What should you know about "Statin" Medications?

If you have high cholesterol, you have most likely heard about a group of medications called “statins.” This group of medications is prescribed to treat high cholesterol but is also used to prevent heart disease in people at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include prior heart attack, stroke, and having diabetes.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood. Your body makes cholesterol in the liver. You also get cholesterol through various food groups such as meats, dairy, and baked goods. Your body uses cholesterol to make hormones and vitamins. However, when cholesterol is high, it may stick to blood vessels and block normal blood flow to the heart and brain. This can lead to heart disease and stroke.

How do I know if I have high cholesterol?

High cholesterol does not have any symptoms and can only be found through a blood test. It is important to regularly have your cholesterol checked by your doctor and follow a heart-healthy diet. The American Heart Association recommends that healthy adults over 20 years of age check their cholesterol every 4 to 6 years. Some people will need their cholesterol tested more frequently because of an increased risk of heart disease.

How do statin medications help lower cholesterol levels in my body?

Statins decrease cholesterol by preventing cholesterol production in the liver.

What are some examples of statin medications?

Statin medications can be easily identified because they all end in “statin.” Some examples include rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, and fluvastatin.

Related questions

• Can you use limes or lime juice while taking statin drugs (i.e. atorvastatin)?
• Do I need to eat food when taking atorvastatin?
• What are the side effects of statins?

How do I know if my statin medication is working?

The only way to know if a statin is working is by having your blood tested. If you take statins, your doctor will regularly test your blood to see if your cholesterol level decreases. Your doctor may run additional routine tests and monitor for side effects.

Do statins have any side effects?

It is possible to experience side effects while taking a statin medication. These side effects may include muscle pain, liver damage, an increase in blood sugar, and confusion or issues with memory. Muscle pain is the most common side effect and may feel like mild to severe muscle soreness or weakness. For some people, it may occur only at the beginning of treatment and resolve with continued use. If you feel any muscle pain while taking a statin medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Summary

Statin medications are safe and effective for decreasing cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease. Your doctor may prescribe a statin because your blood test shows high cholesterol or because you have an increased risk for heart disease. Conditions such as stroke, diabetes, heart attack, high blood pressure, heart failure, smoking, and a high-fat diet may increase your risk of heart disease. While taking a statin medication, it is important to let your doctor and pharmacist know if there are any changes with your other medications or if you experience any side effects like muscle pain.

See also:

Related medical questions

• How long does atorvastatin stay in the system after stopping the drug?
• How do you manage muscle pain with cholesterol drugs?
• Do statins help treat COVID-19?
• Can I trust a generic drug manufacturer?
• Which medications make you sleepy?
• What are the 10 most effective ways to lower cholesterol?
• Is psyllium husk an affordable weight loss option to Ozempic?
• Praluent vs Repatha: What's the difference?
• What is the difference between Leqvio and Repatha?
• When should you take ezetimibe?
• Can Zetia (ezetimibe) cause liver damage?
• What are PCSK9 Inhibitors and how do they work?
• Does Garlic interact with any drugs?
• When is the best time to take Zetia?
• How do you inject Repatha?
• Can you drink alcohol and take Repatha?
• Does Leqvio cause weight gain?
• How is Leqvio injection administered?
• Should I be Concerned about Prediabetes?
• What is the mechanism of action for Leqvio (inclisiran)?
• Does Praluent (alirocumab) lower triglycerides?
• What's the buzz on Ozempic and Wegovy?
• How does Leqvio work in treating high cholesterol?
• Is Leqvio FDA approved as a high cholesterol treatment?
• Which blood lipids are linked to heart disease?
• Who is the actor in the Leqvio commercial?
• Where can I find the Leqvio FDA package insert?
• Is Evkeeza FDA approved as a high cholesterol treatment?
• Is Juxtapid FDA-approved as a high cholesterol treatment?
• What is the mechanism of action for Juxtapid (lomitapide)?

Related support groups

• Atorvastatin (59 questions, 137 members)
• Rosuvastatin (16 questions, 43 members)
• Simvastatin (49 questions, 130 members)
• Pravastatin (27 questions, 75 members)
• Pitavastatin (6 questions, 5 members)
• Lovastatin (5 questions, 25 members)
• Fluvastatin (4 questions, 3 members)
• High Cholesterol (106 questions, 268 members)
• High Cholesterol - Familial Heterozygous (27 questions, 52 members)
• High Cholesterol - Familial Homozygous (21 questions, 17 members)

AHFS® Patient Medication Information is used with permission. ©2025, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. (ASHP). The ASHP Data is a part of the AHFS Drug Information®️; ASHP is not responsible for the accuracy of transpositions from the original context.