Statin Medications

Important information about statins:

Statins help lower the cholesterol in the body. They work by blocking your body from making cholesterol. Statins also help your liver work better to get rid of cholesterol from the body.

There are many statins available. Some commonly prescribed are atorvastatin (Lipitor®), pravastatin (Pravachol®), rosuvastatin (Crestor®), and simvastatin (Zocor®).

Your healthcare provider may recommend this medicine as part of the treatment plan for high cholesterol.

You should not take statins if you:

  • Have an allergy to statins or any other part of this medicine

  • Have active liver disease or an increase in liver enzymes

  • Are pregnant, or may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding

Side effects from statin medicines are rare and may include:

  • Elevated liver enzymes

  • Muscle pain or weakness

  • Diarrhea

If you think you are having side effects from this medicine, please call your healthcare provider.

Patient instructions for statins:

  • Do not change your dose or stop taking this medicine without talking to your healthcare provider.

  • Take this medicine at night. Your liver makes most of its cholesterol at night.

  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are taking this medicine.

  • If you miss a dose, DO NOT take a double dose or extra doses. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

  • This medicine may not mix well with other medicines. Make sure your healthcare provider and pharmacist know if you are using any medications, including antibiotics or antifungals.

  • Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

  • Follow the heart healthy meal plan and exercise program as recommended by your healthcare provider.

General safety tips:

  • If too much or the wrong kind of medicine is taken, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

  • Before giving the first dose, read the label. Be sure it is what was prescribed. After a refill, if the medicine looks different to you, ask your pharmacist about it before giving it.

  • Always make sure you have enough medicine on hand. Each time you refill your prescription, check to see how many refills are left.

  • Always check the label and expiration date before giving any medicine. Do not give expired medicines. Ask your pharmacy what to do with expired or unused medicines. If there is no take-back program, empty them into the trash.

  • Store all medicines in their original container away from direct sunlight or heat. Do not store in humid places such as the bathroom. Keep them out of children’s reach, locked up if possible.

Call 911 if your child has signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; trouble breathing, wheezing or chest tightness. If you are concerned the reaction is related to the statin medicine, call your healthcare team after symptoms resolve to discuss a plan moving forward.

 

Reviewed May 2025 by Vaneeta Bamba, MD and Megan Robinson, MS, RD, CDCES, CSSD, LDN