Statins

Statins help lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. Read about the types of statins, how they work and possible side effects.

Types of statins

Statins currently available in New Zealand include:

• atorvastatin, also called Lorstat  
• pravastatin, also called Clinect
• rosuvastatin, also called Rosuvastatin Viatris, Rosuvastatin Sandoz, Rosuvastatin Mylan 
• simvastatin, also called Simvastatin Viatris, Simvastatin Mylan.

Simvastatin can be combined with another medication that lowers cholesterol, called ezetimibe. The name of this medication is:

• ezetimibe and simvastatin, also called Zimybe, Vytorin.

Ezetimibe can also be prescribed on its own if statins are not suitable for you or to help reduce cholesterol further, when statins are not enough. Ezetimibe works by reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed from your food.

How do statins work?

Most cholesterol is made in the liver. Statins help lower ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) in your blood by slowing down an enzyme in your liver that makes cholesterol. This means your liver makes less cholesterol and removes more from your blood. 

High cholesterol can lead to coronary artery disease, which increases your risk of heart attack or stroke. Statins help reduce this risk.

How well do statins work?

Statins are some of the most studied medicines for heart health. They safely lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially for people who are at higher risk.   

Cholesterol is measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/L). For every 1mmol/L drop in LDL cholesterol, your risk of heart attack or stroke falls by about 20%. 

Taking your statin every day helps protect your heart. The longer you take it, the more you reduce your risk.   

If you’ve already had a heart attack or stroke, statins lower your chance of another one.

Side effects of statins

For many people, statins don’t cause side effects. When they do, the side effects are usually mild and often settle with time. 

Muscle pain is an uncommon side effect. You may feel this pain as a soreness, mild weakness, or tiredness in your muscles.

Serious side effects are very rare, such as rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle damage) or liver problems. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have any:

• extreme muscle pain or weakness
• yellow eyes, skin or urine (pee).

Taking a statin may slightly increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This risk is very low, and the benefit of lowering your cholesterol to protect your heart usually outweighs this risk.   

Talk to your doctor if the side effects are worrying you. They may adjust your dose or suggest a different statin. Don’t stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor first. 

Visit Medsafe or Healthify for more information about your statin medication, including side effects.

What checks do I need?

You’ll need regular blood tests to check your cholesterol levels.

What if I miss a dose of statins?

If you forget to take a dose, take it immediately, then continue as normal the following day. However, if it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue as normal.

Do NOT take a double dose.

If you often forget to take your medicine, a daily reminder, such as an alarm on your phone, might help you remember.

What else do I need to know?

Most people need to take statins long term. If you stop taking your statin, your cholesterol levels may rise again and increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.  

Timing

You should take your statin at the same time each day. Some statins work best if you take them in the evening or with food. Talk to your pharmacist about when is the best time to take your medication.  

Pregnancy

Statins aren’t recommended in pregnancy or when you’re breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. 

Vitamins and supplements

Tell your doctor if you’re taking any: 

• vitamins
• supplements
• natural medicines
• medicines bought from a pharmacy without a prescription
• alternative therapies. 

These can sometimes make your heart medication less effective.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can affect the way your liver processes some statins and increase side effects. If you are taking a statin, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need to avoid or limit grapefruit.

What else can I do to reduce my risk?

Statins help reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke, but they work best alongside healthy lifestyle habits. Managing your blood pressure and blood sugar, and making healthy choices like eating well, staying active, limiting alcohol and not smoking, all help lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Related treatments and conditions

Cholesterol