So, ARE statins dangerous?

 hi, well i have my own opinions about statins, but i think what you read was way out there even for a nay sayer like me. i know many people who have been on them for years and have done very well, the only thing is once you start those statins if you ever go off ,your cholesteral numbers will be higher than when you started.  i personally have tryed them all and just cannot tolerate them. i hurt all over and feel sort of in a daze at times, i also think they caused me depression. also memory problems, i can think so much clearer since i have been off of them. i can assure you it is all about money. the level they want our bad sholesteral at is not really possible unless you are on those meds, so think about it, if they could they would have us all on them.  what are your numbers? thaaat is my 10 cents worth

I found the board where Allen found this post. The same statement by one member is there with no link. I then searched the AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY and could not find any reference to these statements.

I know for sure that a certain percentage of the population are harmed by statins. The "unexplained muscle pain" warning means to stop. If you don't, your muscles, including your heart can come under attack, like your arms and legs. Statins and Tricor can also cause peripheral nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy (PN). This has been documented, but is not easy to find. A highly recognized Professor of Neurology, Dr. Garcia, I believe, published his findings 3-4 years ago. I think he is at Baylor.

Allen's quote may have originated at Dr. Mercola's website. He is out of the "mainstream" with other cardiologists. He may be right though. Boy these pharm companies do a lot for doctors that I think we have no clue about or of. They don't make money unless the doctor prescribes their medicine. Ever seen those sales reps? Whew, yikes, lol.

Yep, I think I had read the above info at Mercola's website, but it is the experience of one cardiologist somewhere in Texas, I believe.

I stopped taking it.

I DID develop an arthritis type pain in my right hand. Went to see the doc who was well aware of my open heart surgery just a few months before that. Didn't even examine my hand. Whipped out the presciption book and wrote a script for " Celebrex". Can you believe that? That stuff has a clear as day warning on it to NOT give to anyone who has had bypass surgery.

Some of these guys shouldn't be allowed to do what they are doing.

On the hand pain, my Wife who is into Oriental and Holistic care ( She's from Vietnam ) started me on more vegetables and for the hand pain, St Johns Wort. The pain which was intense especially in the morning, disappeared after about a week and has not returned. It's been about 8 months now.