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Lipid modification - primary and secondary CVD prevention - Management
What follow up is recommended after initiation of statin therapy?
- Repeat lipid measurement is unnecessary. However, clinical judgement and patient preference should guide the review of drug therapy and whether to review the lipid profile (e.g. to assess compliance).
- For people on a statin: recheck liver function tests (LFTs) within 3 months of starting treatment, and again at 12 months.
- If they develop unexplained muscle symptoms (pain, tenderness, weakness):
- Check creatine kinase (CK).
- Stop the lipid-modifying drug immediately if muscle symptoms are severe or if CK is five times or more the upper limit of normal.
- Note: people should be advised to seek medical advice and to stop the lipid-modifying drug if they develop unexplained muscle symptoms.
- Discontinue the statin and seek specialist advice if they develop unexplained peripheral neuropathy or presenting features of interstitial lung disease.
In depth
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