Your statin starter guide
Statins are one of the most widely prescribed medicines. Here's what you need to know about them.
If you have high cholesterol, heart disease or diabetes, there’s a good chance you’re taking a statin.
Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed medicines. They can help lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes caused by blood clots.
If your doctor recently prescribed you a statin, you may have questions about this wonder drug. We’ve got answers.
How do statins work?
You get cholesterol from your diet, from foods like eggs and meat. But most of your blood cholesterol is actually made in your body by your liver.
Statins work by blocking the enzyme that your liver needs to make cholesterol. This means your body makes less of it. And that can help reduce your LDL cholesterol and lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.
How soon will it start working?
Statins typically start to work within a week. But you may not start noticing the benfits for four weeks or more. Your doctor will usually wait four to 12 weeks before checking your cholesterol again to see if it is lower.
To get the full benefit, be sure to follow your doctor’s directions. You’ll likely need to take a dose everyday. Some statins work better at night. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are any other specific instructions on when and how to take your statin.
What are the side effects?
Statins are highly safe and effective, though some people may have side effects. The most common side effect is muscle pain and weakness. Other side effects include digestive problems and confusion. Side effects may be worse if you’re taking multiple medications.
Talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects. They may lower your dose or switch you to a different statin. They may even tell you to stop taking the statin for a while. But don’t stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.
