Statins work by inhibiting a particular enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, which controls the rate of
cholesterol production in the body. This causes the liver to make less cholesterol. Statins also:
- Increase the liver's ability to collect and get rid of LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol)
- Increase HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol)
- Decrease triglycerides.
When and How to Take Statins
Some general considerations to keep in mind when taking statins include the following:
- Statins come in tablet or capsule form. They are taken once or twice a day, depending on the particular product.
- Short-acting statins must be taken in the evening (near bedtime), while long-acting statins can be taken at any time of the day. Either way, make sure to take your dose at the same time each day.
- Some statins can be taken with or without food; others must be taken with food.
- For these medications to work properly, they must be taken as prescribed.
Why Take Statins in the Evening?
Many statins (but not all) must be taken in the evening. The liver produces the most
cholesterol in the middle of the night (in the early morning hours). Therefore, it is best to take the short-acting statins in the evening -- taking them early in the day would decrease their effectiveness. This advice applies to the following medications:
Longer-acting statins can be taken at any time of the day, although you should take them consistently at the same time each day. These longer-acting medications include:
Dosing Information
The dose of a statin that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular statin product
- How you respond to the medication
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(For more information, see your particular statin drug within eMedTV.com.)
As with all medicines, statins can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes these drugs will experience problems. Most people tolerate them quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of statins include but are not limited to:
(Click Statin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Statins can potentially interact with several other medicines (see your particular statin product on eMedTV.com for further information).
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking a statin if you have:
- Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatitis
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
If you happen to overdose on this medication, seek immediate medical attention
(see Statin Overdose for more information).
How Should Statins Be Stored?
Statins should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep these and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your statin as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Several different statin medications are available. In addition, a few combination medications contain a statin plus another
cholesterol medication (see Statin Drug List for more information).
Some (but not all) statin medications are available in generic form
(see Generic Statins).
