Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians about their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctors the following questions related to cholesterol-reducing drugs:

1. Do I need cholesterol-reducing medication? Why?
   
   
2. Can weight loss and dietary changes eliminate the need for this medication?
   
   
3. What type of cholesterol-reducing drug should I take?
   
   
4. Will I have to take this medication daily or only under certain conditions?
   
   
5. Does one type of this medication have more side effects than others?
   
   
6. If one type of this medicine does not help my cholesterol level, will other types work?
   
   
7. Does everyone experience side effects? Which one should I report?
   
   
8. Are newer cholesterol drugs better than older ones?
   
   
9. Is it more important for a medicine to work on my cholesterol or triglyceride levels?
   
   
10. I know lifestyle and diet changes can help lower my LDL cholesterol. Are there any changes that can help raise my HDL cholesterol?