Health warning to anyone taking simvastatin, pravastatin or fluvastatin at 'wrong time'

Health warning to anyone taking simvastatin, pravastatin or fluvastatin at 'wrong time' Millions take statins every day, but for specific types, taking them at the wrong time could make them less effective When it comes to taking medication, many people simply choose whatever time best fits their routine. But for some of the UK's most commonly prescribed cholesterol tablets, doing so could mean they don't work as effectively. Experts have issued a reminder to patients that certain statins, including simvastatin, pravastatin and fluvastatin, are generally recommended to be taken in the evening or before bed. That's because these shorter-acting medicines may not stay in the body long enough to coincide with the liver's peak cholesterol production. According to the NHS, simvastatin, for example, should be taken late and at roughly the same time each day. The health service explains that this helps the medicine work when the body is making most of its cholesterol overnight, typically between midnight and 3am. It says statins work by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver, helping to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Most people who are prescribed statins will need to take them long term to continue receiving these benefits. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust reinforces this, stating that statins are "usually taken at night", with doctors adjusting doses based on follow-up cholesterol tests where necessary. Patients are advised to follow the instructions on their prescription label and not change when they take the medicine without first speaking to a healthcare professional. The reason comes down to how long different statins remain active in the body. Shorter-acting medicines, such as simvastatin, pravastatin and fluvastatin, wear off more quickly than longer-acting alternatives, making evening dosing more effective because cholesterol production is highest when we're usually asleep. Not every statin follows the same rule, however. According to the NHS, longer-acting statins such as atorvastatin can be taken at any time of day, provided they're taken consistently. The British Heart Foundation says taking your medication exactly as prescribed is one of the best ways to keep cholesterol under control and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. The charity advises anyone who is unsure when to take their statin to speak to their GP or pharmacist rather than changing their routine themselves Experts stress that patients should never stop taking a prescribed statin or alter the timing without medical advice. If you think you're taking your medication at the wrong time of day, a pharmacist or GP can advise whether a different dosing schedule, or a different statin altogether, would be more appropriate.