High-dose statins 'raise risk of serious kidney problems'

High-dose statins taken by millions of people are putting them at increased risk of potentially fatal kidney problems, researchers are warning.

Taking strong doses of simvastatin, atorvastatin or rosuvastatin increases the risk of being hospitalised with a condition called acute kidney injury, or AKI, by 34 per cent on average, found the Canadian team.

AKI is when the kidneys “suddenly fail to work as they should”, according to the Kidney Alliance, and causes anywhere between 62,000 and 210,000 deaths a year in Britain.

It is more common in those with long-term health conditions like heart failure, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Between five and seven million people take cholesterol-lowering statins in Britain, mostly over 60.

The vast majority take simvastatin, the cheapest type, although some take others including atorvastatin, better known by its brand name Lipitor, and rosuvastatin, sold as Crestor. These latter two are more potent, requiring smaller doses for the same effect.

Professor Donal O’Donoghue, the national clinical director for kidney care, said: "Every person on a statin needs careful assessment of their AKI risk."

He continued: "We know AKI occurs in over half a million people in the UK each year. At least 1 in 5 are due to medicines. This costs the NHS £1.3 billion per year.

"This new study shows the need to 'think kidney' when drugs are prescribed. In England there are over 55,000 excess deaths per year due to AKI – at least 12,000 are unnecessary."

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