Commentary
Of course, I have to remind myself that a good number of patients simply do not want to take statins because it is a reminder of their vulnerability, status as a cardiac patient, or as a potential future victim of a heart attack or stroke. Some patients find that concept so upsetting that they would rather ignore it altogether.
Reluctantly, I admit that statins are not perfect drugs. But I would still submit that they’re the closest things we have to wonder drugs today. Yes, a fair number of patients do develop myalgias, but these are often mild and transient and can be managed. Very infrequently, patients may manifest some degree of hepatotoxicity, and very rarely rhabdomyolysis can rear its ugly head. Statins can sometimes nudge prediabetes into diabetes, just as thiazide diuretics and beta-blockers will sometimes do. However, on balance, the risk-benefit analysis of taking statins in both primary and secondary prevention settings is very much in favor of taking the drugs.
So my message to my patients (and to your patients as well) is a very simple one. Take advantage of the phenomenal life-saving benefits of these near-wonder drugs, ignore the unscientific online nonsense authored by individuals practicing medicine without a license, and do what your tired but well-meaning doctor urges: take your statins, for Heaven’s sake!
Author disclosures
The author reports no actual or potential conflicts of interest with regard to this article.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Federal Practitioner, Frontline Medical Communications Inc., the U.S. Government, or any of its agencies. This article may discuss unlabeled or investigational use of certain drugs. Please review complete prescribing information for specific drugs or drug combinations—including indications, contraindications, warnings, and adverse effects—before administering pharmacologic therapy to patients.