A pharmacist has revealed one of the most important things to know when taking the cholesterol medication.
Statins are a common medication prescribed for those who are trying to manage their cholesterol levels. But a medical expert has issued a warning about one key factor to know when taking the tablets.
Statins are usually prescribed to help people lower their levels of LDL cholesterol (‘bad cholesterol’) and protect against major health issues like heart attacks and strokes. The medication reduces plaque build-up in the arteries and is used to manage high cholesterol.
It is normally given to individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease due to factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of cardiovascular conditions, Wales Online reports.
And a pharmacist has shared her advice for how to ensure the medication works to its full potential – and it’s all down to when people take the tablets. Posting on TikTok as @pharmacist.anum, she shares advice to her thousands of followers.
Speaking about statins in a video captioned “Sometimes timing really is key”, she said: “Do you, or somebody you know, take statins? The time of the day you take the medication can actually matter.
“Your body makes cholesterol at night so, for shorter-acting statins, it can be better to take them in the evening. This includes things like simvastatin, pravastatin and fluvastatin.
“Statins such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are longer-acting. Therefore, the timing is not as critical; however, I would still advise that you take them around the same time each day.
“Now, it’s really important to remember that adherence to your medication is key. So, if you’re taking your statins at a time which might not be the ‘textbook’ way of taking it, but it’s been agreed with your prescriber, then this is ok to do.
“Please always take your medication as prescribed and, if you’re thinking of changing how you’re taking them, always discuss it with your GP or your pharmacist first.”
People taking statins may not realise that the time they take the medication could actually prove a key factor into how well they work.
Short-acting statins, such as simvastatin and pravastatin, should be taken at night because the liver produces the most cholesterol whilst you sleep.
On the other hand, long-acting statins, such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin, can be taken at any time. However, it’s best to stick to a consistent time each day to get the intended results.
When it comes to taking the medication, the most critical factor for all statins is taking them at the same time every day. This consistency should help to maintain low cholesterol levels.
On top of this, you should always follow the instructions on your medication label or stick to the specific guidance your GP or pharmacist has provided you personally.
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The NHS website advises: “Statins come as tablets that are taken once a day. Your dose will depend on why you need the medicine, your cholesterol levels and other medicines you’re taking.
“Your GP may increase your statins to the maximum dose. This helps to manage your cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular disease.
“For some types of statin it does not matter what time of day you take it, as long as you stick to the same time. Some types of statin should be taken in the evening. Check with your doctor whether there’s a particular time of day you should take your statin.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.dailyrecord.co.uk
