Meta-Analysis Alleges Most Statin Side Effects Unfounded

Are statins life-saving drugs with overblown side effect fears or dangerous frauds causing devastating injuries?
Meta-Analysis Alleges Most Statin Side Effects Unfounded
Above: AstraZeneca Plc Crestor cholesterol-lowering medicine at a pharmacy in Princeton, Illinois on Aug. 20, 2014. Image credit: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Spin

Left narrative

Statins are life-saving drugs backed by the most comprehensive evidence available, and fears about side effects are wildly overblown. The largest meta-analysis of randomized trials found no meaningful excess risk for nearly all conditions listed on package leaflets. Only four genuine side effects emerged from 66 examined, affecting tiny percentages of users, while the drugs demonstrably prevent devastating heart attacks and strokes.

Narrative B

Statins are one of medicine's most dangerous frauds, extending life by merely three to four days while causing devastating injuries in up to 20% of users. These drugs deplete essential CoQ10, damage mitochondria and trigger conditions from diabetes to ALS, yet the industry suppresses this evidence while forcing millions onto medications that don't actually reduce cardiovascular risk.

Metaculus Prediction



© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.20.3

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.20.3