Overview
- The NHS website highlights particular concern for simvastatin and atorvastatin, noting that not all statins are affected.
- Patients are advised to review their medicine leaflets and seek advice from a GP or pharmacist if unsure about interactions.
- Elevated statin levels can heighten the risk of side effects, with rare but serious harms including muscle injury, liver damage and kidney problems.
- Clinicians may recommend avoiding or limiting grapefruit juice, lowering the dose, switching to a different statin, or temporarily pausing treatment.
- The reminder comes as an estimated 8–10 million UK adults take statins, with blood tests recommended before starting and again at around three and twelve months.