Statins
Statins are a group of medicines that can help lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood.
LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad cholesterol", and statins reduce the production of it inside the liver.
Why have I been offered statins?
Having a high level of LDL cholesterol is potentially dangerous, as it can lead to a hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
CVD is a general term that describes a disease of the heart or blood vessels. It's the most common cause of death in the UK. The main types of CVD are:
- coronary heart disease – when the blood supply to the heart becomes restricted
- angina – sharp chest pain, caused by coronary heart disease
- heart attacks – when the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked
- stroke – when the supply of blood to the brain becomes blocked
Your doctor may recommend taking statins if either:
- you've been diagnosed with a form of CVD
- your personal and family medical history suggests you're likely to develop CVD at some point over the next 10 years and lifestyle measures (see below) haven't reduced this risk
Read more about when statins may be recommended.
Taking statins
Statins come as tablets that are taken once a day. The tablets should normally be taken at the same time each day – most people take them just before going to bed.
In most cases, treatment with statins continues for life, as stopping the medication causes your cholesterol to return to a high level within a few weeks.
If you ever forget to take your dose, don't take an extra one to make up for it. Just take your next dose as usual the following day.
If you accidentally take too many statin tablets (more than your usual daily dose), contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice, or call NHS 111.
Cautions and interactions
Statins can sometimes interact with other medicines, increasing the risk of unpleasant side effects, such as muscle damage. Some types of statin can also interact with grapefruit juice.
It's very important to read the information leaflet that comes with your medication, to check if there are any interactions you should be aware of. If in doubt, contact your GP or pharmacist for advice.
Read more things to consider when taking statins.
Side effects of statins
Many people who take statins experience no or very few side effects. Others experience some troublesome – but usually minor – side effects, such as an upset stomach, headache or feeling sick.
Your doctor should discuss the risks and benefits of taking statins if they're offered to you.
Cases that involve more serious side effects, such as kidney failure, tend to get a great deal of media coverage, but these are rare. The British Heart Foundation states than just 1 in every 10,000 people who take statins will experience a potentially dangerous side effect.
The risks of any side effects also have to be balanced against the benefits of preventing serious problems. A review of scientific studies into the effectiveness of statins found that around one in every 50 people who take the medication for five years will avoid a serious event, such as a heart attack or stroke, as a result.
Read more about the side effects of statins.
Alternatives to statins
If you're at risk of developing CVD in the near future, your doctor will usually recommend lifestyle measures to reduce this risk before they suggest that you take statins.
Lifestyle measures that can reduce your cholesterol level and CVD risk include:
- eating a healthy, balanced diet
- exercising regularly
- maintaining a healthy weight
- limiting the amount of alcohol you drink
- stopping smoking
Statins may be recommended if these measures don’t help.
Read more about:
Types of statin
There are five types of statin available via prescription in the UK:
- atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- fluvastatin (Lescol)
- pravastatin (Lipostat)
- rosuvastatin (Crestor)
- simvastatin (Zocor)