Some cholesterol reducers can cause liver inflammation, which tends to resolve on its own after patients stop taking the medication. To monitor this and other complications, patients will undergo regular blood tests and liver function tests.

Women taking cholesterol-reducing drugs should inform their physicians at once if they are or plan to become pregnant. Although it has been found that statins do not have a negative effect on female reproductive hormone levels, cholesterol is an important contributor to the development of the fetus. In addition, some cholesterol reducers are excreted in breastmilk. Nursing mothers, therefore, should consult with their physician before taking or discontinuing these drugs. Patients should not abruptly stop taking their medications without first consulting their physicians. It is also important that patients notify all physicians (including dentists) that they are taking statins before undergoing any surgical procedure. And all patients taking statins should inform their physician immediately of any side effects or concerns.

Most patients on medication to treat high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) will be taking it for the rest of their lives, provided no serious side effects occur. Patients should remember that medications may control high cholesterol, but they do not cure it. Even if all their symptoms are relieved, patients should continue to take their medication exactly as directed, eat a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fats and keep all scheduled follow-up appointments with their physician. Numerous studies have shown the dangers associated with noncompliance, or people not taking their cholesterol-lowering medications exactly as prescribed. Even if the medications do not appear to make you "feel better," there is a significantly higher risk of heart attack among people who simply stop taking their medications.