Cholesterol Drug Side Effect Warnings Possible

More than 400,000 people, one in every 10 New Zealanders are prescribed either Lipitor or Lipex to lower cholesterol levels.

New research shows that’s statins

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have been found to lead to memory loss and increase a persons chance of developing Diabetes by nine per cent, sparking the United States to issue a mandatory label on the medicine, warning of side effects. 

A New Zealand study in 2007 made links between between memory loss and statins, and information about the side effects are available in data sheets.

New Zealand doctors may soon have to warn hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders that their cholesterol lowering medication increases the risk of Diabetes and Dementia.

In New Zealand more than 200,000 Kiwis already have Diabetes, which is considered  an epidemic, it also concluded that patients cognitive abilities were affected, but returned to normal when they stopped taking the medication.

Australian health authorities are also reviewing the medication, doctors there have warned that statins are over prescribed, and people who were not at high risk of developing heart disease should reconsider using them.

Alzheimer’s NZ is pleased the FDA is alerting the public to the side effects of the drugs, there are so many drugs that bring on these side effects, so someone who is prescribed them would have to consider with their doctor as to whether a slightly foggy mind was worth giving up the medication.

Anyone who is concerned should talk to their doctor.

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