When’s the Best Time to Take Cholesterol Medication? (Plus 4 More Tips for Taking Statins)

GoodRx Health

If you have high cholesterol, your prescriber may recommend taking a statin. Statins are first-choice medications for lowering cholesterol. And they can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in certain people, too. A few examples include atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Altoprev), and simvastatin (Zocor, FloLipid), among others.

But it's important to know that not all statins are the same. Some have more potent effects on your cholesterol than others. And how long they last in your body can vary, too. The ideal way to take your statin often depends on which one you're taking.

Below, we'll go over some tips for taking your statin that can help you get the most from the treatment. While these are general tips, keep in mind that your prescriber might give you different instructions.

1. There is a better time of day to take certain statins

For most statins, manufacturers don't recommend a specific time of day to take your dose. But studies have found that some statins work better when taken in the evening. This may be because the liver makes the most cholesterol when we're eating the least - at night. And statins work by blocking cholesterol production in the liver.

Cholesterol medicine you can take any time of day

However, some statins last long enough in your body that they'll still be working at night, even if you take them in the morning. These statins can be taken at any time of day:

• Atorvastatin

• Rosuvastatin (Crestor, Ezallor Sprinkle)

• Pitavastatin (Livalo)

• Fluvastatin ER tablets (Lescol XL)

Cholesterol medicine to take at night

Other statins don't last as long in your body. If you take them in the morning, they may not be as effective in the evening. So it's recommended to take these statins in the evening:

• Fluvastatin (IR capsules)

• Lovastatin (both IR and ER tablets)

• Simvastatin

• Pravastatin

Keep in mind: Statin medications are typically taken once a day. However, fluvastatin and lovastatin are the two exceptions. They're available as both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) forms. If you're taking an IR form twice daily, take it once in the morning and once in the evening.

2. Take your statin at the same time every day

It's important to take your statin at the same time every day. This helps keep the amount of medication in your body consistent - not too high or too low.

Here are some things you can do to remember to take your medication on time:

• Set a daily alarm

• Use a medication reminder app

• Come up with a special routine (e.g., take your medication right after brushing your teeth)

• Use a pill organizer

If you find yourself forgetting to take your medication, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist. They can help you come up with a solution that fits your routine.

3. Statins work best with a healthy diet and exercise

Statins are very effective, but you shouldn't rely on them alone to lower your cholesterol. Your diet, for example, plays an important role in managing your cholesterol. That's because certain foods are thought to lower or raise cholesterol levels.

Processed meats, fried foods, and added sugars can negatively impact your cholesterol. The same is true of alcohol. Keep these to a minimum when possible.

Opting for foods that contain healthy fats (such as olive oil, nuts, and fish) and increasing fiber intake can have positive effects on your cholesterol. Vegetables, fruit, and other plant-based foods are also heart-friendly swaps.

Exercise has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Some experts recommend that people with high cholesterol get 30 minutes or more of physical activity five times a week. Before starting a new routine, make sure it's safe for you by discussing your plan with your healthcare team.

4. Some statins work better if taken with food

Depending on which statin you're taking, it might work better if you take it with food. This is because some medications are better absorbed into your body when taken with food.

The following statins can be taken with or without food:

• Atorvastatin

• Fluvastatin

• Pitavastatin

• Pravastatin

• Rosuvastatin

• Simvastatin (tablets only)

But if you're taking lovastatin IR tablets, it's recommended to take your dose with your evening meal. Having food in your stomach helps your body absorb more of the medication.

If you're taking lovastatin twice a day, take it with your morning and evening meals. But if you're taking lovastatin ER tablets (Altoprev) once a day, take it at bedtime without food. This is because the ER tablets aren't absorbed as well when they're taken with a meal.

If you're taking simvastatin oral suspension, it's best to take it in the evening on an empty stomach. The medication isn't absorbed as well with food.

5. Not all statins interact with grapefruit juice

You may have heard that statins interact with grapefruit juice. In some cases, grapefruit or grapefruit juice can raise the amount of the medication in your bloodstream. This could lead to worse side effects and serious problems like rhabdomyolysis - when your muscles break down and byproducts leak into the bloodstream. But this isn't true for all statins.

Some statins have this interaction because of how they're broken down in your liver. So it's best to avoid grapefruit juice if you're taking the following statins:

• Atorvastatin

• Lovastatin

• Simvastatin

Not all statins are broken down the same way, however. Statins other than the ones listed above haven't been shown to significantly interact with grapefruit. If you aren't sure whether you can have grapefruit juice with your statin, ask your pharmacist or prescriber.

How to save on statins

There are many ways to save on your statin medication. GoodRx can help you navigate your options, which may include GoodRx discounts, copay savings cards, and patient assistance programs. You can find generic statins for as low as $9 with a free GoodRx discount.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.