Statins have uncovered side effects
While statins had long been known as magic drugs against heart diseases, a new study says these cholesterol-lowering drugs may cause various side effects.
Commonly prescribed in individuals with high cholesterol levels and those at risk of cardiovascular disease, statins have cardioprotective properties and can prevent possible heart attacks and strokes.
According to the study published in the British Medical Journal, individuals taking statins are at an increased risk of developing liver dysfunction, kidney failure, muscle weakness and cataracts.
No such a connection, however, was reported between statins and the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, blood clot, dementia, osteoporotic fracture, and malignancies including gastric, colon, lung, renal, breast or prostate cancer.
While the adverse effects were similar for all types of statins, the use of fluvastatin was associated with a higher risk of liver dysfunction and renal failure.
"All of the increased risks persisted during the treatment, but were highest in the first year," said lead researchers Julia Hippisley-Cox and Carol Coupland, adding that higher doses are associated with greater risks.
The risk reached its baseline values after stopping the use of the drug within a year or three, the study found.
Scientists concluded that statins are not completely risk free, adding that when used properly, their benefits outweigh their risks.
They therefore urged physicians to prescribe the cholesterol-lowering medication with more care and to monitor patients taking these drugs for possible side effects.
Source: presstv.ir
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