Taking a statin medicine can seem like a pretty thankless job.
You need to take a pill every day, even though you don't feel like there's anything wrong with you ...
and the pill doesn't make you feel any healthier.
So ... maybe this is a good time to remember what this pill is doing for you.
You were prescribed a statin based on your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Your risk may be high because of high cholesterol or because of other things, like high blood pressure.
Taking a daily statin pill is one way to help lower your risk.
Now, the deal with statins is that you have to keep taking them, every day.
Just because you feel all right doesn't mean you can stop.
Because if you stop taking your statin, your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke will go up.
That daily pill is an investment in your future.
It's like building a savings account.
You have to put money into that account regularly if you want to see the payoff later on.
The same is true for your cholesterol medicine.
You have to take that pill every day if you want to see the payoff.
And the payoff is big: a better chance at a long and healthy life.
So think about the things that might keep you from taking your pill every day.
If you're having side effects you don't like, there are different statins you can try.
Work with your doctor to find the right amount or right kind for you.
Or ... maybe you just have trouble remembering to take your pill.
A pillbox might help you with that.
Try to make taking your medicine a part of your daily routine ...
maybe one of the things you do each night to get ready for bed.
For some people, the reason for stopping is just that they've forgotten why they're taking it.
So ... if you're thinking about not taking your statin anymore, do this one thing: Write down what your main reason for stopping is, and then tell your doctor about it.
Together the two of you can figure out a way for you to help yourself live a longer, healthier life by taking your statin every day.
