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Who can and cannot take statins

Statins are not suitable for everyone. For example, you should not take statins if you have liver disease.

When to talk to your GP

Before your GP prescribes a statin, tell them if you:

  • had an allergic reaction to statins or other medicines in the past
  • have liver or kidney problems
  • have a rare conditions that cause muscle weakness - such as myasthenia gravis or ocular myasthenia
  • have severe lung disease or difficulty breathing
  • take medicine for bacterial or viral infections
  • take medicines called fibrates - these also help reduce cholesterol levels in the blood
  • are of Asian origin, such as Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean or Indian
  • are age 70 or older
  • drink a lot of alcohol
  • have an underactive thyroid
  • had muscle problems when taking a statin in the past
  • have unexplained muscle aches, or a family history of muscle problems - including fibromyalgia
  • are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or are breastfeeding

Atorvastatin may not be suitable if you've had a stroke, or have phenylketonuria.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Statins are not recommended in pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking a statin, stop taking the medicine and tell your GP.

Talk to your GP if you are trying to get pregnant and are taking a statin.

Do not take statins if you are breastfeeding. We do not know if the medicine is passed into breast milk. If you are planning to breastfeed, ask your GP or pharmacist for advice.

Fertility and contraception

There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking statins will reduce fertility in either men or women.

Statins may slightly increase the hormones released into your system from some contraceptive pills.

You will still be protected from pregnancy, but this could increase your chances of side effects from contraceptive pills. If you have any side effects, talk to your GP or pharmacist.