Statins - not quite a rant

After everything I, and so many others, have been saying about Statins and the fact that they are a real danger to health new research has shown...

"Some doses and types of statins are linked with a greater risk of adverse effects, including liver problems and kidney failure, the UK research showed. "

This quote is taken from the BBC news website for 20 May 2010 [ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8695102.stm ]

It just goes to show that we, the unsuspecting patients, are being abused and misinformed about the so-called benefits of drugs - how wonderful they are...

For a while I, somewhat reluctantly, took Statins after my doctor advised me [strongly] that it would be a good idea. When a recent urine sample was tested and showed traces of protein, indicating that there was a risk of renal and liver problems, I decided that I was going to stop using the Statins.

In a few months I will be returning for another check-up with the associated tests and then will be able to see whether the doctor is right - or I am...

Time will tell.

Statins - New fears

My headline is taken from the 'Daily Express' dated 25 Sep 09 and their headline states, in full, New fears over heart pill taken by millions, I dislike having to say "I told you so" but...

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/129722/New-fears-over-heart-pill-taken-by-millions

The full article can be seen at the above address but a few details are presented here; increased usage of Statins has seen an increase in reported side effects, some of which can be quite devastating - I quote:

"Statins are already known to cause tummy upsets, liver problems and muscle pains in some users as well as a rare but serious lung disorder.

Packets warn patients of these side-effects but last year manufacturers were forced to add new cautions, telling patients that statins can sometimes cause memory loss, sexual problems, depression and disturbed sleep."

Why do the 'health professionals' disregard information that has been presented to them over the years about problems and will only start to take these things seriously when they become fully public knowledge?

I told my doctor about these issues quite a long time ago but he eventually persuaded me to get onto the medication and now this news reaches me.

Another quote:

"[...] we have found one, simvastatin – the version most frequently prescribed in the UK and the main one given to many elderly patients – can cause impairment of pathways regulating muscle mass and metabolism."


I am reluctant to just stop taking the Statins but now I feel that, since my confidence in the suggestions made by my doctor has dropped significantly, I may have no other course of action. This whole feeling is compounded by the fact that Simvastatin is the one I have been prescribed as being the 'safest' Statin to take.

Please read the whole article and make comments to your medical professional if you feel as I do.

I told you so - is no compensation really, is it?