Post on 01-Jan-2016
The StatinsRevolution
Doctors have an amazing new weapon against high cholesterol levels and the problems they can bring.
• Statins are a group of drugs that can be used to reduce cholesterol.
• Statins work by stopping the liver producing as much cholesterol.
• Patients also need to keep to a relatively low fat diet as well for the best effects.
Here are some different opinions about these exciting new drugs
Drug Company Rep
• We are delighted with the results we are getting with statins.
• We have got data from several really large, powerful research trails involving over 30,000 patients.
Drug Company Rep
• The trials all show similar results.
• Using a statin drug can lower your chances of having a heart attack or stroke by 25% to 40% - and we didn’t find too many side effects.
GP Doctor
• Some people just can’t get their cholesterol balance right by changing their diet.
• It doesn’t matter how hard they try.
GP Doctor
• I’ve been very pleased with the results using statins.
• Almost all my patients have now got healthy cholesterol levels.
GP Doctor
• What’s more, we have lost far fewer people to strokes and heart attacks since we started using the drugs.
Patient
• I’m so pleased with my new medicine
• The pills have brought my cholesterol levels right down and I’m feeling really well
Patient
• I’m very worried about the possible side effects with these new tablets
• The leaflet said they can cause liver damage.
Patient
• I know my cholesterol levels were very high without the tablets…
…but I think I’m going to stop taking them.
• I don’t want my liver to rot!
Patient
• The great thing about these new statins that the doctor’s given me is that they control my cholesterol for me.
Patient
• It’s back to the cream cakes and chips for me - and I won’t have to worry about my heart!
TASKWrite a short report on statins for the health
page of your local paper