08 September 2016

Good to See a Study That Cuts Through the Controversy Around Statins, Says RCGP

Responding to a review of evidence around the effectiveness of statins, published in The Lancet, Dr Maureen Baker, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said:

“This study cuts through a lot of the controversy surrounding statins; it recognises the benefits that these drugs have for many patients, but also the potential side-effects that any prescribing healthcare professional should be aware of.

“GPs are highly trained to prescribe based on the individual circumstances of the patient in front of them. A decision to prescribe statins will never be taken lightly and should always be the result of a discussion between GP and patient. It remains essential that patients who are prescribed statins undertake regular medication reviews.

“We hope this research reassures patients who are on statins that in the majority of cases statins are safe and effective drugs – but in most cases where adverse side effects are seen, these are reversible by stopping taking statins.

“As with any new research, it is now important that this study is taken on board as guidelines for healthcare professionals are updated in the best interests of our patients.”

Further Information

RCGP Press office: 020 3188 7574/7575/7633
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 50,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.