Most evidence based on studies in men The case for the widespread use of statins is extremely flimsy. The trials that provide the justification have been subject to detailed criticisms (1). In any event most of them were conducted before effective regulatory controls were introduced. As the work has been primarily with men, the case […]
A report from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee concludes that information is routinely withheld from doctors and researchers about the methods and results of clinical trials on treatments currently prescribed in the United Kingdom (1). Invariably the bodies responsible for the approval of new drugs only have access to the results of studies
Recently I have devoted several posts to the topic of statins (1,2,3). It is obvious that there are many serious doubts about the official/conventional approach to the use of these drugs which have been highlighted by the recent controversy in the BMJ. The results of the special inquiry established by Fiona Godlee, the editor-in-chief of
105. Statin critics cleared. Top statin advocate knuckles’ rapped Read More »
So NICE has decided to go ahead with its proposal to recommend that those with a 10% risk of developing heart disease should be considered for treatment with statins. In an article in the BMJ, Professor Mark Baker, the director of the Centre for Clinical Practice at the NICE, stated that 77 people would need
NICE has just announced that the proposal for all those with a 10% risk of developing heart disease should be offered statins has been confirmed. Effectively this means virtually everyone because even with the healthiest, fittest person there must be at least a 10% chance heart disease will cause their death. Perhaps “the great and
The Science Media Centre describes itself as: “an independent press office helping to ensure that the public have access to the best scientific evidence and expertise through the news media when science hits the headlines”(1). A recent briefing by the Centre covered the proposal by NICE to extend the use of statins to a much