The Long Term Side Effects of Statins Are Not Known

The long term side effects of statins are not known. One study sponsored by a statin-maker showed a significant increase in the rate of new cancer in people over 70 who took the drugs for 3 years. And article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that laboratory mice have increased risk of cancer when their blood level of statins are only 3 to 6 times as high as achieved in humans on routine therapy. None of the clinical trials of statin safety have included long term follow-up for adults. The data for children is even less.