According to the American Heart Association, there are five main types of cholesterol-lowering medications.

The average American older than 65 takes two to seven prescription drugs daily; managing these medications properly is essential for good health.

Along with diet and exercise, treatment to lower cholesterol may include the B vitamin niacin combined with drugs such as statins.

Every year, more than 400 million prescriptions are filled with generic medications in the United States.

Some drugs help prevent heart attacks. Others lower cholesterol or blood pressure. Many can help you maintain your quality of life for many years to come.

Although most medications are safe when you take them the right way, some drugs can cause dizziness, loss of consciousness, bleeding, irregular heartbeats, and other side effects in some cases.

These medications are life-giving and powerful. It's important to take them just as your doctor has prescribed.

If you don’t know for sure what you’re taking and the right way to take it, nearly any drug has the potential to harm your health.