This document summarizes a study that assessed patients' knowledge about statin use. The study used a questionnaire to interview 93 patients being treated with statins. The results showed that most patients (88%) knew why they were taking statins, but only 24% knew how long they would need to take them. While 94% received lifestyle suggestions, only 17% knew about potential side effects and 46% were unaware of side effects. 30% did not monitor their liver function as recommended. The conclusion is that patient knowledge of statin treatment is unsatisfactory and pharmacists should provide more education through both oral counseling and written materials to improve patient understanding of statins.

1. Assessment of knowledge of patients treated with statins
Abstract
Introduction: Increased concentrations of certain plasma lipid levels affect the development of
atherosclerosis and its complications, respectively they lead to changes in blood vessels, creating atheroma
and the consequent narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels. Statins are lipid lowering drugs of first
choice in achieving target LDL cholesterol values. The problem is that the therapeutic potential of statins
was not used sufficiently, and the reasons for this are numerous. Approximately 50% of patients who take
statins do not achieve desired therapeutic goals.
Objectives: To estimate patients’ knowledge about the use of statins; to determine whether patients are
taken care of according to the recommendations for the prevention of cardiovascular disease; to identify
location so as to provide suggestions on statin therapy in primary health care.
Material and Methods: The study was applied using a questionnaire intended for patients. Information
was collected through interviews with patients by responsible pharmacists, and the questionnaire was
completed by researchers. The study involved patients treated with statins, both sexes, older than 18
years, who took drug from pharmacy. Patients were informed that the questionnaire is anonymous, and
through the questionnaire they gave their consent to participate in research. The total number of patients
included in the study was 93. Data processing and graphical display is performed by using descriptive
statistics in Microsoft Office Excel program.
Results: 88% of patients responded that they knew and that they were informed why they had been taking
statins. Only 24% of patients knew how long they would be treated with statins, all of whom responded by
the end of their lives. Even 94% of patients said that they were given suggestions on healthy lifestyle. 17%
of patients was familiar with side effects of statins. Those patients mostly said that they were familiar with
the fact that statins could have influence on liver function and growth of its enzymes, as well as on muscle
pain. Even 46% of patients was not familiar with side effects of statins. 30% of patients said that they
didn’t control their liver function. 17% of patients responded that they knew what they should do in case
they noticed side effects of drugs, 52% was partly familiar with the procedure, while 31% didn’t know
what to do in that situation. With 22% of patients there was a possibility of clinically significant
interaction with statins.
Conclusion: Patients’ knowledge on treatment with statins is not at satisfactory level and pharmacists
should be more involved in their education. It would be useful if there could be a practice for all patients
who use statins to get not only oral suggestions, but written material as well, in a form of a reminder about
most important characteristics of these drugs and how to use them, side effects, how to report a side effect
and possible interactions.
Key words: statins, patients, pharmacy, pharmacists