Statins FAQs from NPS MedicineWise

NPS MedicineWise has published a set of Frequently Asked Questions on its website, addressing consumers’ key concerns on statins. The FAQs may be a helpful referral for a pharmacist to make to a consumer with questions.

With the statins group of cholesterol-lowering medicines continuing to make headlines, independent organisation NPS MedicineWise has reviewed the latest clinical evidence and published a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on its website, addressing consumers’ key concerns.

The questions and answers range from how a statin medicine can help and who should be prescribed them, to the side effects statins can cause and what the evidence is behind their use.

The FAQs may be a helpful referral for a pharmacist to make to a consumer with questions. 
Click here to see FAQs.

The Heart Foundation also conducted a survey tracking the outcomes following ABC's Catalyst program.

The survey showed:

• 29% reported after watching the program they were initially confused, worried or scared that they were taking unnecessary medication
• 25% have seen their GP / health professional to discuss their medication since the program
• 22% changed their medication adherence, either by stopping, stopping then restarting or reducing the number of medication taken. One in four of those who have altered their medication have previously had a heart event.

Click here to see full survey results.

Source: http://www.guild.org.au/news-events/forefront/volume-3-number-48/statins-faq, Wednesday 11 December 2013