London: Scientists in the UK have uncovered a range of ‘unintended’ side effects of cholesterol-busting drugs statins.
Their research showed that some doses and types of statins are linked with a greater risk of adverse effects, including liver problems and kidney failure, reports the BBC.
The researchers, from the University of Nottingham, stressed that for many people the benefits of statins outweighed any adverse effects, but the findings would help weigh up the pros and cons in each patient.
As part of the study, the researchers looked at data from more than two million 30-84 year-olds from GP practices in England and Wales over a six-year period.
Adverse effects identified in the study include liver problems, acute kidney failure, muscle weakness and cataracts.
For kidney failure and liver dysfunction, higher doses of the drugs seemed to be associated with greater risk.
Risks of side-effects were greatest in the first year of use.
The study has been published in the British Medical Journal.
ANI
