Off topic: Anybody take a statin?

My physician has recommended that I begin Lipitor, and my question has to do with dose timing. Is it generally preferable to take the med at bedtime or in the AM? I've heard it both ways, and my physician is not available this week. Thanks in advance! Nothing like a 996 board for medical advice.

yes I do take a statin (Zocor 40mg). There is an advantage to metabolism if taken in the evening. BTW, the class is already OTC in the UK due to well documented lipid lowering capabilities and attending cardio benefits with very few safety concerns.

In general PM is considered best for most statins, but Lipitor has a very long half-life and it really doesn't matter when you take it. Watch for muscle aches out of the blue though, if that happens, stop the med and call your physician.

Take it in the pm, my chol went from 206 to 140. You need to have LFT's checked, as well as avoiding citrus while on it, there were a few cases of rhabdomyolisis early on. Also add folic acid to lessen risk of complications. You should always check with you MD/covering MD first, the board is great for your car advice, medical advice is another story! Good luck. Chris

I am a pharmacist and agree that the evening is best due to the majority of processing of lipids occurs then. All of these drugs will work if you take it in the morning, but there is a little advantage at night. It really depends on you as if you can only remember to take your meds in the morning and not in the evening then its best to have your medicine all of the time instead of missing it a day here or there. As far as the muscle aches it is due to the fact that these drug can do damage to he liver, and if the liver is not functioning properly you will have some toxins in your blood that will cause muscle aches. Stop the meds and call you MD if it occurs.