What are statins?

• Statins are a group of medicines that reduce your bad cholesterol. You may be prescribed a statin if you are at high risk or have already had a stroke or heart attack.
• By reducing bad cholesterol, statins help to stop heart attacks and strokes.
• There are different statins and different doses.

Some people experience side effects such as nausea or muscle pains. 1-3 in 100 patients taking a statin will report muscle pain.

The different statins work differently and just because you have problems with one doesn’t mean you won’t be able to take a different one or take a lower dose.

If you can’t or don’t want to take a statin there may be other options available so if you think you should be taking a statin but have concerns, speak to your Doctor, Pharmacist or Nurse who can work together to find the right options for you.

Don’t stop taking your statin without telling your healthcare professional!