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Statins
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Drug Therapy

Statins

Statins are the most common medications used to manage high cholesterol by slowing its production in the liver and reducing the risk of heart-related complications.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all the cells in your body. While your body needs some cholesterol to function, an excess in the blood can stick to artery walls, narrowing or blocking them and increasing the risk of coronary artery disease and other heart diseases.

Produced by the liver, cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called lipoproteins:

  • LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "bad" cholesterol, high levels lead to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries.
  • HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "good" cholesterol, it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to the liver, where it is removed from the body.

What are statins?

Statins are a type of cholesterol medicine. They are the most common treatment for high cholesterol and are typically prescribed when lifestyle changes alone are insufficient to lower cholesterol levels.

How do statins lower cholesterol?

Statins function by slowing down the amount of cholesterol the liver produces and increasing the liver's ability to remove LDL cholesterol already present in the blood. This process can slow the formation of plaques in the arteries. Studies indicate that statins lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals with high LDL cholesterol.

Additionally, statins can lower triglyceride levels—another type of fat in the blood linked to heart disease—and may increase HDL cholesterol.

What are the risks of taking statins?

While statins usually do not cause side effects, there are potential risks to consider:

  • Type 2 diabetes: Statins may raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, primarily in individuals already at high risk, such as those with obesity, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome.
  • Liver enzymes: Statins may cause abnormal results on liver enzyme tests, though actual liver damage is very rare.
  • Muscle damage: An uncommon side effect is muscle damage, which in rare cases can lead to muscle pain and kidney damage.

Statins are not recommended for people with certain types of liver disease, and they should not be taken by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How can I safely take statins?

  • Take your statin as prescribed: Do not stop taking the medicine on your own, as this can lead to serious health problems. Consult your provider if you have concerns or wish to change your treatment.
  • Consult your provider regarding interactions: Ask which medicines, supplements, or foods to avoid. For example, grapefruit (fresh or juice) can affect how the liver breaks down certain statins, potentially causing side effects or reducing effectiveness.
  • Report symptoms: Inform your provider of any side effects. If you experience muscle pain, your provider may order a blood test to check for muscle damage or suggest switching to a different statin, which may resolve the pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, you should avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking statins, as it can interfere with the enzymes that break down the medication in your body. This interference can cause higher levels of the statin to remain in your bloodstream, increasing the risk of side effects such as muscle pain or liver issues. Always check with your pharmacist to see if your specific statin interacts with grapefruit. What are the signs of a serious muscle reaction to statins?::While mild muscle aches can occur, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever or feeling generally unwell. These symptoms could indicate rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious condition where muscle tissue breaks down and releases harmful substances into the blood, potentially leading to kidney damage. Do I need to take statins forever once I start them?::For many patients, statins are a long-term or lifelong treatment because high cholesterol is often a chronic condition that requires ongoing management to prevent heart attacks and strokes. However, your doctor may adjust your dose or discontinue the medication if your cholesterol levels improve significantly through lifestyle changes or if the risks outweigh the benefits. Never stop taking statins abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider. How often should I get my cholesterol levels checked while on statins?::Your healthcare provider will typically order blood tests to monitor your cholesterol levels and liver function shortly after you start a statin or change your dose. Once your levels are stable, you may only need to have your cholesterol checked every six to twelve months, or as recommended by your doctor based on your individual risk factors and response to treatment.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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