A major review led by researchers at Oxford University in the United Kingdom (UK) suggests that cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins are far safer than previously thought.

The study found that statins were not responsible for most of the side effects often listed in patient information leaflets, including memory loss, depression, and sleep disturbances.

Health experts say misconceptions about the drugs may be preventing many people who could benefit from taking them.

Professor Brian Williams, Chief Medical Officer at the British Heart Foundation, said the findings highlight the need to address public concerns about statins.

“At the moment, we think there are about seven to eight million people on statins in the UK. If you look at the evidence, that figure should be around 15 million. So only about half the people in this country are getting these very effective drugs to prevent heart disease and stroke,” Williams said.

Researchers hope the findings will reassure patients and encourage wider use of statins where medically recommended.

–ChannelAfrica–