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Statin monitoring — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCardiovascular TherapeuticsStatin monitoringGPhC CRA

A 60-year-old man has started atorvastatin 20mg daily for primary prevention. Baseline ALT was normal. He asks when blood tests are needed and reports no muscle symptoms. What monitoring is required?

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

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Correct answer: C — Check liver transaminases around 3 months and 12 months after starting

Statin monitoring includes baseline liver transaminases and repeat checks after initiation, commonly around 3 months and 12 months. Routine CK monitoring is not required in asymptomatic patients but should be considered if muscle symptoms occur. INR and lithium monitoring are unrelated unless the patient takes those medicines. Saying no follow-up blood tests are recommended would miss standard safety monitoring.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS Lipid modification