may be able to reduce this feeling by taking an aspirin about 30 minutes before you take niacin.
• Fibrates can lower your triglyceride level while raising your HDL level. Gastrointestinal problems are the most common side effect.
• Ezetimibe cuts the amount of cholesterol that your body absorbs. It may be taken with a statin in a combined form or alone.

Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions about your medications.