Cholesterol Medication Comparison: Which Drug Works Best for You?

When it comes to lowering cholesterol, statins, a class of drugs that block cholesterol production in the liver and also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, are the most common starting point. But they don’t work for everyone, and not all statins are built the same. Some cause muscle pain, others raise blood sugar, and a few just don’t drop LDL enough for certain people. That’s why knowing how different cholesterol medications, drugs designed to reduce bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol compare isn’t just helpful—it’s critical for long-term heart health.

Behind statins, you’ve got ezetimibe, a drug that blocks cholesterol absorption in the gut, often paired with a statin when one alone isn’t enough. Then there are the newer PCSK9 inhibitors, injectable biologics that help the liver remove more LDL from the blood, used for high-risk patients who still struggle despite maxed-out oral meds. Each has different costs, dosing schedules, and side effect profiles. For example, statins like atorvastatin and rosuvastatin can cut LDL by 50% or more, while ezetimibe usually drops it by 15–20%. PCSK9 inhibitors can knock LDL down another 50–60% on top of statins—but they’re expensive and require shots every two weeks. Your doctor might pick one over another based on your liver function, diabetes risk, or even how often you forget to take pills.

It’s not just about the numbers on a lab report. Some people feel better on one drug than another, even if the cholesterol numbers look similar. Others can’t tolerate statins at all and need alternatives. That’s why real-world experience matters: what works for your neighbor might not work for you. The posts below dig into these comparisons one by one—showing you how different cholesterol drugs stack up in effectiveness, cost, and side effects. You’ll find clear breakdowns of what each option does, who it’s best for, and what to watch out for. No fluff. Just facts you can use to talk smarter with your doctor and take control of your heart health.