Warnings on statins about the risks of renal failure, pancreatitis and depression are probably unnecessary and based on poor research, researchers write in The Lancet.

Of the dozens of potential side effects analysed (see full list below), the team only found randomised controlled trial data to back up abnormal liver function, urinary composition alteration and oedema as part of a review and meta-analysis.

The UK-led research team of 34 authors analysed individual data on more than 123,500 participants from 19 double-blind trials of statins versus placebo.

Stains were associated with a 41% higher risk of abnormal liver transaminases, a 26% higher risk of other LFT abnormalities, a 7% higher risk of oedema and an 18% higher risk of urinary composition alteration.