human
My doctor wants me to take a cholesterol medicine. What are cholesterol medicines and what are the side effects?
assistant
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that helps form cell membranes in our bodies. It’s found in foods such as eggs, meat, and dairy products. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can be dangerous and lead to heart disease. To help lower cholesterol levels, doctors often prescribe medications called statins. These drugs work by blocking an enzyme that produces cholesterol. Statins have been linked to many side effects including muscle pain, nausea, headaches, fatigue, and digestive problems.