The combination of Ezetimibe and Statin: a new treatment for hypercholesterolemia
Abstract:
Overview
The combination of Simvastatin and Ezetimibe allows dual inhibition of both cholesterol
production and absorption. This treatment approach allows achieving same low serum
cholesterol levels with the administration of much lower doses of statins. This should reduce
side effects, compared to statin only therapy, enabling more patients to achieve their LDL cholesterol
treatment goals. With ezetimibe/simvastatin therapy, reductions of about 60% from
baseline in LDL cholesterol have been shown. Concomitant improvement in other lipid fractions
have also been demonstrated. The ezetimibe/simvastatin combination has been well tolerated,
with a safety profile similar to that of statin therapy. This article will review clinical experience
with ezetimibe/simvastatin combination, commenting upon its place and potential value in the
prevention of cardiovascular disease. (Heart International 2007; 3: 12-7)
Keywords
Ezetimibe, Hypercholesterolemia, Statins
Article:
Article Information:
Correspondence
Dr. Savina Nodari, Associate Professor, Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dept. of Experimental and Applied Medicine, University of Brescia c/o Spedali Civili, P.zza Spedali Civili, 1, 25123 Brescia – Italy, nodari@med.unibs.it
