AS WE SUSPECTED - IF UK ALLOWS STATINS OTC, CAN THE US BE FAR BEHIND?
NOT ACCORDING TO THIS MORNING'S WALL STREET JOURNAL
Drug Firms Hope FDA Allows
Over-the-Counter Statin Sales
May 17, 2004
Shortly after it was learned that Britain would become the first country to allow a brand of cholesterol-lowering statin drug to be sold over the counter, the Associated Press reported that drug makers hope the FDA will likewise approve OTC sales of statins in the U.S.
The FDA is said to be months away from a decision. Nevertheless, if the agency gives its approval it "could significantly affect the nation's biggest public health problem, heart disease, and greatly expand sales in the top-selling drug category," the AP said.
Moreover, making statins readily available could one day make it easier to treat other diseases as well. Reuters said that a new study shows statins may help fight multiple sclerosis, for example, noting that "The news underscores the reputation of statins as potential miracle pills to rival aspirin."
A Wall Street Journal article describing the research said that "Patients who were given a six-month course of the statin, simvastatin, saw an average 44% reduction in brain lesions."
MY COMMENTS: OH YEAH! AND WHAQT ABOUT LIVER DAMAGE? AND COQ10 DEPLETION? AND ALL THE OTHER NEGATIVE EFFECTS FROM STATIN DRUGS?
Comments please to abrecher@HealthSavers.Info
1:19:52 PM 
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