"Other than the well-known risks around muscle pain and diabetes, only four of 66 other statin side-effects listed on labels liver test changes, minor liver abnormalities, urine changes and tissue swelling are supported by evidence. And the risks are very small, according to the systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Lancet. Statins have been used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide over the last three decades and are proven to reduce heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths."
"The study is the most comprehensive assessment of evidence for listed side-effects of statins. It examined 19 randomised controlled trials involving 124,000 people, with an average follow-up of four and a half years. Of the 66 side-effects currently listed on product labels, researchers found no strong evidence to support statins causing 62 of them, such as memory problems, depression, sleep disturbances and nerve damage leading to tingling in the hands and feet."
"The results showed the risk of most listed side-effects was minimal while the benefits far outweighed potential harms. As a result, labels should be updated to better reflect the evidence so patients and doctors could make more informed choices about statins, the researchers said. The study's lead author, Christina Reith, an associate professor at Oxford University, said: What we were able to show reliably was that statins did not make these commonly experienced events occur more often."
Statin therapy reduces heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths and has been used by hundreds of millions worldwide for three decades. Nineteen randomized controlled trials with 124,000 participants and an average follow-up of four and a half years were examined. Of 66 side-effects listed on product labels, strong evidence linked only muscle pain and increased diabetes risk, plus four other effects: liver test changes, minor liver abnormalities, urine changes and tissue swelling. No strong evidence supported 62 listed effects, including memory problems, depression, sleep disturbances, and peripheral nerve symptoms. Reported risks were very small and benefits greatly outweighed harms, and label updates would better reflect the evidence and aid informed clinical decisions.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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