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A comprehensive review has revealed that statins, widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications used by millions in the UK, are significantly safer than previously believed. The authors of the study recommend updating the informational leaflets included with statin packages to better reflect these findings and prevent patients from being discouraged from using these potentially life-saving drugs.
According to research funded by the British Heart Foundation, many of the side effects commonly attributed to statins—such as memory loss, depression, sleep disturbances, weight gain, and impotence—are not actually caused by the medication. The extensive review, published in The Lancet, analyzed data from clinical trials involving over 120,000 participants who were randomly assigned either statins or a placebo. The results demonstrated that statins effectively lower LDL cholesterol, a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, which remains a leading cause of death both globally and within the UK.
The study highlighted that side effect reports were almost the same between those taking statins and those on placebo, indicating that most symptoms are likely unrelated to the drug itself. Out of 66 potential adverse effects examined, only four showed any association with statin use: changes in liver enzyme tests, minor liver abnormalities, changes in urine, and tissue swelling. Importantly, these changes did not result in serious conditions such as hepatitis or liver failure. Muscle damage and slight increases in blood glucose leading to earlier onset diabetes were noted as rare occurrences.
Lead author Professor Christina Reith explained that fears about the safety of statins have led many patients to either avoid starting or to discontinue the treatment, despite its proven benefits. She stated, “Ongoing confusion and concern about side effects mean many people are not willing to start them or stop them. This is a major issue.” While acknowledging that some side effects may be experienced during treatment, she emphasized the robust evidence showing that statins are rarely the cause of common complaints. Professor Sir Rory Collins, the senior author of the review, stressed the need to revise statin packaging information to better support informed decisions by patients and healthcare providers. Additional commentary from Professor Bryan Williams of the British Heart Foundation noted that undue negative publicity has discouraged many from benefiting from statin therapy, calling the study’s findings “very powerful reassurance.” Healthcare professionals continue to stress the life-saving value of statins and advise patients to consult their doctor if they experience any problems with their medication
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