Before you start your prescribed medication, it is important to have lab work done so that your numbers can be closely followed by your clinician. Becoming familiar with your specific medication is important, as some medications should be taken with food and others should be taken on an empty stomach. Most statins can be taken once every 24 hours, at the same time each day. Your clinician will periodically check your lipid panel to see if the medication is helping reduce your cholesterol.