Matching articles for "Niacin"
Lipid-Lowering Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 19, 2022; (Issue 1659)
Cholesterol management guidelines from the
American College of Cardiology/American Heart
Association Task Force were last published in...
Cholesterol management guidelines from the
American College of Cardiology/American Heart
Association Task Force were last published in 2019.
Comparison Table: Some Lipid-Lowering Drugs (online only)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 19, 2022; (Issue 1659)
...
View the Comparison Table: Some Lipid-Lowering Drugs
Bempedoic Acid (Nexletol) for Lowering LDL-Cholesterol
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 6, 2020; (Issue 1595)
The FDA has approved the oral adenosine triphosphate-citrate
lyase (ACL) inhibitor bempedoic acid for
use alone (Nexletol – Esperion) and in a fixed-dose
combination with the cholesterol absorption...
The FDA has approved the oral adenosine triphosphate-citrate
lyase (ACL) inhibitor bempedoic acid for
use alone (Nexletol – Esperion) and in a fixed-dose
combination with the cholesterol absorption inhibitor
ezetimibe (Nexlizet) as an adjunct to diet and maximally
tolerated statin therapy in adults with heterozygous
familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) or established
atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) who
require additional lowering of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C).
Bempedoic acid is the first ACL inhibitor to be approved
in the US.
Lipid-Lowering Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 11, 2019; (Issue 1565)
Cholesterol management guidelines from the American
College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task
Force have recently been published. See Table 1 for a
brief summary of their...
Cholesterol management guidelines from the American
College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task
Force have recently been published. See Table 1 for a
brief summary of their recommendations.
Expanded Table: Lipid-Lowering Drugs (online only)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 11, 2019; (Issue 1565)
...
View the Expanded Table: Lipid-Lowering Drugs
Lipid-Lowering Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 24, 2016; (Issue 1506)
Lipid-lowering drugs should be taken indefinitely;
when they are stopped, plasma lipoproteins return to
pretreatment levels. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
(statins) remain the drugs of choice for treatment...
Lipid-lowering drugs should be taken indefinitely;
when they are stopped, plasma lipoproteins return to
pretreatment levels. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
(statins) remain the drugs of choice for treatment of
most patients who require lipid-lowering therapy.
In Brief: Adding Ezetimibe to a Statin Improves Clinical Outcomes
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 8, 2014; (Issue 1457)
Combining a statin with another drug that lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), such as colesevelam (Welchol), niacin (Niaspan, and others), or ezetimibe (Zetia), can reduce LDL-C levels more than...
Combining a statin with another drug that lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), such as colesevelam (Welchol), niacin (Niaspan, and others), or ezetimibe (Zetia), can reduce LDL-C levels more than a statin alone, but studies convincingly demonstrating that such combinations improve clinical outcomes have been lacking. The results of a long-term randomized, double-blind clinical trial (IMPROVE-IT) recently presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2014 indicate that addition of ezetimibe to simvastatin in high-risk patients reduces cardiovascular events.1
IMPROVE-IT compared the efficacy of simvastatin 40 mg plus placebo with that of simvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg (Vytorin) in preventing the primary endpoint, a composite of cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, MI, hospital admission for unstable angina, coronary revascularization, or stroke) in patients with acute coronary syndrome and normal LDL-C levels (≤125 mg/dL; mean 95 mg/dL). After one year, mean LDL-C was reduced further with the addition of ezetimibe (to 53.2 vs. 69.9 mg/dL with simvastatin alone). After 7 years, 2742 events had occurred among the 9077 patients taking simvastatin plus placebo and 2572 among the 9067 taking simvastatin plus ezetimibe (event rate: 34.7% vs. 32.7%; p = 0.016). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in noncardiovascular adverse events, including gallbladder-related events, myopathy, or cancer.
Download complete U.S. English article
IMPROVE-IT compared the efficacy of simvastatin 40 mg plus placebo with that of simvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg (Vytorin) in preventing the primary endpoint, a composite of cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, MI, hospital admission for unstable angina, coronary revascularization, or stroke) in patients with acute coronary syndrome and normal LDL-C levels (≤125 mg/dL; mean 95 mg/dL). After one year, mean LDL-C was reduced further with the addition of ezetimibe (to 53.2 vs. 69.9 mg/dL with simvastatin alone). After 7 years, 2742 events had occurred among the 9077 patients taking simvastatin plus placebo and 2572 among the 9067 taking simvastatin plus ezetimibe (event rate: 34.7% vs. 32.7%; p = 0.016). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in noncardiovascular adverse events, including gallbladder-related events, myopathy, or cancer.
- C Cannon et al. IMProved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial. Available at www.timi.org. Accessed November 21, 2014.
Download complete U.S. English article
Drugs for Lipids
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2014; (Issue 137)
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) inhibit
the enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in
cholesterol synthesis. The subsequent reduction in
hepatic cholesterol leads to increased expression of
LDL...
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) inhibit
the enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in
cholesterol synthesis. The subsequent reduction in
hepatic cholesterol leads to increased expression of
LDL receptors, which in turn increases uptake and
clearance of LDL-C from the blood. Statins also lower
very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C)
and triglycerides. Most statins increase high-density
lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), but only modestly.
Icosapent Ethyl (Vascepa) for Severe Hypertriglyceridemia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 29, 2013; (Issue 1415)
Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa [vas EE puh] – Amarin), the
ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), has been
approved by the FDA as an adjunct to diet for treatment of
severe hypertriglyceridemia (≥500...
Icosapent ethyl (Vascepa [vas EE puh] – Amarin), the
ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), has been
approved by the FDA as an adjunct to diet for treatment of
severe hypertriglyceridemia (≥500 mg/dL). Vascepa is
the second omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)
product to become available by prescription for this indication;
Lovaza (formerly Omacor), which is a combination
of the ethyl esters of EPA and docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA), was the first. Many omega-3 PUFA-containing
fish oil capsules are sold over the counter as dietary supplements.
Two New Drugs for Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2013; (Issue 1413)
The FDA has approved mipomersen (Kynamro –
Genzyme) and lomitapide (Juxtapid – Aegerion), each
in addition to a low-fat diet and other lipid-lowering medications,
to reduce cholesterol levels in patients...
The FDA has approved mipomersen (Kynamro –
Genzyme) and lomitapide (Juxtapid – Aegerion), each
in addition to a low-fat diet and other lipid-lowering medications,
to reduce cholesterol levels in patients with
homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH).
Drugs for Hypertriglyceridemia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 4, 2013; (Issue 1411)
Fibrates, niacin and fish oil are promoted for treatment
of hypertriglyceridemia. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
(statins) can lower elevated serum concentrations of
triglycerides, but less so than fibrates,...
Fibrates, niacin and fish oil are promoted for treatment
of hypertriglyceridemia. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
(statins) can lower elevated serum concentrations of
triglycerides, but less so than fibrates, niacins or fish oil.
Lifestyle changes such as weight reduction, exercise
and decreasing alcohol intake can also lower serum
triglyceride levels and should be tried first.
Fish Oil Supplements
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 15, 2012; (Issue 1401)
The FDA has approved 2 products containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for treatment
of patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (>500
mg/dL). Lovaza (formerly Omacor) is available...
The FDA has approved 2 products containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for treatment
of patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (>500
mg/dL). Lovaza (formerly Omacor) is available by
prescription. The second FDA-approved omega-3
product, Vascepa, which contains only EPA, will not
be available until 2013. Many other brands of fish oil
capsules are sold over the counter (OTC) as dietary
supplements; the US Pharmacopeia has verified that
some of these contain their labeled content, are soluble
in the body, and contain neither heavy metals nor
contaminants.
What about Niacin?
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 28, 2011; (Issue 1378)
The results of the AIM-HIGH trial conducted by the US
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) were
recently published. The goal of the trial was to test
whether addition of niacin to intensive...
The results of the AIM-HIGH trial conducted by the US
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) were
recently published. The goal of the trial was to test
whether addition of niacin to intensive statin therapy
would further reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The trial was stopped prematurely after an average
follow-up of 3 years because niacin therapy had
not shown any clinical benefit.
Drugs for Lipids
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 1, 2011; (Issue 103)
Drugs that lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations can prevent formation, slow
progression and cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions. Lipid-regulating drugs must be taken...
Drugs that lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations can prevent formation, slow
progression and cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions. Lipid-regulating drugs must be taken indefinitely; when they are stopped, plasma lipoproteins return to pretreatment levels in 2-3 weeks.
When a Statin Fails
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 27, 2009; (Issue 1317)
The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that LDL-C be lowered to less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) and considers a value...
The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that LDL-C be lowered to less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) and considers a value <70 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L) a reasonable goal for patients at very high risk.
Simcor: A Niacin/Simvastatin Combination
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 7, 2008; (Issue 1283)
The FDA has approved the marketing of a second fixed-dose combination of extended-release niacin (Niaspan) with a generic statin. Niaspan/simvastatin (Simcor - Abbott) is approved for use in patients with...
The FDA has approved the marketing of a second fixed-dose combination of extended-release niacin (Niaspan) with a generic statin. Niaspan/simvastatin (Simcor - Abbott) is approved for use in patients with hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia (high LDL-cholesterol, low HDL-cholesterol and high serum triglycerides). Niaspan/lovastatin (Advicor) was marketed previously for the same indications.
Drugs for Lipids
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2008; (Issue 66)
Drugs that lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations can prevent formation, slow progression and cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions. They should not be used as a substitute for...
Drugs that lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations can prevent formation, slow progression and cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions. They should not be used as a substitute for lifestyle changes; a combination of diet, exercise and lipid-lowering drugs is optimal for prevention of coronary disease. Lipid-regulating drugs must be taken indefinitely; when they are stopped, plasma lipoprotein levels return to pretreatment levels in 2-3 weeks.
Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (Omacor) for Hypertriglyceridemia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 7, 2005; (Issue 1221)
A highly concentrated omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) preparation (Omacor - Reliant) has been approved by the FDA as an adjunct to diet for treatment of very high plasma triglyceride concentrations...
A highly concentrated omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) preparation (Omacor - Reliant) has been approved by the FDA as an adjunct to diet for treatment of very high plasma triglyceride concentrations (>=500 mg/dL). Omacor is a combination of the ethyl esters of icosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. It is the first drug derived from omega-3 PUFAs to be sold by prescription.
Drugs for Lipids
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 1, 2005; (Issue 31)
Drugs that lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations can prevent formation, slow progression and cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions. In controlled trials in patients with...
Drugs that lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations can prevent formation, slow progression and cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions. In controlled trials in patients with coronary disease, some of these drugs have reduced mortality by 20% to 30%.
Safety of Aggressive Statin Therapy
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 22, 2004; (Issue 1196)
New guidelines from The National Cholesterol Education Program recommend, as a therapeutic option, lowering treatment goals for LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) from...
New guidelines from The National Cholesterol Education Program recommend, as a therapeutic option, lowering treatment goals for LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) from <100 mg/dL to <70 mg/dL for patients at very high risk for coronary heart disease and from 130 mg/dL to <100 mg/dL for those at moderately high risk. A likely consequence of these recommendations is increased use of statins and use of higher doses with a concomitant increase in adverse effects.
Vytorin: A Combination of Ezetimibe and Simvastatin
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 13, 2004; (Issue 1191)
Vytorin, a fixed-dose combination of the cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe (Zetia - Merck/Schering Plough) and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor ("statin") simvastatin (Zocor - Merck), has been approved...
Vytorin, a fixed-dose combination of the cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe (Zetia - Merck/Schering Plough) and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor ("statin") simvastatin (Zocor - Merck), has been approved by the FDA for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. It is available as tablets containing 10 mg of ezetimibe combined with 10, 20, 40 or 80 mg of simvastatin.
Cholesterol Rethink for High-Risk Patients
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 10, 2004; (Issue 1182)
The recent "PROVE IT" trial in patients with coronary heart disease showed clinical benefits associated with reducing LDL cholesterol concentrations lower than the 100 mg/dL (2.59 mmol/L) or less that had been...
The recent "PROVE IT" trial in patients with coronary heart disease showed clinical benefits associated with reducing LDL cholesterol concentrations lower than the 100 mg/dL (2.59 mmol/L) or less that had been considered optimal.
Rosuvastatin - a New Lipid-lowering Drug
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 13, 2003; (Issue 1167)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor - AstraZeneca), an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (or "statin"), was recently approved by the FDA for lowering serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and raising HDL cholesterol...
Rosuvastatin (Crestor - AstraZeneca), an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (or "statin"), was recently approved by the FDA for lowering serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and raising HDL cholesterol levels. Rosuvastatin, like other statins, inhibits the enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis, but it is claimed to be more potent than the others. All of these drugs must be taken indefinitely; if they are discontinued, lipid levels return to baseline.
Drugs For Lipid Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2003; (Issue 12)
Drugs that lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations can prevent formation, slow progression and cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions, and also improve vasodilatation. In controlled...
Drugs that lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations can prevent formation, slow progression and cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions, and also improve vasodilatation. In controlled trials in patients with coronary disease, they have reduced mortality by 30% to 40%. Lipid-regulating drugs must be taken indefinitely; when they are stopped, plasma lipid levels return to pretreatment levels in 2-3 weeks.
Three New Drugs for Hyperlipidemia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 3, 2003; (Issue 1151)
The FDA recently approved three new drugs for treatment of hyperlipidemia. Ezetimibe (ez et' i mibe; Zetia) is the first in a new class of drugs that inhibit intestinal absorption of cholesterol....
The FDA recently approved three new drugs for treatment of hyperlipidemia. Ezetimibe (ez et' i mibe; Zetia) is the first in a new class of drugs that inhibit intestinal absorption of cholesterol. Extended-release lovastatin (Altocor) is a new formulation of lovastatin (Mevacor, and others). Extended-release niacin plus (immediate-release) lovastatin (Advicor) is the first fixed-dose combination of lipid-lowering drugs.
Choice of Lipid-Regulating Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 28, 2001; (Issue 1105)
New recommendations for drug treatment of hypercholesterolemia, if widely followed, will lead to a marked increase in the number of people taking lipid-regulating...
New recommendations for drug treatment of hypercholesterolemia, if widely followed, will lead to a marked increase in the number of people taking lipid-regulating drugs.
Choice of Lipid-lowering Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 18, 1998; (Issue 1042)
Drugs that lower-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations can prevent formation, slow progression and cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions, improve coronary vasodilatation, and decrease...
Drugs that lower-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations can prevent formation, slow progression and cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions, improve coronary vasodilatation, and decrease mortality from coronary heart disease. All of these drugs must be continued indefinitely; when they are stopped, plasma cholesterol concentrations generally return to pretreatment levels. Elevated serum triglyceride concentrations appear to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in both women and men, but direct evidence of clinical benefit from triglyceride reduction is lacking.
Fenofibrate for Hypertriglyceridemia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 3, 1998; (Issue 1030)
Micronized fenofibrate (Tricor - Abbott), a fibric acid derivative structurally similar to clofibrate (Atromid-S, and others) and gemfibrozil (Lopid, and others), has been approved by the FDA for treatment of...
Micronized fenofibrate (Tricor - Abbott), a fibric acid derivative structurally similar to clofibrate (Atromid-S, and others) and gemfibrozil (Lopid, and others), has been approved by the FDA for treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. Increased serum triglyceride concentrations have been associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (J Jeppesen et al, Circulation, 97:1029, 1998).
Systemic Antifungal Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 12, 1997; (Issue 1009)
The drugs of choice for treatment of deep fungal infections are listed in the table below. Some of the indications and dosages recommended here have not been approved by the...
The drugs of choice for treatment of deep fungal infections are listed in the table below. Some of the indications and dosages recommended here have not been approved by the FDA.
Atorvastatin - A New Lipid-lowering Drug
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 28, 1997; (Issue 997)
Atorvastatin (Lipitor - Parke-Davis), an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (or 'statin'), was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed...
Atorvastatin (Lipitor - Parke-Davis), an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (or 'statin'), was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia. A single stereoisomer of a pyrrole derivative, the new drug is chemically different from other statins.
Choice of Lipid-Lowering Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 2, 1996; (Issue 980)
Drugs that lower elevated plasma cholesterol concentrations can prevent formation, slow progression and cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions, and may also improve coronary vasodilatation (JW Jukema et...
Drugs that lower elevated plasma cholesterol concentrations can prevent formation, slow progression and cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions, and may also improve coronary vasodilatation (JW Jukema et al, circulation, 91:2528, 1995: CB Treasure er al, N Engl J Med, 332:481, 1995; TJ Anderson et al, N Engl J Med, 332:488, 1995). All these drugs must be continued indefinitely; when htey are stopped, plasma cholesterol concentrations generally return to pretreatment levels.
Systemic Antifungal Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 2, 1996; (Issue 967)
The drugs of choice for treatment of deep fungal infections are listed in the table on page 101. Some of the indications and dosages recommended here have not been approved by the US Food and Drug...
The drugs of choice for treatment of deep fungal infections are listed in the table on page 101. Some of the indications and dosages recommended here have not been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. More detailed guidelines are available from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (J Sobel et al, Clin Infect Dis, volume 30, April 2000).
Fluvastatin for Lowering Cholesterol
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 27, 1994; (Issue 923)
Fluvastatin (Lescol - Sandoz), an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, was recently marketed in the USA for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. A synthetic mevalonolactone derivative, it is chemically distinct from...
Fluvastatin (Lescol - Sandoz), an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, was recently marketed in the USA for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. A synthetic mevalonolactone derivative, it is chemically distinct from previously available drugs in this class.
Choice of Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 5, 1993; (Issue 891)
Lowering elevated serum cholesterol concentrations can slow progression and sometimes cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions. Most authorities advise patients with high cholesterol concentrations to eat...
Lowering elevated serum cholesterol concentrations can slow progression and sometimes cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions. Most authorities advise patients with high cholesterol concentrations to eat less fat and less cholesterol and, when appropriate, to lose weight. If these measures do not lower serum lipids sufficiently, drugs are frequently added to the regimen. When drugs are discontinued, serum cholesterol concentrations generally return to pretreatment levels.
Pravastatin, Simvastatin, and Lovastatin For Serum Cholesterol Concentrations
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 12, 1992; (Issue 872)
Pravastatin - Bristol-Myers Squibb) and simvastatin (Zocor -Merck), two new inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis similar to lovastatin (Mevacor - Merck), have now been marketed in the USA for treatment of...
Pravastatin - Bristol-Myers Squibb) and simvastatin (Zocor -Merck), two new inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis similar to lovastatin (Mevacor - Merck), have now been marketed in the USA for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Lovastatin (Medical Letter, 29:99, 1987) is the most frequently prescribed of all cholesterol-lowering drugs in the USA. Pravastatin and simvastatin were previously reviewed in The Medical Letter when they became available in Canada (volume 33, page 18, 1991).
Pravastatin And Simvastatin for Hypercholesterolemia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 8, 1991; (Issue 839)
Pravastatin (Pravachol - Bristol-Myers Squibb) and simvastatin (Zocor - Merck), two new inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis similar to lovastatin (Mevacor - Merck), have been marketed in Canada and several...
Pravastatin (Pravachol - Bristol-Myers Squibb) and simvastatin (Zocor - Merck), two new inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis similar to lovastatin (Mevacor - Merck), have been marketed in Canada and several European countries and may soon be available in the USA for treatment of high plasma cholesterol concentrations. Drugs already marketed here for this indication were recently reviewed in The Medical Letter (Volume 33, page 1, January 11, 1991).
Choice Of Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 11, 1991; (Issue 835)
Recent reports indicate that lowering elevated serum cholesterol concentrations not only decreases mortality from coronary artery disease, but may cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions (JP Kane et al,...
Recent reports indicate that lowering elevated serum cholesterol concentrations not only decreases mortality from coronary artery disease, but may cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions (JP Kane et al, JAMA, 264:3007, Dec 19, 1990). Most authorities advise patients with high cholesterol concentrations to eat less saturated and total fat and lose weight. If these measures do not lower serum lipids, drugs are frequently added to the regimen. When drugs are discontinued, serum cholesterol concentrations generally return to pretreatment levels.
Choice of Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 9, 1988; (Issue 774)
The recent surge of interest in lowering serum cholesterol concentrations has led to vigorous promotion of various hypocholesterolemic drugs in the USA. Since the risk of coronary heart disease is increased in...
The recent surge of interest in lowering serum cholesterol concentrations has led to vigorous promotion of various hypocholesterolemic drugs in the USA. Since the risk of coronary heart disease is increased in patients with high serum cholesterol concentrations, most authorities advise such patients to eat less fat and try to lose weight (The Expert Panel, Arch Intern Med, 148:36, 1988). When these measures fail, cholesterol-lowering drugs are frequently recommended.