Medications increase chance of falls: study

[Guest guest]

This made me want to puke! He is one of my doctors too Arghhhh!

 

Medications increase chance of falls: study

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/03/2675471.htm

Posted 3 hours 16 minutes ago Updated 1 hour 43 minutes ago

 

 

Researchers say patients should talk to their GPs about the risks. (ABC News: Giulio Saggin, file photo)

 

 

Audio: Cholesterol lowering drugs increasing risk of falls (The World Today)

Commonly prescribed cholesterol medications are being blamed for reducing muscle strength and increasing the chance of falls.

The Menzies Research Institute in Tasmania has uncovered concerning side effects of statins, a class of drugs used for lowering cholesterol.

It has been known for some time that the drugs cause muscle aches and pains.

But Professor Graeme Jones says a recent study found the drugs affect both muscle performance and reaction time.

"In our study we've looked at just over 800 people randomly selected from the general population," he said.

"We found there was muscle decline in patients on statins, that there was an increase in falls risk over time."

In Tasmania, 25 per cent of people over the age of 50 are using statins.

Professor Jones says patients need to talk to their GPs about the risks associated with taking the medications.

"They work for prevention of heart attack and stroke and that's why they're among the most common prescribed medications in Australia," he said.

"What you expect with medications is that they do both good things and have potential for bad things.

"I'm not suggesting people stop taking these medications but I'm suggesting if they feel weak or a bit unsteady on their feet then they should discuss that with their health care provider."