Ezetimibe/Simvastatin: a review of its use in the management of hypercholesterolemia. American journal of cardiovascular drugs : drugs, devices, and other interventions [Am J Cardiovasc Drugs] Journal article | | Title | Ezetimibe/Simvastatin: a review of its use in the management of hypercholesterolemia. | | Author(s) | Murdoch D, Scott LJ | | Institution | Adis International Inc., Yardley, Pennsylvania 19067, USA. | | Source | Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2004; 4(6):405-22. | | MeSH | Animals
Anticholesteremic Agents
Azetidines
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Drug Combinations
Drug Interactions
Humans
Hypercholesterolemia
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Simvastatin
| | Abstract | Ezetimibe/simvastatin (Inegy, Vytorin) therapy combines two lipid-lowering compounds with complementary mechanisms of action, thereby blocking the two sources of plasma cholesterol and improving lipid profiles. Thus, intestinal absorption of dietary cholesterol and related phytosterols is blocked by ezetimibe, with the biosynthesis of cholesterol in the liver inhibited by simvastatin.Developing management trends for primary hypercholesterolemia include the aggressive reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to goals lower than previously considered appropriate, the targeting of lipid subfractions and atherogenic indices other than LDL-C alone, and the broader use of combination lipid-lowering therapy. In line with these trends, ezetimibe/simvastatin is an effective and generally well tolerated adjunct to dietary therapy for markedly reducing LDL-C levels, providing a 52% reduction with the recommended starting dosage. Furthermore, ezetimibe/simvastatin is formulated with variable doses of simvastatin (i.e. 10/10 mg, 10/20 mg, 10/40 mg, and 10/80 mg) and hence, the dosage may be adjusted to suit the individual patient's needs. As longer-term efficacy, tolerability, economic and outcome data accrue, ezetimibe/simvastatin will be positioned more definitively relative to existing and emerging lipid-lowering treatments. Currently, ezetimibe/simvastatin therapy represents a valuable novel option for the management of primary hypercholesterolemia across diverse patient populations and as an adjunct to other lipid-lowering treatments in those with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. | | Language | eng | | Pub Type(s) | Journal Article
Review
| | PubMed ID | 15554726 |
|
|
| |
Advertise on this site.
| | |
|
