Study Finds Most Statin Side-Effects Are Not Caused by the Drugs

A major review published in The Lancet finds that most statin side-effects are not caused by the drugs. Researchers analysed 19 clinical trials involving 124,000 people followed for more than four years. Other than muscle pain, diabetes risk, and four minor effects such as liver test changes and tissue swelling, evidence did not support the remaining 62 listed side-effects. These included memory loss, depression, sleep problems, and nerve damage. The study found that statin benefits in preventing heart attacks and strokes far outweighed the small risks. Lead author Christina Reith said statins did not increase common complaints compared with non-users. Senior author Rory Collins called for updated labels to reflect the evidence. Experts from the British Heart Foundation and the Royal College of GPs said the findings should reassure patients while supporting informed doctor–patient decisions.