Statins

Statins and pharmacogenetics

Also known as: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, Cholesterol medications

7 medications 8 brand products SLCO1B1

Why pharmacogenetics matter for statins

Statins are the mainstay of cholesterol management and cardiovascular disease prevention. They share a class-wide pharmacogenetic story: the SLCO1B1 transporter moves statins from blood into liver cells where they work. People with reduced SLCO1B1 function accumulate statins in circulation (including in muscle), which directly drives statin-associated muscle pain (the single most common reason patients discontinue a statin).

SLCO1B1 testing is increasingly offered before or during statin therapy. Simvastatin is the most SLCO1B1-dependent; pravastatin and rosuvastatin are least affected. Switching within the class is often the simplest response to a positive SLCO1B1 result.

Key gene in this class

SLCO1B1

Solute Carrier Organic Anion Transporter 1B1

SLCO1B1 is the transporter that moves statins into liver cells where they work. A common variant (called *5) reduces transporter function and leaves more statin circulating in the bloodstream and …

Medications in this class with pharmacogenetic guidelines

Each link goes to the drug's full pharmacogenetics page with CPIC and FDA phenotype recommendations.

Atorvastatin SLCO1B1 Fluvastatin CYP2C9 / SLCO1B1 Lovastatin SLCO1B1 Pitavastatin SLCO1B1 Pravastatin SLCO1B1 Rosuvastatin ABCG2 / SLCO1B1 Simvastatin SLCO1B1

Brand products in the Statins class

Combined products and brand names for the medications above. Each links to a pharmacogenetic breakdown.

simvastatin, ezetimibe

Zocor

simvastatin

Which statins is right for your genetics?

This page covers the pharmacogenetics of statins in general. A Gene2Rx report tells you how your personal genotype interacts with every drug on this page.

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Informational only, not medical advice. Pharmacogenetic guidelines describe population-level patterns that inform prescribing decisions. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your prescribing clinician.