Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs may help reduce the bad cholesterol (LDL), increase the good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce triglycerides (a blood fat). There are several classes of drugs that are used to treat cholesterol, including statins. Your doctor may prescribe a combination therapy of drugs for your specific situation. An elevated cholesterol level (hypercholesterolemia) is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and cholesterol-lowering drugs may help to reduce that risk, when taken as directed. Due to potential side effects, patients who are taking most cholesterol-lowering drugs may need to have periodic liver function tests. When taking cholesterol lowering medication, it is still important to eat a healthy diet, be physically active and live a heart healthy lifestyle.