Millions of Americans take prescription statins to lower their cholesterol. In fact, worldwide sales totaled more than $25 billion in 2008. It is no wonder more doctors have become enthusiastic about prescribing statins to their patients after seeing overwhelming evidence of their benefits.
Coronary heart disease is the Number one cause of death in the United States. Stroke is the Number three cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious disability.
About 1.3 million Americans will have a heart attack this year, and about 700,000 will suffer a stroke, according to the American Heart Association.
Dr. Beatrice Golomb, MD, Ph.D. associate professor of medicine at UCSD and director of the UC San Diego's Statin Study group cites nearly 900 studies on the adverse effects of statins, a class of drugs widely used to treat high cholesterol.
"Muscle problems are the best known of statin drugs' adverse side effects." said Golomb. "But cognitive problems, or pain or numbness in the extremities like fingers and toes, are also widely reported."
A spectrum of their problems, ranging from blood glucose elevations to tendon problems, can also occur as side effects from statins.
"Physician awareness of such side effects is reportedly low," Golomb said. "Being vigilant for adverse effects in their patients is necessary in order for doctors to provide informed treatment decisions and improved patient care."
Statins currently available in the include:
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor®)
- Fluvastatin (Lescol®)
- Lovastatin (Mevacor®, Altoprev™)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol®)
- Rosuvastatin Calcium (Crestor®)
- Simvastatin (Zocor®)
If you would like to share your own story of adverse effects for the UC San Diego Statin Study, go to statineffects.com
