Statin Benefits and Risks

Following recent media coverage about side effects associated with statins, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published its position on their benefits and risks

People should continue to take their statins as prescribed. Large clinical trials have shown that statins can save lives by reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and the need for heart surgery.

The benefits of taking statins strongly outweigh any risks. However like all medicines, statins can cause side effects in some people. Most side effects experienced by people who take statins are mild and product information lists advice on how to use statins and any potential side effects.

MHRA continually reviews the information on the safety of statins. We will update the prescribing advice for statins in light of any substantial new evidence of safety concerns. If patients have any concerns about their medicines then they should speak to their doctor.

Statins available in the UK are:

  • Simvastatin (Zocor, Simvador, Inegy)
  • Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
  • Pravastatin (Lipostat)
  • Fluvastatin (Lescol)
  • Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

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