'Unintended' statin side-effect risks uncovered

What? "Unintended?" It's headlines like these that make me wonder just how long ago the risks were 'uncovered,' ya know? Did they know about them after the first long-term trial? Did they know about these risks after 5 years? After 10 years?

I like this quote, "On the positive side, the analysis also showed no significant association between the use of statins and the risk of Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, blood clot, dementia, osteoporotic fracture, or many cancers including gastric, colon, lung, renal, breast or prostate."

It basically says they haven't seen a significant risk of parkinsons, R.A, clots, dementia, fracture, or cancers...YET! 6 years is not a very long 'long term study,' especially when you consider that we have patients who have been on statins for 15-20 years (the first FDA approved statin was Mevacor, in 1987).

But what I think is the most interesting is the ratio of benefit to side-effects: In women, there was a reduction of 279 events (esophageal cancer and cardiovascular disease) BUT an INCREASE of 442 side-effects, many causing death. THE MEN FARED MUCH WORSE, with 552 side-effects!

I don't know, do you think I'm off-base in presenting this information? Please don't read me incorrectly - I'm not saying statins are the bane of civilized healthcare, but I am saying that statins are a horrible alternative to simply taking control of your health and diet.

If you have questions about this, please feel free to contact me.

In Health,
Dr. Scott
www.hilltopwellness.com

A New Low in Drug Research: 21 Fabricated Studies

A New Low in Drug Research: 21 Fabricated Studies - Wall Street Journal March 11, 2009

There is just so much of this sort of information in the news lately I can't imagine anyone feeling safe taking their prescription drugs anymore. I'm nervous and I don't take any drugs! Researchers are finding more and more evidence that eating certain foods and PREVENTING the diseases these drugs are produced for is a FAR better way to maintain health and wellness for yourself.

You didn't read it first here, but you've read it AGAIN here: preventative healthcare TRUMPS crisis medical intervention EVERY TIME! Feel free to give us a call and ask what we can do for you to help you meet your health-goals - it would be our pleasure to serve you.

-Dr. Scott