Transient global amnesia: a side effect of "statin" treatment

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, August-Sept, 2004 by Duane Graveline

"I could go on and on with these anecdotes, as you call them, but in my world they are patient case reports and would prompt most doctors to examine them critically, especially doctors affiliated with a pharmaceutical industry. What more can I say? You will note that in most of these cases it is the patient or family members who make the diagnosis not the prescribing doctor, so complete has been your PDR brainwashing."

Almighty: "I admit the sheer numbers of reports almost forces a reconsideration of our labeling but remember, we have long stated that memory problems can occur with our statins. We are not our brother's keeper. What more can we do?"

Candide: "If you mean by that statement that your PDR listing of amnesia in its voluminous list of possible side effects absolves you from further responsibility you are wrong. You have not effectively communicated the problem of statin associated cognitive side effects to your doctors. I demand special labeling. I want all prescribing physicians to know of this possibility, however rare, so that when memory problems and growing confusion are reported to them by distraught patients, statin drug side effect should be the first thing the doctor thinks of, not the last. When that time comes I shall be satisfied."

by Duane Graveline, MD

Correspondence:

Duane "Doc" Graveline, MD

Former NASA Astronaut

USAF Flight Surgeon

Space Medicine Research Scientist

Family Doctor

4414 Cormorant Lane

Merritt Island, Florida 32953 USA