BEWARE:  Statin Drugs Do More Harm Than Good

(NaturalNews) Statins, the widely prescribed class of drugs said to lower “bad” cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart problems, has recently come under fire after a study revealed that they destroy human health more than they work to improve it.

Sadly, many people take statin drugs, which are commonly known by brand names including Lipitor, Crestor and Zocor. Prescription drug spending in the U.S. shot up to about $374 billion in 2014, representing the highest level of spending since 2001. Statins undoubtedly made up a significant portion of this spending, and now consumers who take such drugs have much more to worry about than the dent it’s making in their wallets.

The study, which was published in the American Journal of Physiology, states that statins’ “…impact on other biologic properties of stem cells provides a novel explanation for their adverse clinical effects.” Specifically, the study states that such adverse effects include advancing the “process of aging” and also notes that “…long-term use of statins has been associated with adverse effects including myopathy (muscle disease), neurological side effects(including peripheral neuropathy) and an increased risk of diabetes.”

Statins Prevent Proper Cell Repair, Create Nerve Problems And Destroy Memory

Experts involved in the study suggest that the health problems associated with statins have likely been downplayed through the years. In reality, those taking such cholesterol-lowering drugs have been experiencing cataracts, fatigue, liver problems, muscle pain and memory loss. Simply put, the drugs have been found to tamper with cells in such a way that their primary purpose of reproducing and helping the body repair is blocked. With that comes the onset of terrible health issues or worsening of existing ones.

Professor Reza Izadpanah, a stem cell biologist and lead author of the published study, says, “Our study shows statins may speed up the ageing process. People who use statins as a preventative medicine for [health] should think again as our research shows they may have general unwanted effects on the body which could include muscle pain, nerve problems and joint problems.”

FDA Issues A Serious Warning On Statin Drugs, Then Says People Shouldn’t Be Scared Of Them

While the FDA notes on its web site that “Cognitive (brain-related) impairment, such as memory loss, forgetfulness and confusion, has been reported by some statin users” and that “People being treated with statins may have an increased risk of raised blood sugar levels and the development of Type 2 diabetes,” they also maintain its safety and effectiveness. The site directs people’s attention to the advice of Amy G. Egan, M.D., M.P.H., who is the deputy director for safety in the FDA’s Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology Products (DMEP). She says, “This new information should not scare people off statins. Their benefit is indisputable, but they need to be taken with care and knowledge of their side effects.”

Indisputable? Especially after this latest study, we beg to differ. What’s beneficial about accelerated aging, nerve damage, diabetes, cells that don’t properly function, muscle weakness and memory loss?

Studies Touting Drug Benefits Today…Are Usually Revealed Inaccurate Within A Year Or Longer.

Many drug studies are rushed through the research and development stage (R&D), or have findings omitted or buried when it contradicts the drug benefits being sold.  This finding demonstrates the importance of revisiting the so-called benefits of prescription drugs, something that hopefully continues so consumers can be fully informed and kept in the best health possible.

A similar eye-opening study involving the adolescent antidepressant Paxil recently made headlines when a reanalysis of an original study exposed errors and incomplete information. In reality, the drug was found not to be safe and effective for its intended demographic after all, a finding that Brian Nosek, a professor of psychology at the University of Virginia, says “signals that the community is waking up, checking its work and doing what science is supposed to do — self-correct.”

AT WHAT COST IS IT WORTH TAKING A STATIN DRUG?

Over 255 million prescriptions are written for Statin drugs every year.  This is inspite of the fact that in 2012 the FDA  demanded  a warning be posted on all labels of statin medications.stating:  WARNING: Statins can cause diabetes, liver damage, memory loss and confusion, muscle weakness and atrophy and nerve damage.

Dr. David Gaist, MD published a research article in the Journal of Neurology reporting a direct link between statin drug use and nerve damage.  His research revealed that statin drug users have a 16 times greater risk of developing peripheral neuropathy.  This study, also revealed that people taking statin drugs for 2 or more years had a 26 time higher risk for developing diabetes.

By now we are all aware of the link between diabetes and peripheral neuropathy; however, most patients and their doctors are oblivious to the link between statin drug use and peripheral neuropathy.  In fact, a large number of our neuropathy patients that have been diagnosed as “Idiopathic Neuropathy” (meaning of unknown cause) can be directly traced back to their statin medication.

If you are taking a statin medication (Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor, Advicor, Mevacor, Simcor, Pravachol, Vytorin, Avastatin, Simvastatin or any other name with ‘statin’ in it) and have developed peripheral neuropathy, while on the medication, there may be a direct link.  To learn more about peripheral neuropathy and its causes, call today!

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.naturalnews.com