Statins are a type of drug created to lower the levels of cholesterol in the body. They are prescribed to people at risk of cardiovascular disease. Statins are a prescription drug, taken in the form of capsules. The amount prescribed varies depending on the person.

Statins are also available as an over-the-counter non-prescription drug – with a dosage of 10mg.

Stains have been shown to reduce the risks of cardiovascular events (such as reducing the risks of heart attacks, or strokes) in people without heart disease. – Stains have not shown to reduce the risk of death from coronary heart disease.

Recent advice from the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM), based on a public consultation, concluded that the benefits of taking Statins, outweighed the risks from taking the drug.