Thousands of people take statins, but many may not realise they could be using the medication incorrectly. A pharmacist has warned people who use them they need to pay attention, as her expert advice could lead to benefiting their health hugely.

Statins are generally prescribed to help people lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and help defend them against heart attacks and strokes. The medication works to reduce plaque build-up in arteries, and is used to manage high cholesterol, especially for people at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to factors like diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of such issues.

However, there are some things you need to know about taking the pills. In fact, another alert about the medication was issued just weeks ago.

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In a clip shared online Pharmacist Anum issued essential guidance. She said: "Do you, or somebody you know, take statins? The time of the day you take the medication can actually matter.

"Your body makes cholesterol at night so, for shorter-acting statins, it can be better to take them in the evening. This includes things like simvastatin, pravastatin and fluvastatin.

"Statins such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are longer-acting. Therefore, the timing is not as critical; however, I would still advise that you take them around the same time each day.

"Now, it's really important to remember that adherence to your medication is key. So, if you're taking your statins at a time which might not be the 'textbook' way of taking it, but it's been agreed with your prescriber, then this is ok to do.

"Please always take your medication as prescribed and, if you're thinking of changing how you're taking them, always discuss it with your GP or your pharmacist first."

According to Pharmacist Anum, timing can actually be "key" to ensuring the medication works properly. There are some things you need to consider when taking it.

Little you may know, the time the medication is taken really matters for some people. Short-acting statins, such as simvastatin and pravastatin, should be taken at night because the liver produces the most cholesterol while you sleep.

On the other hand, long-acting statins, such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin, can be taken at any time. Even so, it's best to stick to a consistent time for efficacy.

When it comes to taking the medication, the most important factor for all statins is taking them at the same time every day. This consistency should help to keep cholesterol levels down.

As well as this, you should always follow the instructions on your medication label or follow the specific guidance your GP or pharmacist has given you personally.

The NHS website states: "Statins come as tablets that are taken once a day. Your dose will depend on why you need the medicine, your cholesterol levels and other medicines you're taking.

"Your GP may increase your statins to the maximum dose. This helps to manage your cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular disease.

"For some types of statin it does not matter what time of day you take it, as long as you stick to the same time. Some types of statin should be taken in the evening. Check with your doctor whether there's a particular time of day you should take your statin."