Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Call for removal of Crestor (p 2189)

Call for removal of Crestor (p 2189)

June 23, 2004

The author of a letter in this week's issue of THE LANCET is calling for the removal of the statin rosuvastatin (Crestor) from the drug market, based on data suggesting that it has a poorer safety profile than other licensed statin drugs.

A Lancet editorial (Lancet 2003; 362: 1341) voiced concerns about the high-profile marketing of rosuvastatin despite the lack of strong evidence from large randomised trials to support its efficacy and safety. Writing in this week's issue, Sidney Wolfe from Public Citizen, a non-profit consumer advocacy organisation based in Washington DC, USA, presents pre-marketing and post-marketing data detailing a higher incidence of rhabdomyolysis (the breakdown of muscle fibre which can cause kidney failure) compared with other statins.




Dr Wolfe comments: "By now, the number of reported cases of rhabdomyolysis and renal insufficiency or renal failure-20 of which have occurred in people using 10 mg [the lowest dose of the drug]-is certain to have increased substantially from the number filed by April 13, 2004. The renal toxicity, high rate of cases of rhabdomyolysis compared with other statins, and lack of unique benefit are compelling reasons to remove rosuvastatin from the market before additional patients are injured or killed. To allow AstraZeneca to continue desperately seeking a piece of the estimated $20 billion-a-year statin market hardly justifies governments allowing this ultimately doomed drug to stay on the market". (quote from published letter).

Lancet



Related Statins Current Events and Statins News Articles Statins Current Events and Statins News RSS Statins Current Events and Statins News RSS
Early end to key study on benefits of niacin, a B vitamin, in keeping arteries open was premature
Heart experts at Johns Hopkins are calling premature the early halt of a study by researchers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Washington Hospital Center on the benefits of combining extended-release niacin, a B vitamin, with cholesterol-lowering statin medications to prevent blood vessel narrowing.

Researchers mobilizing global resources to test new treatments for severe H1N1 infection
An important, ground-breaking initiative is unfolding in the global critical care community in response to the H1N1 pandemic.

Widely used cholesterol-lowering drug may prevent progression
Simvastatin, a commonly used, cholesterol-lowering drug, may prevent Parkinson's disease from progressing further. Neurological researchers at Rush University Medical Center conducted a study examining the use of the FDA-approved medication in mice with Parkinson's disease and found that the drug successfully reverses the biochemical, cellular and anatomical changes caused by the disease.

Statins show dramatic drug and cell dependent effects in the brain
Besides their tremendous value in treating high cholesterol and lowering the risk of heart disease, statins have also been reported to potentially lower the risks of other diseases, such as dementia.

Cholesterol-lowering medicines may be effective against cancer
Statins lower cholesterol by blocking certain enzymes involved in our metabolism.

Adding ezetimibe to atorvastatin improves lipid control
Adding ezetimibe to atorvastatin significantly boosted the attainment of lipid targets as specified by both Canadian and European guidelines in elderly patients aged 65 and older and the combination produced superior results than simply increasing the dose of atorvastatin alone.

Use of statins favors the wealthy, creating new social disparities in cholesterol
Since the introduction of statins to treat high cholesterol, the decline in lipid levels experienced by the wealthy has been double that experienced by the poor.

Women with Atrial Fibrillation Are at Significantly Higher Risk of Stroke and Death Compared to Men and Receive Less Attention
Even though the incidence of atrial fibrillation is higher in men than women, a review of past studies and medical literature completed by cardiac experts at Rush University Medical Center shows that women are more likely than men to experience symptomatic attacks, a higher frequency of recurrences, and significantly higher heart rates during atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of stroke.

Pre-hospital organization: The first links in the chain of survival for heart attack patients
Mortality rate following a heart attack has fallen by more than 50% in Europe over the past 25 years. However, because only minor advances in the medical treatment of AMI are expected over the next decade, it is through organisational changes in the pre-hospital phase that mortality rate will continue this decline to below 5%.

Fatostatin' is a turnoff for fat genes
A small molecule earlier found to have both anti-fat and anti-cancer abilities works as a literal turnoff for fat-making genes, according to a new report in the August 28th issue of the journal Chemistry and Biology, a Cell Press journal.
More Statins Current Events and Statins News Articles
The Statin Damage Crisis

The Statin Damage Crisis
by Duane Graveline (Author), Malcolm Kendrick (Introduction)

The purpose in the choice of the title The Statin Damage Crisis is to draw attention to the thousands of statin damaged people who have written to Dr Graveline about their disabling neuropathies, myopathies and a variety of neurodegenerative conditions such as ALS and Parkinsonism associated with statin use. Although much of the book's content will be familiar to readers of Statin Drugs Side Effects, ( this was originally planned as a new edition ) the Statin Damage Crisis adds much new material that Dr Graveline has learned of in the past two years. Dr Graveline states: "Early on my NASA doctors told me my amnesia response to statins was nothing but a coincidence but I persevered to write my first book, Lipitor, Thief of Memory." "Then I learned of statin damage to nerves and...

Statin Drugs Side Effects and the Misguided War on Cholesterol

Statin Drugs Side Effects and the Misguided War on Cholesterol
by Duane Graveline (Author)

If you are on a statin drug or are thinking of going on a statin, this fully referenced book, Statin Drug Side Effects, is a "must read" for you. The unacceptable legacy of statin drug use at today's high doses is a trail of chronic aches and pains, numbness, weakness, confusion, fatigue, shortness of breath and even heart failure in hordes of unsuspecting victims. Only by knowing this information, and in consultation with your healthcare professional, can you make an informed decision about your health care. If you are a user of Vytorin, Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor, Mevacor, Pravachol or Lescol you must read this book. Most of the statin side effects I discuss are unknown to your busy doctor. Although knowledgeable about muscle and liver problems, few have heard of statin amnesia and...

What You Must Know About Statin Drugs & Their Natural Alternatives

What You Must Know About Statin Drugs & Their Natural Alternatives
by Jay S. Cohen (Author)



Triumph of the Heart: The Story of Statins

Triumph of the Heart: The Story of Statins
by Jie Jack Li (Author)

Over 25 million people in the U.S. alone have benefited from statins--such drugs as Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor, Pravachol, and other cholesterol-lowering medicines--in preventing stroke, heart attack, and other forms of coronary heart disease. But how did these remarkable, life-saving drugs come into being? In Triumph of the Heart, Dr. Jie Jack Li, a medicinal chemist and expert on drug discovery, tells for the first time the fascinating story of statins. Drawn from discussions with many scientists involved in the discovery and development of these drugs, the book illuminates the human side of science by revealing the role played by persistence, luck, and sudden insight that characterize major discoveries. For scientists in the drug industry, health care professionals, students of medicine,...

Aidan C-Statin - 120 Capsules

Aidan C-Statin - 120 Capsules
by Aidan

C-Statin, a naturally occurring plant extract, contains a patented proteoglycan molecule (PGM) from field bindweed that is a potent angiogenesis inhibitor. Studies have demonstrated PGM to be 100 times stronger than shark cartilage. Used and recommended by healthcare professionals around the world. C-STATIN is a proprietary extract of Convolvulus arvensis hat contains high concentrations of active PGMs.

  Statin the Facts
by P.



Statin Boy & Cholesterol Kid

Statin Boy & Cholesterol Kid
by Today's Icons

Wall sculpture depicting modern day icons, cholsterol and its antidote Statin pill, ready for hanging!

Blackhawk 6" Statin Chrome Blackhawk Adjustable Wr

Blackhawk 6" Statin Chrome Blackhawk Adjustable Wr
by Blackhawk

Adjustable - Wrenches Tool Type: Adjustable Wrench Overall Length: 6 Opening Size: 15/16 Finish/Coating: Matt Chrome

Natural Alternatives to Lipitor, Zocor & Other Statin Drugs: What to Use And Do to Help Lower Your Bad Cholesterol (Square One Health Guides)

Natural Alternatives to Lipitor, Zocor & Other Statin Drugs: What to Use And Do to Help Lower Your Bad Cholesterol (Square One Health Guides)
by Jay S. Cohen (Author)



NIKE FLEXON NIKE 6004 421 STATIN BROWN 50MM FULL-FRAME.

NIKE FLEXON NIKE 6004 421 STATIN BROWN 50MM FULL-FRAME.
by Nike

* NIKE FLEXON NIKE 6004 421 STATIN BROWN 51MM FULL-FRAME * NIKE CASE + CLEANING CLOTH.

© 2009 BrightSurf.com