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Statin monitoring after initiation — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCardiovascular TherapeuticsStatin monitoring after initiationGPhC CRA

A 55-year-old woman starts atorvastatin 20 mg daily for primary prevention. Her baseline liver function tests are within range. She asks what follow-up blood tests are expected. What monitoring is required?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Liver function tests at around 3 months and 12 months

Liver function should be checked before starting a statin and again after initiation, commonly at around 3 months and 12 months. Routine creatine kinase monitoring is not required unless muscle symptoms occur or risk factors justify it. The patient should report unexplained muscle pain, weakness or dark urine promptly.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS