In message <001a01bd55e2$9247f0c0$d0547ec2@jeff>, Jeff Green
<[log in to unmask]> writes
>Place it in a similar position to antimalarials. The antimalarials are
>allowed on the NHS to treat malaria, but on private prescription for
>prophylaxis. The quick and dirty solution would be statins on the NHS
>post MI and available on a private script (or OTC?) as primary prophylaxis.
>
Too dirty - what about patients with proven coronary artery stenosis,
strong family history of early death from MI etc?
If the initial risk is very low, then it can't be said too often that
the risk reduction gained by taking statins is so small as to be
clinically (if not statistically) insignificant. If patients want to pay
UKP40 per month for a clinically insignificant benefit then I would try
to dissuade them but it would be their money and their choice. On the
other hand if an NHS patient tried to insist on such a clinically
insignificant intervention then I would feel ethically justified in
refusing it.
Cheers
Toby
>
--
Toby Lipman 7, Collingwood Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne. Tel
0191-2811060 (home), 0191-2437000 (surgery)
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