Statin drugs generated an estimated $1 trillion in cumulative sales, yet raw data on efficacy and safety have never been subjected to independent scrutiny. Less biased research shows guidelines underestimate adverse reactions by a factor of 10-100x. Common effects include muscle pain, cognitive decline, and increased diabetes risk. Hundreds of people need treatment for years for a single person to benefit. Critics argue the cholesterol hypothesis itself was driven by industry funding rather than evidence.