New Canadian Guideline Frames Statin Deprescribing for Adults 65 and Older

This first dedicated statin deprescribing guideline gives pharmacists a GRADE-based, patient-centred framework for the routine decision of whether to continue or stop statins in older adults.

statin deprescribing guidelineCanadian Family Physiciangeriatricsolder adultsprimary preventionsecondary preventionend of lifeHMG-CoA reductase inhibitorsGRADE Geriatrics / Geriatric Pharmacy

Background Information

New guideline supports personalized statin deprescribing for older adults.

Deprescribing statins for older adults requires careful consideration to balance risks and benefits, particularly at the end of life. The guideline suggests deprescribing statins in end-of-life situations while continuing them for primary or secondary prevention in other older adults. Recommendations are formed using the GRADE framework and emphasize individualized care decisions based on patient values, health goals, and clinical circumstances. Use patient-centered discussions to guide statin use in older adults.

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Authors: Thompson W, Barry AR, McCarthy LM, Pan J, Peixoto C, Lemay G, Goyal P, Fung C, Dowlatshahi D, Trimble J, Martin-Misener R, McCracken RK, Bjerre LM

Citation: Thompson W, Barry AR, McCarthy LM, et al. Deprescribing statins for adults 65 years of age and older: Evidence-based clinical practice guideline. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien. 2026;72(9):534-545. doi:10.46747/cfp.7209534

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI

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