Most Statin Side-Effects Not Caused by the Drugs, Major Review Finds

A major review published in The Lancet finds most statin side-effects are not caused by the drugs. Researchers analysed 19 trials involving 124,000 participants followed for four and a half years. Evidence supported only muscle pain, diabetes risk, and four minor side-effects. These included liver test changes, mild liver abnormalities, urine changes, and tissue swelling. Researchers found no strong evidence for 62 listed side-effects, including memory loss and sleep problems. Lead author Christina Reith said statins did not increase common complaints. Senior author Rory Collins called for rapid label updates. The British Heart Foundation said the findings counter misinformation and could prevent avoidable deaths.