The invention relates to a method for controlling an electrically controllable suction valve (1) for controlling the delivery rate of a high-pressure pump (2) in a fuel injection system, in particular a common-rail injection system, of an internal combustion engine. According to the invention, the suction valve (1) is controlled at least at the start of the internal combustion engine as a function of at least one parameter influencing the lubrication conditions in a power unit chamber (3) of the high-pressure pump (2).