Long-term use of statin medications could aggravate a patient’s risk of breast cancer, a new study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology claims. The findings come just after suggestions were made by certain organizations to increase prescription efforts and offer statins to millions more people. The British Medical Association and The Royal College of General Practitioners have challenged the decision to expand their prescribing of the medications, citing concerns about the long-term use of statins such as Lipitor as well as the increased statin risks. A former chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs stated that the link between statins and breast cancer was worrisome, and that researchers did not know the exact extent to which these medications could impact the millions of people who have been taking statins for four decades.
Statin Risks May Include Breast Cancer
Funded by the U.S. National Cancer Institute, the study involves nearly 3,000 women between the ages of 55 and 74 and found that patients who took statins for at least 10 years had a doubled risk of developing breast cancer. Additionally, some medical experts have stated that other widely reported side effects such as mental impairment, muscle pains, cataracts, impotence and diabetes have been played down.
Statins, including Lipitor, are a class of medications that are prescribed to patients who are suffering from high cholesterol levels. These patients may be more likely to suffer from plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries as the extra cholesterol and other fatty substances can build up over time. This deposition has been linked to several conditions and diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis.
Statins work by obstructing or blocking a substance produced in the liver that is necessary to synthesize cholesterol. When this process is inhibited, cholesterol is absorbed, resulting in the further blockage of blood flow in the vessels. Statin medications are typically the first line of treatment for patients with high cholesterol as they also help the blood vessels to properly function, improve plaque stability, reduce the risk of blood clots and reduce stress on the cells.
However, like most other medications, the most common statin risks and side effects include tendonitis or muscle weakness, nausea, headache, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Rare statin risks may include numbness, memory impairment, amnesia, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating and memory loss.
Have You Been Injured While Taking Lipitor?
If you or someone you love developed diabetes or other complications while taking Lipitor, you may be able to pursue a claim and seek compensation for your injuries. Contact Attorney Group today to learn more about your options and to receive a free case evaluation. We can connect you with an affiliated Lipitor attorney who can handle your claim and assist you in holding the appropriate parties responsible for compensation for damages.
