Home / Health / Statins Safe: Study Debunks Major Side Effect Fears
Statins Safe: Study Debunks Major Side Effect Fears
6 Feb
Summary
- Landmark study finds cholesterol drugs do not cause memory loss or depression.
- Millions may be avoiding statins due to decades of misleading information.
- Experts call for updated advice to reflect new evidence on statin safety.
New research from Oxford University offers compelling evidence that statins, widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications, are not responsible for many of the side effects commonly listed in their leaflets. The study found no link between statins and conditions like memory loss, dementia, depression, or weight gain, challenging decades of patient concerns and potentially misleading information.
This significant finding suggests that millions of individuals who could benefit from statins may be avoiding them unnecessarily. Experts highlight that these drugs are proven to significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by up to 50% for those most vulnerable. The British Heart Foundation's Chief Scientific and Medical Officer praised the study, emphasizing that while some patients experience adverse effects, they are often unrelated to statin treatment. This powerful message aims to encourage reconsideration of statin therapy for the estimated 50% of eligible patients currently not receiving it.
Consequently, there is a growing call among experts for an overhaul of drug labelling and national health service advice. The goal is to ensure both healthcare professionals and the public are fully informed about the game-changing findings regarding statin safety and efficacy, potentially leading millions more to reconsider taking these life-saving medications.
