Medicines to lower cholesterol are ideally used only as a last resort in patients who are not ideally controlled by life style modifications and dietary control. Other means of lowering cholesterol are: -Eating less saturated fats and increase in consumption of foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like fish and fish oils, english walnuts. -Reduce intake of carbohydrates in diet like Rice, potato -Regular exercise -Give up smoking and alcohol consumption I would also recommend consulting all these measures again with your doctor before outright refusing the medicines as he would know your body much better by examination. hope this answers your question, thank you.