How do you treat cholesterol problems if you can't take statins?

The old fashion way: Statins are relatively new in the history of hyperlipidemia. You need to go back to the basics with exercise and weight loss in the forefront (as low cholesterol diet has been declared less important). There are other few medicines that could also be used. Also: having side effects from stronger statins does not mean that a "weaker" one can't be tried.