Johns Hopkins Study: dangers of Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor including kidney disease don’t outweigh benefits

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medical have concluded a major study published by the British Medical Journal on July 31, which has concluded that statins including Lipitor, Crestor and Zocor have side effects that do not outweigh the benefits of lowering cholesterol. Statins are widely used m with an estimated 200 million people worldwide using the medication to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. The drugs are prescribed to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems by lowering cholesterol levels. Statins have also been linked to a number of debilitating side effects, including diabetes and muscle damage that can eventually lead to kidney failure. Researchers confirmed that statins can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and a serious muscle condition known as rhabdomyolysis. However, the researchers concluded that their findings suggest the diabetes side effects appeared in patients who were at-risk of diabetes already. In February 2012, the FDA required the makers of Lipitor, Crestor and other statins to add new warnings about the potential impact of the medication on blood glucose levels. However, many critics have suggested that the warnings are not strong enough. This summary of one study is not meant to dissuade anyone from taking the medication. Check with your physician. There are other studies that say that the statins are safe. However, the study is one of a few recent ones which suggests that knowledge on the matter is evolving. Check with your physician. Jeff Newman represents whistleblowers.