Statin drugs and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

<p dir="ltr">
An FDA analysis provides new evidence that the use of statins does not increase incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease often referred to as &quot;Lou Gehrig's Disease.&quot; The FDA analysis, undertaken after the agency received a higher than expected number of reports of ALS in patients on statins, is based on data from 41 long-term controlled clinical trials. The results showed no increased incidence of the disease in patients treated with a statin compared with placebo.<br /><br />The FDA is anticipating the completion of a case-control or epidemiological study of ALS and statin use. Results from this study should be available within 6-9 months. FDA is also examining the feasibility of conducting additional epidemiologic studies to examine the incidence and clinical course of ALS in patients taking statins. <br /><br />Based on currently available information, health care professionals should not change their prescribing practices for statins and patients should not change their use of statins.
</p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr">The public and health professionals are encouraged to report adverse drug reactions of desmopressin to the National Pharmacovigilance center on the internet at:</p>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr">Source:</p>
<p dir="ltr">http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Statin</p&gt;