Hi, thank you for your question.
During Ramadan, Muslims who are physically and mentally fit will fast between sunrise (Sahur) and sunset (Iftar). Patients who are taking long-term medications but still intend to fast should discuss with their doctor, so that their doctors can review their overall medical condition and treatment.

This ensures proper adjustments to be made to your medications and side effects as a result of improper use of medications can be prevented.
Adjustments made to your medications may include, the time your medication is to be taken, the time span between doses, the number of doses, the daily dosage of medications and the type of medications.

This is so that patients only need to take their medications at Sahur or Iftar, and if dosing time cannot be adjusted, it will be replaced with a drug that can be taken once or twice a day.

High cholesterol medications such as atorvastatin and simvastatin, are usually given once daily. Therefore, patients taking high cholesterol medications are often advised to take their medication at Iftar or before going to bed.

When Ramadan ends, you should see your doctor again to review the effectiveness of treatment over the fasting month. Adjustments that have been made to the type and daily dosage of medications may need to be changed back to their original regime to accommodate their eating pattern.

Remember that you should always get your doctor’s advice instead of making adjustments to your medications yourself. Changing your medication dosage yourself may affect how the drug works, and lead to side effects due to improper usage of medications.

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