In a so-called meta-analysis – an evaluation of 29 studies on the efficacy of statins against diseases of the cardiovascular system – the scientists conclude that most undesirable side effects can not be trapped on the statins. These included nausea and gastrointestinal problems, fatigue or sleep problems, but also painful muscles, skeletal muscle and kidney damage. “Almost all of the complaints and problems reported in the trials also occurred when the subjects were given only one placebo,” writes Dr. Judith Finegold of the National Heart and Lung Institute in London.
Side effects
The side effects of 80,000 subjects were even slightly higher among the apparent drugs, the researchers found. In most drug trials, spot medications, ie placebos, are administered to some of the subjects in order to be able to assess the effect of “real drugs” more safely. Psychological or other sources of error can thus be more easily excluded. However, side effects would not be checked in this way, the scientists criticize. Therefore, the reported problems could also be triggered by factors that are not related to the drug. “Patients and physicians need reliable information about drug benefits and risks when they make meaningful decisions.”
Complaints often psychologically explainable
Finegold and her colleagues focused exclusively on the reports of the side effects in the evaluation of the almost 30 studies and concluded that only the risk for diabetes was increased by the treatment with statins – one out of five diabetic diseases that had newly occurred in the course of the study went to this Statins account. On the other hand, all other side effects were almost equally common in drug and control groups.
The fact that many patients who receive statins complain about typical side effects could have psychological reasons, believes study author Finegold. “When people are asked in detail about their condition, they will not feel so good on one day or another. Why should they suddenly feel better after taking a cholesterol lowering agent, particularly if warned of possible side effects?”
“Not recommended for statins”
As a recommendation to a more generous regulation of statins, Finegold does not want to understand their meta-study. She is talking about an improved doctor-patient dialogue. “We believe that patients should be encouraged to make their own therapy decisions, but they need unadulterated, high-quality information.”Authorities and regulatory authorities for medicines should take this into account when describing possible side effects.
Statins are the most prescribed lipid counters. They inhibit an enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) involved in the production of LDL cholesterol in the liver. LDL cholsterin is considered one of the main risk factors for the development of arteriosclerosis.
Source: J. Finegold et. Al .: “What proportion of symptomatic side effects in patients are statin are genuinely caused by the drug? Systematic review of randomized placebo-controlled trials to aid individual patient choice “, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology Online , DOI: 10.1177 / 2047487314525531
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