These drugs effectively lower cholesterol levels. In particular they reduce the levels of “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. They work by reducing the manufacture of cholesterol in the liver. This process mainly occurs at night so that statins are generally taken in the evening. In adequate dosages they will reduce the levels by over a third. It takes six to eight weeks to get the full effect of a statin. If the drug is stopped cholesterol will return to pre treatment levels. Overall statins slow the development of atheroma (narrowings) in the heart and other arteries. Severe side effects are very unusual. Some patients experience minor aches and pains but on the whole they are remarkably well tolerated.

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