We have previously pointed to many problems associated with the use and overuse of statin drugs. See for instance Think Again About Statins and Statins Deplete Essential CoQ10.

Now even the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) is critical of the marketing claims and research results related to the statins. They point out that the results of all statin drug trials from 1990 to 1999 (19 studies in all) were distorted.

What was the problem exactly? Well, it appears that the sample was biased and very unrepresentative of the population, including the target market for the class of drugs. The trials were mainly conducted using middle-aged men. They did not study the effects of the drugs on women, children, the elderly, or ethnic groups.

The GAO recognized the age / gender bias with this statement:

"The trials generally have not evaluated the efficacy of cholesterol-lowering treatment for several important population groups, such as women, elderly men and women, and minority men and women. Thus, they provide little or no evidence of benefits or possible risks for these groups."

Given the widespread prescription and sales to these groups we have clear evidence that clinical efficacy, if it is even seriously considered at all, takes second place to just selling the drugs. I say again, statins are all about money. They are completely unnecessary and unsafe and it is unwise to take them.

If you currently take statins, here's a hint. Document your use and everything your prescriber says very thoroughly. Why? It will help when your loved one's join the inevitable class action suit.