Study says statin side-effects largely misunderstood; millions avoiding life-saving drug unnecessarily

A major study finds most statin side-effects are not caused by the drug, reassuring patients worldwide as experts warn fear and misinformation are preventing millions from taking heart-saving treatment.

Health Desk | MediaBites

A major international study has found that most side-effects blamed on cholesterol-lowering statin medicines are not actually caused by the drug, clearing confusion affecting millions of patients worldwide — including across Asia, where heart disease rates are rising.

Researchers from the University of Oxford analyzed data from more than 123,000 patients across 19 clinical trials and concluded that the benefits of statins strongly outweigh the risks for most people.

What the study found

Doctors often hear complaints from patients about memory loss, fatigue, sleep issues or depression after starting statins.
But the review found no real increase in these problems compared to people taking a placebo.

Not linked to statins:

• Memory loss

• Depression

• Sleep problems

• Erectile dysfunction

• Weight gain

• Headache and fatigue

Lead researcher Dr. Christina Reith said many symptoms occur naturally in middle-aged and older adults — and were wrongly attributed to the medicine.

Real but small risks

The study confirmed only a few genuine side effects:

• About 1% muscle pain, usually in the first year

• Slight rise in blood sugar (diabetes risk in vulnerable patients)

• Very small liver test changes (around 0.1%)

• Occasional swelling in legs or feet

No increase in serious liver disease was found.

Why it matters in Asia

Heart attacks and strokes are rising rapidly in South and Southeast Asia due to diabetes, high cholesterol and sedentary lifestyles.
Doctors say fear of side effects causes many patients to stop treatment early — increasing preventable deaths.

Experts now want medicine labels updated to reduce misinformation and improve trust.

Bottom line

Statins remain one of the most effective and affordable drugs to prevent heart attacks and strokes — and researchers say avoiding them due to fear may be more dangerous than taking them.