mnvikes replied: "at comparable doses, all have similar effects so potency isnt a big deciding factor. pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), and lovastatin (Mevacor?) are the only ones i can think of that are generic currently. as far as "rating them", i dont think there are any huge standout advantages to any one of them. there are some subtle differences that you can talk to your doctor about and figure out which is best for you, but most docs just pick one or two and give it to everyone which is fine. simvastatin and lipitor seem to be the most popular by far IMO. Vytorin is a combo pill of simvastatin and Zetia, its good for people with very high cholesterol or bad diets. the statins are pretty well tolerated side effect wise for the most part, to my knowledge they dont block any major hormones to a signficant degree. the statins do have one serious side effect though that hits one in every couple hundred users, called rhabdomyolysis; basically it causes some breakdown of muscle, and the excess protein in your blood jams up your kidneys which is why in the commericals they tell you to report unexplained weakness and muscle aches immediately (it usually isnt a huge problem if the person reports it right away and it is taken care of, but it can cause very serious kidney damage if it is ignored). Zetia is ok, should be more of a second choice though IMO because its more expensive and isnt as powerful as the statins, plus it doesnt have the antiinflammatory effects statins do.... it blocks absorption of cholesterol from your diet. ask your doctor if you have more questions."