Protecting Your Heart: 7 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Suddenly Stop Your Statin

Lifelong treatment with medication is a tall order for some people. This is especially true when you can’t physically see the benefits. For example, you can tell when your antibiotic is clearing up an infection. But unless you get a blood test, you can’t always tell that your cholesterol medication is working hard to keep plaque from building up in your blood vessels.

So it isn’t all that surprising that many people who start taking cholesterol medications, such as statins, stop taking them at some point. Although statin medications lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, many people worry about side effects and are hesitant to continue taking these medications long-term.

But is it dangerous to suddenly stop taking statins like atorvastatin (Lipitor) or rosuvastatin (Crestor)? Here, we’ll explore the potential risks. We’ll also talk about certain situations where it may be appropriate to stop your statin and how to do so safely. 

Is it dangerous to suddenly stop taking your statin?

Yes, suddenly stopping your statin prescription can be dangerous. Your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other related issues start increasing within the first year of stopping it.

Some people start taking a statin after a heart attack or stroke to help prevent it from happening again. If you haven’t had these issues, you might be taking a statin if you're at high risk of having diabetes, high cholesterol, or a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol.

In either case, it’s best to keep taking your statin prescription long-term. If you don't, your cholesterol will likely go back up. This increases the risk of heart-related health problems.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Stopping atorvastatin: Discover how long it takes for your body to get rid of atorvastatin (Lipitor), in addition to factors that may delay its exit.

• Could your prescription be at fault? Read on to discover common medications that can contribute to high cholesterol.

• The great fat debate: Understand the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats to help you optimize a heart-healthy diet.

7 possible risks of stopping a statin suddenly

Statins can lower your LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) by about 30% to 50%. But their benefits go away after you stop taking them.

Stopping your statin without a plan could increase your risk of:

1. High LDL cholesterol

2. Hospital visits associated with a heart issue

3. Blockages in your heart’s blood vessels

4. Chest pain

5. Heart attack

6. Stroke

7. Death

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Strategies for getting the most out of your statin

Like all medications, there’s a risk of side effects while taking statins. Muscle pain, changes in liver function tests, and new-onset diabetes come to mind. But here’s something surprising: Even though side effects are one of the main reasons people give for stopping statins, the number of people who experience severe side effects from statins is relatively small.

If you’re having trouble taking your statin, consider these strategies before giving up on your medication:

• There are plenty of statins to try: If one statin doesn't work for you, there’s a chance that another one will. Ask your healthcare professional if you can switch to another option that’s a better fit for you.

• Take a short break: Up to 75% of people who stop taking a statin due to side effects are able to successfully restart without issues.

• Try different doses: Rather than stopping a statin completely, you can work with your healthcare professional to try a lower dose or take a dose every other day. More often than not, this will settle, or at least improve, side effects you’re experiencing.

• Investigate other causes: Some common complaints — such as muscle pain — might not be caused by the medication itself. They may have an alternate explanation.

• Search for generics or discounts: If cost is an issue, know that many generic statins are available. You can find one that works for you at a price that you can afford with GoodRx.

What happens if you miss a dose of your statin?

If you forget to take a dose of your statin medication, you’re not likely to develop any serious side effects. It takes some time for your cholesterol to build up to pre-statin levels.

For example, atorvastatin’s official labeling says that if you forget a dose, you should just skip that dose and take your next scheduled dose. Atorvastatin is normally taken just once per day.

How to stop your statin safely

You can stop taking a statin if and when necessary. The best way to stop a statin safely is through a conversation with your healthcare professional. It’s never a good idea to stop statins suddenly on your own.

For most people, the protective benefits of statins far outweigh the risks. But there might be a few scenarios — like severe side effects — where your healthcare professional may suggest stopping your statin.

If a different statin medication or lowering the dose doesn’t work, your healthcare professional may recommend trying an alternative cholesterol medication, such as ezetimibe (Zetia) or a PCSK9 inhibitor.

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Written by:

Rachel Feaster, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS

Rachel Feaster has over 10 years of professional experience in ambulatory, inpatient, pharmacogenomics, and oncology care. She is board certified in oncology and pharmacotherapy.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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