Statins (HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors) are known to cause a form of muscle pain and weakness, liver abnormalities and, in severe cases, rhabdomyolysis, a muscle condition that can lead to kidney failure.
The COX-2 inhibitors are not the only arthritis drugs under scrutiny at the moment. The US Food and Drug Administration is also taking a good hard look at the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-blocking drugs, also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis...
Q Have you any information on the new breast cancer drug Femara? I have heard that it is better than tamoxifen. - E.P., Glasgow
