Safety and Benefit of Discontinuing Statin Therapy in the Setting of Advanced, Life-Limiting Illness: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Keith M. Swetz, Patrick J. Blatchford, David C. Currow, Jeff A. Sloan, Cordt T. Kassner, Steven L. Wolf, Laura C. Hanson, Russell K. Portenoy, Amy P. Abernethy, Sandesh Dev, Janet Bull, Adeboye Ogunseitan, Jean S. Kutner, James F. Cleary, Maryjo Prince‐Paul, Janelle G. McCallum, Nina D. Wagner‐Johnston, Charles F. von Gunten, Noreen M. Aziz, Christine S. Ritchie, Thomas W. LeBlanc, Arif H. Kamal, Greg Samsa, Donald H. Taylor, Betty Ferrell, Steven Z. Pantilat, Diane L. Fairclough, Patricia S. Goode, Elizabeth Kvale, S. Yousuf Zafar
Abstract
For patients with limited prognosis, some medication risks may outweigh the benefits, particularly when benefits take years to accrue; statins are one example. Data are lacking regarding the risks and benefits of discontinuing statin therapy for patients with limited life expectancy.