STATIN DRUGS -- NEW WARNINGS

   The Food and Drug Administration has announced that two new side effects increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and potential memory problems and will be added to labels on statins, the cholesterol-lowering drugs.  They include atorvastatin  (Lipitor and generic) lovastain (Mevacor and generic), and sinvasatin (Zocor and generic). 

   The type 2 diabetes risk is based on a review of several clinical studies that found an increased risk of elevated blood sugar levels and diabetes among people taking statins compared with those taking a placebo.  Another warning is based on rare reports the FDA received about people developing memory loss or impairment while taking a statin.  The problems generally occurred in people older than 50 and disappeared when they stopped taking the drug.  The FDA also said it was removing from statin labels a recommendation that patients who take them have their liver function tested periodically.  It stated a lack of evidence that routine monitoring helped detect or prevent serious liver injuries.  (People should still have their liver enzymes checked before starting a statin.)

   The new warnings underscore our advice to try lowering high cholesterol with lifestyle changes first, such as a healthy diet and exercise, before taking medication.  Even when a drug is needed, those lifestyle changes might help you reduce your dose or minimize any side effects.