Urgent Warning Statins Hundreds of Aussies Risking Death
The warning comes in the wake of a double episode of ABC TV program Catalyst that gave a controversial review of the drugs, known as statins.
The program has been widely denounced by medical experts but has created alarm amongst those taking the drugs. A survey of 150 doctors commissioned by the original manufacturer of the statins suggests that a large proportion of high risk patients are stopping their medication after seeing the program.
Chair of the National Stroke Foundation Clinical Council, Professor Richard Lindley, said it was vitally important for people to stay on medication prescribed by their doctors.
“If you have already had a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke, you are at elevated risk of having another one,” he said.
“Suddenly stopping your medication will leave you vulnerable to a further stroke or heart attack and this could prove fatal. It’s unwise and not worth the risk.
“No one should stop taking their prescribed medication, unless advised by their doctor. “
Facts on statins and stroke: Presented by Prof Richard Lindley, Chair of Stroke Foundation Clinical Council.
Facts on statins and stroke from National Stroke Foundation on Vimeo.