Oxford University researchers outline which reported side effects are actually caused by statins and say packet labelling should be updated
Statins do not cause many of the side effects which have been linked to the drug, research suggests.
A study of 124,000 people published in the Lancet looked at side effects including memory loss, depression, sleep problems, erectile dysfunction, weight gain, nausea, fatigue and headaches. It revealed that over a four year period patients who took statins were no more likely to experience such common symptoms as those given a dummy drug.
The research team at Oxford University said there is “ongoing confusion and concern” about supposed side-effects linked to the drugs – and say millions more Brits could benefit from them.
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Statins are already one of Britain’s most commonly prescribed drugs taken by around eight million people to lower bad cholesterol levels, and in turn cut their risk of heart attack and stroke. Scientists say the packet labelling information about side effects should be updated.
Lead author of the paper, Christina Reith, associate professor at Oxford Population Health, said “Statins are life-saving drugs used by hundreds of millions of people over the past 30 years. However concerns about the safety of statins have deterred many people who are at risk of severe disability or death from a heart attack or stroke. Our study provides reassurance that, for most people, the risk of side effects is greatly outweighed by the benefits of statins.”
Each year the number of reports of thinking and memory problems was 0.2% in those taking the statins, but also 0.2% in those taking the placebo. This means that while people may notice these problems whilst taking statins, there is no good evidence that they are caused by the statin.
Previous research had identified a 1% increase in muscle symptoms among people taking statins, usually in the first year of treatment. These can include muscle weakness, loss of sensation or tingling in the nerve endings of the hands and feet.
Statins can also lead to a small increase in blood sugar levels, meaning that some people at high risk of diabetes may develop the condition sooner.
On top of these known side-effects, researchers found that only four of 66 “undesirable outcomes” previously linked to statins were actually associated with the drug.
This included a small increased risk of around 0.1% of abnormal results from two types of liver function test.
One test signals elevated levels of certain enzymes in the blood, indicating inflamed or damaged liver cells. The other identifies high rates of a different type of enzyme that indicates potential bile duct obstruction of liver damage. Despite these, the study found no increased risk of serious liver disease.
Research also showed an increased risk in swollen legs, ankles and feet, also known as oedema, and changes to urine, which could indicate underlying health issues like infections or kidney disease.
Professor Bryan Williams, chief scientific officer at the British Heart Foundation, said “These findings are hugely important. Statins are lifesaving drugs, which have been proven to protect against heart attacks and strokes.
“Among the large number of patients assessed in this well-conducted analysis, only four side effects out of 66 were found to have any association with taking statins, and only in a very small proportion of patients.
“This evidence is a much-needed counter to the misinformation around statins and should help prevent unnecessary deaths from cardiovascular disease. Recognising which side effects might genuinely be associated with statins is also important as it will help doctors make decisions about when to use alternative treatments.”
Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “When prescribed appropriately, statins have been shown to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular conditions, such as stroke and heart attacks. Those considering taking statins should be reassured by this comprehensive study which shows that while statins, like any medication, have potential side effects, the risk for most people is low.
“It remains important to note that while statins can have real benefits for some patients, they won’t be appropriate for everyone so the decision to prescribe should always be the result of a conversation between the GP and patient about the various risks and benefits.”
