aaaaand we’re at 100…

You want Phizer to decide what you take and for how much?

How about COMPETITION? Let the drugs come in from all over. Isn’t that what you right-wing wingnuts cry about all the time?

But, yeah, if another Vioxx situation were to arise, I’d reconsider. I didn’t say I couldn’t be convinced. I just haven’t seen any thing that would so far.

That’s why you have periodic blood work. And really, the risks aren’t that great. In fact, a 10mg dose of simvastatin can be obtained OTC in the UK.

People with multiple risk factors, can expect similar benefits as those with heart disease, even if they do not currently have heart disease.

Further, only Lipitor has been shown to have this benefit the rest have not.

Simvastatin (zocor, vytorin) has also received the same approval by the FDA as lipitor. Not surprising, as they both target the same enzyme in the cholesterol synthesis pathway,as do the other statins.

“I was just pointing out the facts, I didn’t expect some sort of Spanish Inquisition…”

No inquisition. I jsut felt you were over stating the risks, and understating the benefits.

Sure, not everyone with high cholesterol will develop heart disease, nor does everyone who smokes, even for decades, develop lung cancer, but they are both significant risk factors that increase the chances.

As I said, I havne’t seen anythingthat would convince me to stop filling my scrip.

1994 study called the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study (also called 4S) found that lowering cholesterol can prevent heart attacks and reduce death in men and women who already have heart disease and high cholesterol. (Emphasis mine.)

Is the risk of muscle problems and/or liver problems worth the risk when it has not been shown to be a benefit to those WITHOUT heart disease? Further, only Lipitor has been shown to have this benefit the rest have not.

I was just pointing out the facts, I didn’t expect some sort of Spanish Inquisition…

(Yes, that was gratuitous. I leave and the Python jokes start.)

Uh huh. I want John Murtha, Barbara Boxer, and Alcee Hastings deciding which drugs I should be taking. (”Well, which manufacturer has the best diversity program, puts up the most global warming posters, and has contributed the most to our re-election campaign?”

Universities are already at the head of the grant lists for drug research. They represent one part of the competition as entities work to develop drugs. Giving them a larger role would simply make them the BSD among to competitors, and, again, I do not think that goverment as BSD ever really benefits people outside of government.

I’d say the evidence for their benefits is pretty strong. Certainly strong enough for me to not quit filling my script.