Lots of people take statins in a bid to lower cholesterol, but a pharmacist has recently issued vital advice about the medication. Generally, people take statins to try and reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol and limit their risk of serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks, strokes, angina and coronary heart disease.

The medication is prescribed by a doctor if someone has cardiovascular disease (CVD) or a high risk (10% or more over 10 years) of developing it, as it can help prevent issues in the future. However, if you take the medication to try and better your health, there's some expert advice you need to be aware of.

Pharmacist Anum recently detailed what people need to know in a candid TikTok video, and it's super important to take note of. It comesafter another warning was issued just months ago.

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In the clip, she said: "If you, or somebody you know, takes any of these commonly prescribed medications, did you know that you have to be having regular blood tests to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for you?

"The first class of medications are statins, so things like atorvastatin, simvastatin [and] rosuvastatin. You actually need to be having your liver function tests and your cholesterol tested before starting at three months, and then at 12 months and then, once stable, every 12 months thereafter.

"So, if you've been on these medications for a while, and you haven't had a blood test, be sure to speak to your GP. Secondly, blood pressure medication such as ramipril, lisinopril, losartan [and] indapamide.

"If you take any of these, you need to have your kidney function, which will include electrolyte levels, such as potassium, to be checked at baseline, after any dose change and then annually once stable. So again, if you've been on these medications for a while, and you're thinking 'hang on a minute, I haven't had my blood test done in the last year', be sure to speak with your pharmacist or GP because it's very important."

After she shared the video, people had all sorts of questions, so it's clear some people were unaware they need to do these things. Even Pharmacist Anum admitted medication monitoring can sometimes be "overlooked".

Little you may know, regular blood tests are recommended when you are on statins. This is because it's important to check liver function and monitor cholesterol levels.

Routine monitoring typically includes a baseline test, a check three months after starting and another at 12 months. Then, yearly check-ups are advised thereafter.

The NHS website states: "Statins should not be taken if you have liver disease or if blood tests suggest that your liver may not be working properly. This is because statins can affect your liver, and this is more likely to cause serious problems if you already have a damaged liver.

"Before starting to take statins, you should have a blood test to check how well your liver and kidneys are working. You should also have a routine blood test to check the health of your liver three months after treatment begins, and again after 12 months.

"For full details of cautions and interactions relating to your specific medicine, check the patient information leaflet that comes with it. If in doubt, contact a GP or pharmacist for advice."

As well as this, you also need to have regular blood tests if you take blood pressure medication to monitor kidney function, electrolyte levels (especially potassium) and medication safety. Kidney function tests (U&Es), specifically, are also commonly required, particularly for ACE inhibitors or ARBs, to check for side effects.

If you have any concerns about your health, or the medication you're taking, contact a GP for further advice. Help is also available on the NHS website.