Warnings about depression, sleep disturbances, memory loss and sexual problems will be published, although no exact date has been confirmed.

Last month, GP reported that GPs were set to abandon NICE guidance on lowering cholesterol levels amid concerns over possible statin side-effects (GP, 6 June).

The guidance recommended GPs aim for targets of 4mmol/l for total cholesterol and 2mmol/l for LDL cholesterol for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) using 80mg simvastatin.

Dorset GP Dr Graham Archard, who has an interest in CVD, warned: 'If you double up the dose of simvastatin you do not get much more lipid lowering but a lot more side-effects. These can include sleeplessness, lethargy and a feeling of being unwell.'

sanjay.tanday@haymarket.com

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