A recent study was conducted by Dr. Beatrice A. Golomb and a team of researchers at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) to assess how doctors responded to patients complaining of potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Statins, a widely prescribed class of drugs used to lower cholesterol, were chosen for the study because of their well known side effects, which include liver damage, muscle problems, and changes in concentration, memory and mood. Popularly known statins include Lipitor, Zocor and Crestor.
650 patients with statin ADRs were asked, among other aspects pertaining to their statin use, about the interaction with their physicians when they reported their perceived ADRs. Researchers were “surprised” to find how frequently patients related that their doctors dismissed their concerns.
Of the 87 percent of patients who claimed they spoke with their doctor about a possible link between their symptoms and their use of statins, the vast majority reported that they, and not their physician, usually broached the subject. Doctors were also purported to be likelier to deny than to acknowledge the possibility of a connection, even for symptoms with strong medical literature support for such a connection.
The failure of doctors to affirm the possibility of a connection between statins and patient’s complaints of muscle problems is particularly troubling since such problems can progress to rhabdomyolisis, a rare but potentially fatal condition, if the drug is not discontinued.
Of the patients who discussed a possible connection between statins and muscle problems with their doctors, the ratio of times that the patient reportedly initiated the conversation over that of the doctor doing so was over six to one. The same ratio for cognitive and neuropathy related symptoms was even more pronounced.
The results of the survey suggest that patient feedback would likely speed recognition of ADRs. One way to accomplish this may be to have ADR reporting systems target patients, rather than their physicians. It also suggests that patients need to inform themselves better regarding potential ADRs to the medications they are taking. Generally, if a doctor dismisses a patient’s concerns, he or she should probably also seek medical care elsewhere.