Across the world statins has been termed as 'wonder drug' to lower bad cholesterol. It is one of the most widely sold drugs. However, experts from the medical fraternity are divided over the bane and boon of statins.
Dr Prashant Gupta from Delhi said that statins reduce cholesterol and the risks of a heart attack. "However, no study has proven that reduced cholesterol levels can avert heart attack. People with normal or less cholesterol can also suffer heart attacks. It causes a host of side effects," Dr Gupta said.
He feels that the statins lobby is responsible for over prescribing statins as a useful preventive drug. Dr Gupta's claims are backed by the sale figures in India. Statins worth Rs 2,625 crore ($373 million) was sold till June 2018 in India. According to data from All Indian Origin Chemists & Distributors Ltd, there was a 51% increase in units sold over five years. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and USV Private Ltd, both based in Mumbai, are market leaders in statin drugs. In the last five years, Sun saw a 1.5X increase in sales, while USV's sales also doubled.
Diabetologists and endocrinologists in India state that despite some cases where an increase in sugar levels is observed, the benefits of statins far outweighs the risks associated with it.
"There is very rare correlation between diabetes and the use of statins. A small number of patients with borderline diabetes might develop diabetes but it is a useful drug. It does not make sense to allow cholesterol levels to increase to dangerous levels just because a small number of people might see an increase in sugar levels," said Dr David Chandy, consultant in endocrinology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai. About 90% of people with a history of cardiovascular diseases and 50% - 60% of patients with diabetes, use statins in India, informed Dr Chandy.
"It is a drug which helps in prolonging life. However after some studies published in recent years, I am more careful while prescribing it," said Dr (Prof.) Hemraj Chandalia, director of Endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, Jaslok Hospital. Abhay Pandey, president of All Food and Drugs License Holders Foundation (AFDLHF), said, "The demand is increasing because most of the doctors prescribe statins. Indian consumers are unaware of the research study and side effects."
Statins is generated from chemicals found in insectivorous plants. Although a low dose is administered, the 'Statins lobby' is advocating the use of the drug. One way of doing it is categorising cholesterol into triglycerides, HDL, LDL and VLDL. Other lobbies are advocating that you need to eat statins when you cross the age of 40 while other organs get damaged in the process. It is proven that consumption of cholesterol lowering drugs for more than five years can cause a lot of problems.
Mumbai-based diabetologist Dr Pradeep Gadge said that the side effects are not life threatening. "Having partially memory loss is better than a life threatening chronic illness. It is a lifelong prescribed medicine which helps lower cholesterol level."A diabetic from Mumbai who underwent angioplasty three years ago stopped consuming statins without informing the consulting doctor. The patient later suffered from a stroke.
Chilling Facts
- 90% people with cardio-vascular disease use statins, as also do 50-60% diabetics
- Some insist people above 40 should start consuming it
- Statins worth Rs 2,625 cr sold till June 2018 in India
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