Myth about 'wonder drug'

Having read Dr Pod's article on statins (Medical Matters, 15 July), I remain incensed at the peddling of the medical myth of the decade. Dr Pod's attempt to justify statins is flawed, as she uses far too many "maybe(s)", "appears" and "suggests" to be taken scientifically or medically seriously.

The assertion that statins "are the most commercially successful drug ever" owes more to prescribing inducements and box ticking than necessarily proven medical acceptance.

Contrary to the hype, statins have not been tolerated by virtually half of those to whom they have been prescribed. Patients have experienced side-effects such as muscle wastage and pain, cramps, mood swings and depression, as well as other unsocial, embarrassing and inconvenient effects. Rather than the blanket prescription of these drugs, resources should be diverted to looking into the genetic causes of cholesterol, diabetes and obesity, which would offer a more fundamental solution.

AAK STEWART
Dukeaugh
Peebles