If you’ve been taking statins and want to stop, only do so with a doctor’s guidance. It’s possible for some people to stop safely, but it can be especially risky for others.

Statins are highly effective in preventing heart problems such as heart attack and stroke. According to a 2016 review of research, statins can reduce your risk of these and other cholesterol-related problems by as much as 50%.

But the review also states that stopping the use of these effective medications can double your risk of these health problems.

This article details how to stop using statins safely as well as potential alternatives to stopping.

What are statins?

Statins are prescription medications that can lower your cholesterol levels. Popular statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor).

Statins work in two ways. First, they stop the production of cholesterol in your body. Second, they help your body reabsorb the cholesterol that has built plaques in your artery walls. This reduces your risk of blood vessel blockages and heart attacks.

Statins are typically very successful at lowering cholesterol, but they only work as long as you’re taking them. Therefore, most people who begin taking a statin will likely take it for the rest of their lives.

Learn more about statins here.

It’s possible for some people to stop taking statins safely, but it can be especially risky for others.

For instance, if you have a history of heart attack or stroke, it’s not recommended that you stop taking these drugs. This is because you’re more likely to have another such problem when you stop statins.

However, if you don’t have a history of heart attack or stroke and you want to stop taking statins, your first step should be to talk with your doctor. They can help you find out your risk factors and whether stopping statins is a safe move for you.

If your doctor thinks that you could safely stop taking your statin, they can suggest a plan for stopping that’s appropriate for your health situation. They may also suggest you try the following alternatives, before or instead of stopping statin use entirely:

  • try a different cholesterol-reducing medication
  • adopt a heart-healthy diet and exercise program
  • reduce statin use and supplement with other cholesterol-lowering medications
  • continue your statin use but take medications that can help reduce side effects, such as CoQ10

Before stopping statins, your doctor might suggest changing from a statin to a different type of cholesterol medication. Changing medications can often relieve side effects.

Other cholesterol-reducing medications include:

  • ezetimibe (Zetia)
  • fibrates, such as fenofibrate (Fenoglide, Tricor, and Triglide), which can lower LDL levels and increase HDL levels
  • a slow-release niacin supplement (Niacor, Niaspan), which can lower LDL levels, increase HDL levels, and lower triglyceride levels
  • PCSK9 inhibitor, which lowers LDL cholesterol
  • bempedoic acid, which reduces LDL cholesterol without muscle aches

Your doctor may suggest that you implement certain lifestyle changes before stopping statin, or directly in place of the medication. These changes might include adopting an exercise program or modifying your diet.

For example, guidelines from the American Heart Association and other expert organizations suggest following a Mediterranean diet or vegan diet.

Keep in mind, though, that these changes likely won’t work as quickly or as effectively as a statin in lowering your cholesterol. A healthy diet and exercise program can have many benefits for your overall health, but it may not be enough to replace the cholesterol-lowering effects of a statin.

You and your doctor will closely monitor your cholesterol levels to make sure the diet and exercise changes are having the necessary effects on your cholesterol.

Instead of completely stopping your statin use, your doctor might suggest reducing your statin dosage. Less medication could mean fewer side effects, and the drug might still work well enough to manage your cholesterol levels.

Or your doctor could suggest reducing your statin dosage while adding another medication or supplement. This could resolve your issues with taking the drug, especially if they relate to side effects.

Other cholesterol-lowering medications

Drugs your doctor could add to your medication regimen while reducing your statin use include:

These medications can help manage your cholesterol levels while you take a lower dosage of statins.

L-carnitine supplements

L-carnitine supplements are another option, especially for people with diabetes. L-carnitine is an amino acid derivative that your body makes.

Some studies suggest that L-carnitine could improve cholesterol levels in people with cardiovascular risk factors and prevent a rise in blood sugar in people with diabetes, overweight, or obesity.

CoQ10 supplements

Another option could be to supplement your reduced statin dosage with CoQ10, an enzyme your body naturally makes.

A 2016 case study reports that a man had stopped taking statins due to side effects. When the plaque levels in his blood vessels began to increase, he started taking a low dose statin on alternating days as well as daily CoQ10. His plaque levels decreased to a healthy level on this regimen.

However, before taking CoQ10 supplements, be sure to talk with your doctor about whether they’re a safe option for you.

If side effects are your concern with statins, your doctor may suggest continuing to take the same dosage of your statin but adding a supplement of CoQ10.

Some studies suggest this plan could help reduce side effects. This is likely because statins can cause the levels of CoQ10 in your body to drop, leading to side effects such as muscle problems.

Taking CoQ10 supplements could help reverse these side effects. However, more recent data is conflicting on how effective CoQ10 supplements are in reducing myopathy (muscle aches).

Not everyone needs to stop taking statins. Many people take statins for decades without having any side effects or issues. For those individuals, the medications can be a very effective form of treatment and prevention for cholesterol problems.

Others may not have the same experience with statins. People who decide to stop taking statins may have several different reasons for doing so. The following are some of the most common reasons for quitting statins.

Mild to serious side effects

Statins can cause several side effects. Many of these side effects can be mild, such as muscle pain and cramps. Other side effects can be very severe, such as liver damage, muscle deterioration, and kidney failure.

Mild side effects may be managed, but moderate to severe side effects may become problematic or possibly dangerous.

If you and your doctor decide that the danger or damage caused by the statin’s side effects outweigh the benefits of the medication, you may need to stop taking it.

Cost

Many types of statins are available today, and most are covered by health insurance plans. However, if you cannot afford to continue taking the statins your doctor prescribed, talk with your doctor. They can help you devise an alternative treatment plan.

Reduced need

Lowering your cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, or weight loss could eliminate your need to take statins or other cholesterol medications. If you can do that, that’s great! Reducing your cholesterol levels in this way can help reduce your overall risk of a heart attack, stroke, or blocked arteries while allowing you to take one less medication.

But don’t stop taking your statin because you think your cholesterol levels are automatically better because of your lifestyle changes.

A blood test is the only way to know if your cholesterol levels are in a healthy range. Your doctor can give you that test and let you know if it’s safe to stop taking your statin.

If you want to stop taking your statin for any reason, talk with your doctor.

If your doctor thinks it’s safe for you to consider changing your statin usage, they can help guide you. Reducing your dosage, adding supplements, or stopping the drug altogether might all be options.

Overall, the most important thing is to keep your cholesterol levels under control.

Stopping statins on your own won’t accomplish that goal and could cause serious health risks. Work with your doctor to devise a treatment plan that can meet your cholesterol needs while keeping you safe and healthy.