HEALTH
August 16, 2010
Great piece on statin history and use [" Effectiveness of Statins Is Called Into Question," Aug. 9]. Over the years, I have joked with colleagues that, as with fluoride, statins should be added to our water supply. In your fourth paragraph, you state that statins were initially approved for the prevention of repeat heart attacks and strokes, etc. Having practiced pharmacy for over 35 years, I have seen numerous drug products come and go. It is my memory that the first statins were approved for the reduction of serum cholesterol, and the tie-in to heart attack prevention came along later.
NEWS
September 12, 2011 | By Shari Roan, Los Angeles Times / for the Booster Shots blog
Statins are prescribed to more than 80% of people who have ischemic strokes to prevent further cardiovascular problems. But some doctors are reluctant to prescribe the cholesterol-lowering drugs to stroke patients because they fear statins can cause bleeding in the brain called a hemorrhagic stroke. However, a new study reassures that the practice appears sound. Researchers in Canada reviewed a large patient database to compare people who had an ischemic stroke and received statins to those who did not get the medication.
NEWS
November 8, 2010 | By Shari Roan, Los Angeles Times
Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer and death in the United States. So previous research hinting that statins, which an estimated 20 million Americans take to improve their cholesterol levels, might cut the risk of colorectal cancer has generated high interest. However, a study released Monday yielded disappointing news. Researchers studying a large group of postmenopausal women found that those who took statins did not have a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.
SCIENCE
November 7, 2012 | By Monte Morin, Los Angeles Times
If you take statins to lower your cholesterol, you may also be lowering your risk of death from cancer, new research suggests. A report published in Thursday's edition of the New England Journal of Medicine is one of a number of recent papers suggesting that statins not only limit the growth of cancer cells but also make them more vulnerable to certain therapies. "Regular statin use before and after a diagnosis of cancer could theoretically reduce cancer-related mortality," wrote study leader Sune F. Nielsen, a biochemist at the University of Copenhagen who based his findings on an analysis of more than 5.5 million people in Denmark.
NEWS
November 14, 2013 | By Karin Klein
Adding to Americans' confusion about the ever-changing news from the medical world, there's a new recommendation that would, in effect, drastically increase the number of people who take statins in an effort to reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke. Statins are potent prescription medications with numerous side effects, including memory loss. The criteria for taking the statins, under the guidelines released by the American Heart Assn. and the American College of Cardiology (a professional organization, not an actual college)
HEALTH
May 3, 2010 | Joe Graedon, Teresa Graedon, The People's Pharmacy
I have taken statins to lower my cholesterol. Decreased libido was one of the many side effects I experienced. As things happened gradually, I hadn't fully taken note of how my normal nighttime erections had virtually ceased. I figured my lack of sexual interest was due to getting older. My wife felt I wasn't as interested in her anymore. During the first week after I stopped the statin, I had a sexual awakening like I was a teenager again. I didn't realize how far I had deteriorated until my libido came roaring back.