High LDL (Bad) Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat that is naturally made by the liver and also comes from the food we eat. It has many important functions in the body, such as building and maintaining cell walls, producing hormones, and metabolizing fat-soluble vitamins. But too much "bad" cholesterol can lead to heart disease and stroke. When a diet that's low in saturated and trans fats isn't enough, then the following drugs may be prescribed.

Statins
These drugs simply decrease the liver's production of cholesterol.

Signature side effects: Anything from simple muscle soreness to the more extreme breakdown of muscle tissue, which can cause kidney damage. Also may cause liver problems.

Niacin
This B vitamin increases HDL ("good") cholesterol and decreases LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglyceride levels. HDL picks up bad cholesterol and takes it back to the liver for disposal.

Signature side effect: Skin may break out in red flushing.