To the editor:

I am writing in response to the letter from Mary Ann Keiffer regarding the availability of statins over the counter in the United Kingdom. I have just moved to the United States from the U.K. so I do feel able to comment on this topic.

It is my understanding that at the moment, only one statin is available over the counter. I should also point out that The Lancet, which is the leading medical journal in the U.K. has described the move as being “unfortunate for the U.K. public, who will be the guinea pigs in this large-scale over-the-counter experiment.” The pharmacist is supposed to ask a series of questions before they can sell the statin, but will they be qualified or able to determine an individual’s risk of coronary heart disease? Or advise on lifestyle changes? I rather suspect not.

Also, liver function tests should be carried out before prescribing statins as they can be potentially fatal to certain individuals with liver problems.

The U.K. National Health Service has probably seen this as an opportunity to slash their statin drug budget which runs into billions of pounds sterling each year. This is therefore more about economics and not about good medical practice. Only time will therefore tell whether this experiment has been a sensible move.

Don’t get me wrong, I would welcome any effort on the part of the U.S. administration to lower the cost of prescription drugs, but having more OTC drugs available is not the answer.

Josie Williams,

Lawrence