Management of statin-intolerant high-risk patients.
Title | Management of statin-intolerant high-risk patients. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2010 |
Authors | Tziomalos, K., Athyros V. G., Karagiannis A., & Mikhailidis D. P. |
Journal | Curr Vasc Pharmacol |
Volume | 8 |
Issue | 5 |
Pagination | 632-7 |
Date Published | 2010 Sep |
ISSN | 1875-6212 |
Keywords | Anticholesteremic Agents, Antioxidants, Cholesterol, LDL, Dietary Supplements, Drug Monitoring, Drug Therapy, Combination, Humans, Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, Medication Adherence, Risk Factors, Ubiquinone, Vascular Diseases |
Abstract | Statins are an essential part of the management of patients at high vascular risk and are generally well-tolerated. However, statin intolerance will be observed more frequently as more stringent low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets are pursued in an ever increasing number of patients. We review the management options for high-risk patients intolerant to statin treatment. Potential strategies include switching to a different statin, reducing the frequency of statin administration, substituting statins with other LDL-C-lowering agents (e.g. ezetimibe, colesevelam or nicotinic acid) and combining low-dose statin treatment with other lipid-modifying drugs. A limited number of studies specifically assessed statin-intolerant patients and most were small and of short duration. It is therefore difficult to make evidence-based recommendations for the management of this population. In addition, all treatment options have limitations in terms of safety and/or efficacy. |
Alternate Journal | Curr Vasc Pharmacol |
PubMed ID | 20507273 |