Atorvastatin - when to take?

[OohMeChest]

Is there a definitive answer? Night only? Or any time just so long as you're consistent?

I've seen information (including on my prescription) that says Atorvastatin should be taken at night like some other statins - apparently as this will be effective targeting increased production of cholesterol by the body at night.

However, I've also seen information on the NHS website (nhs.uk/medicines/atorvastat... and at the hospital I was treated at that it can be taken any time of day, just so long as you stick to the same time each day.

What's the consensus?

[DD13]

I take mine in the morning with my other meds. Never thought to ask if I should take it at morning or night?

Regards Dee.

[Healthyheart1 in reply to DD13]

Did it say night on the label on the box?

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi there Oohmechest (good name!)

Statins work on the enzyme that produces cholesterol and the enzyme is more active at night. Some Statins only last a few hours in your system but Atorvastatin lasts 14 hours. So that’s why some Statins must be taken at night but Atorvastatin can be taken at any time as long as it’s the same time each day. I take mine in the early evening just after my evening meal so I don’t forget.

[NorthantsSteve in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Sorry. Should have checked facts before posting. Atorvastatin has a ‘half life’ of 14 hours. So it’s working for longer than 14 hours.

[Jaycey]

I just had my medication review and the pharmacist said Atorvastatin can be taken morning or evening. Just needs to be the same time everyday.

[Alison_L]

Some people get Restless Legs if they take it at night, so better for them to take it in the morning. My chemist's label just says "one each day", so as long as you take it at roughly the same time each day, I don't think it matters.

[Henry20]

May I suggest that you ask your doctor or a qualified pharmacist for help on this issue.

No-one who comments here has qualifications to give this type of advice, and operating on consensus, where drugs are concerned, could be a big mistake.

Good luck.

[OohMeChest in reply to Henry20]

Agreed. Relying on uninformed consensus alone could be dangerous. However, the reason for the confusion has been because those very same doctors and qualified pharmacists you say should be consulted have given variable advice. Some say take it in the morning, some say the evening, some say it doesn't matter.

The replies here (from what you baldly assume - but don't know for certain - are non-medical practitioners) have seemed to me to be very sensible. People are doing what they have been advised by their respective medical professionals.

Having read all the replies and other allegedly reputable sources it appears that Atorvastatin has a half-life which could be up to 19 hours (i.e. it is long-acting) and can therefore be taken at any time of day. .

As is mentioned in the link in Osidge's reply below:

"......long-acting statins worked equally well whether a person took them in the morning or the evening. Therefore, people taking long-acting statins can choose which time of the day best suits them.

The authors recommend that people using long-acting statins take them at a time of day that is easy for them to remember. It is important to be consistent with the timing of doses, so if a person prefers to take statins in the morning, they should take them in the morning every day."

[Henry20 in reply to OohMeChest]

I'm glad you've got yourself sorted and are happy with the way you have done it.

Trouble is I know people who prefer to take friends' advice rather than visit the doctor. Evidence is that they make mistakes and get in a bigger mess.

[Hidden]

There is current research into when BP meds’ should be taken (TIME Study). For statins, this might help: medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

[17Nevil]

I was told to take mine at so that is what I do. It has always done what it is supposed to do so I just stick to that.

There is no point messing about with it .

I have often wondered how well my various heart meds are working but if I stopped any of them and they have been working I will drop dead .

Not a good idea !!

[17Nevil in reply to 17Nevil]

Sorry just re-read it

I take them at night

[BillyMct]

The Cardio re-hab nurses I had post stent advised the group I was in (ie no specific individual focused advise and we were a varied bunch) to take the avorstatin at night. From my own experience of it I find taking it later evening just before bed is better for me as I occasionally get woken with aching legs , specifically shins in the early hours if I take it early evening pre 8pm (that feel like I've been in a celtic shin kicking contest!) .

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

When I was changed from Simvastatin to Atorvastatin I was told I could take it in the morning instead of the evening. Simvastatin has a far shorter half life. Occasional boxes say evening but I continue to take it in the morning with the rest of my dolly mixtures! That way I do not forget!

[isobelhannah18]

The pharmacist's label on mine says take in the evening.