Statins are absorbed from the blood into the liver by a transporter called SLCO1B1. Genetic variation in the SLCO1B1 gene can result in SLCO1B1 poor or decreased transporter function. Poor or decreased transporter function can result in increased blood levels of statins and increase the risk of statin-associated muscular side effects.

The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) is a group that evaluates the evidence for the use of pharmacogenetics and then develops clinical practice guidelines.  For statins, extensive guideline information can be found at https://cpicpgx.org/guidelines/cpic-guideline-for-statins/ a reference maintained by CPIC.

Here is a video that reviews the CPIC guideline for statins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN3SiKDcoS8 

At UCHealth the use of pharmacogenetics when prescribing statins will occur in patients who meet the following conditions:

1) Provided a blood or saliva sample to the Colorado Biobank and this sample has undergone genotyping. 
2) Have consented for the return of their results.
3) Are prescribed a statin.

This process takes a minimum of 4-6 weeks, but may take several years. Therefore, results will not be available at initial presentation if a patient has not previously enrolled in the Biobank.

If you are a provider AND your patient has a SLCO1B1 decreased or poor function genetic variant, an inline medication warning will appear if you attempt to prescribe a statin.  If the inline medication warning is visible, links to resources will be listed for your reference.  There is patient education text available for UCHealth providers to use in discharge paperwork or the after visit summary (AVS).

Visit our Provider FAQs page here.  For immediate questions, secure chat Groups: Pharmacogenomics Service in UCHealth's EHR.