Matching articles for "simvastatin"

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
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2022 Sep 19;64(1659):e152-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2022 Sep 19;64(1659):e152-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Migraine

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 5, 2020;  (Issue 1608)
An oral nonopioid analgesic is often sufficient for acute treatment of mild to moderate migraine headache without severe nausea or vomiting. A triptan is the drug of choice for treatment of moderate to...
An oral nonopioid analgesic is often sufficient for acute treatment of mild to moderate migraine headache without severe nausea or vomiting. A triptan is the drug of choice for treatment of moderate to severe migraine headache pain in most patients without vascular disease. Early treatment of pain when it is still mild to moderate in intensity improves headache response and reduces the risk of recurrence.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Oct 5;62(1608):153-60 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Apr 6;62(1595):53-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Expanded Table: Statins (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 23, 2019;  (Issue 1581)
...
View the Expanded Table: Statins
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Sep 23;61(1581):e152 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Feb 11;61(1565):17-24 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Feb 11;61(1565):e24-30 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Pitavastatin Magnesium (Zypitamag) for Hyperlipidemia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 18, 2018;  (Issue 1549)
The FDA has approved the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) pitavastatin magnesium (Zypitamag – Zydus) for use in adults with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia. The FDA considers pitavastatin...
The FDA has approved the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) pitavastatin magnesium (Zypitamag – Zydus) for use in adults with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia. The FDA considers pitavastatin magnesium bioequivalent to pitavastatin calcium (Livalo), which was approved in 2009.1

Statins remain the treatment of choice for most patients who require lipid-lowering therapy. Taken as an adjunct to diet modification, increased exercise, and smoking cessation, statins can reduce the risk of primary and secondary cardiovascular events and death in patients with or at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.2 Even in patients at low risk for cardiovascular disease, treatment with a statin can significantly reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events.3

Controlled trials in patients with cardiovascular disease have shown that high-intensity statin therapy (defined as reducing LDL-cholesterol [LDL-C] by ≥50% on average) reduces the incidence of cardiac events, stroke, and coronary death significantly more than less intensive regimens. In one meta-analysis, each additional 1 mmol/L (39 mg/dL) reduction in LDL-C was associated with a 20% reduction in major vascular events and a 10% reduction in all-cause mortality.4 In a randomized trial in 13,054 Japanese patients with stable coronary artery disease, over a median follow-up of 3.9 years, patients taking pitavastatin calcium 4 mg daily were significantly less likely than those taking 1 mg daily to have a cardiovascular event (4.3% vs 5.4%).5

Approval of pitavastatin magnesium was based on the results of trials with pitavastatin calcium; no new efficacy trials were required. The Medical Letter's review of pitavastatin calcium concluded that recommended doses of the drug had not been shown to decrease LDL-C more than other statins with longer safety records and there was no good reason to use it. That conclusion applies to pitavastatin magnesium as well.

  1. Pitavastatin (Livalo) – the seventh statin. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2010; 52:57.
  2. Lipid-lowering drugs. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2016; 58:133.
  3. CTT Collaboration et al. The effects of lowering LDL cholesterol with statin therapy in people at low risk of vascular disease: meta-analysis of individual data from 27 randomised trials. Lancet 2012; 380:581.
  4. CTT Collaboration et al. Efficacy and safety of more intensive lowering of LDL cholesterol: a meta-analysis of data from 170,000 participants in 26 randomised trials. Lancet 2010; 376:1670.
  5. I Taguchi et al. High-dose versus low-dose pitavastatin in Japanese patients with stable coronary artery disease (REAL-CAD): a randomized superiority trial. Circulation 2018; 137:1997.


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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Jun 18;60(1549):106 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Tocilizumab (Actemra) for Giant Cell Arteritis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 25, 2017;  (Issue 1530)
The FDA has approved the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist tocilizumab (Actemra – Genentech) for subcutaneous (SC) treatment of giant cell arteritis in adults. It is the first drug to be approved in...
The FDA has approved the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist tocilizumab (Actemra – Genentech) for subcutaneous (SC) treatment of giant cell arteritis in adults. It is the first drug to be approved in the US for this indication. Tocilizumab is also approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular or systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and cytokine release syndrome.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Sep 25;59(1530):161-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Migraine

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 13, 2017;  (Issue 1514)
An oral nonopioid analgesic may be sufficient for treatment of mild to moderate migraine without severe nausea or vomiting. A triptan is the drug of choice for treatment of moderate to severe migraine. Use...
An oral nonopioid analgesic may be sufficient for treatment of mild to moderate migraine without severe nausea or vomiting. A triptan is the drug of choice for treatment of moderate to severe migraine. Use of a triptan early in an attack when pain is still mild to moderate in intensity improves headache response and reduces recurrence rates.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Feb 13;59(1514):27-32 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drug Interaction: Dabigatran (Pradaxa) and Statins

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 30, 2017;  (Issue 1513)
The results of a recently published study suggest that taking the oral direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) with either simvastatin (Zocor, and others) or lovastatin (Altoprev, and...
The results of a recently published study suggest that taking the oral direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) with either simvastatin (Zocor, and others) or lovastatin (Altoprev, and others) increases the risk of major hemorrhage.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Jan 30;59(1513):26 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2016 Oct 24;58(1506):133-40 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Genvoya - A New 4-Drug Combination for HIV

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 15, 2016;  (Issue 1488)
The FDA has approved Genvoya (Gilead), a fixed-dose combination of the integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) elvitegravir, the pharmacokinetic enhancer cobicistat, and the...
The FDA has approved Genvoya (Gilead), a fixed-dose combination of the integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) elvitegravir, the pharmacokinetic enhancer cobicistat, and the nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, for treatment of HIV-1 infection in patients ≥12 years old. This is the first approval for tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), a tenofovir prodrug. Stribild, a fixed-dose combination of elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), was approved in 2012.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2016 Feb 15;58(1488):19-21 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Technivie for HCV Genotype 4 Infection (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 23, 2015;  (Issue 1482)
The FDA has approved Technivie (Abbvie), a fixed-dose combination of the direct-acting antiviral agents ombitasvir and paritaprevir and the pharmacokinetic enhancer ritonavir, for oral treatment of chronic...
The FDA has approved Technivie (Abbvie), a fixed-dose combination of the direct-acting antiviral agents ombitasvir and paritaprevir and the pharmacokinetic enhancer ritonavir, for oral treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4 infection in patients without cirrhosis. It is indicated for use in combination with ribavirin. Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir copackaged with dasabuvir, an HCV RNA polymerase inhibitor that has little activity against HCV genotype 4, is approved as Viekira Pak for treatment of HCV genotype 1 infection.1

HCV genotype 4 is uncommon in the US and Canada. It is the most prevalent strain of HCV in Central sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the Middle East.2 Technivie plus ribavirin was the first all-oral treatment approved for treatment of HCV genotype 4. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (Harvoni)3 was also recently approved for this indication; it does not require coadministration with ribavirin and can be used in patients with or without cirrhosis. Its use for this and other new indications will be reviewed in a future issue.

FDA approval of Technivie was based on an open-label trial (PEARL-I) in 86 treatment-naive and 49 treatment-experienced non-cirrhotic patients with HCV genotype 4 infection. Treatment-naive patients were randomized to receive Technivie with or without ribavirin for 12 weeks; all treatment-experienced patients received the combination plus ribavirin for 12 weeks. The rate of sustained virologic response 12 weeks after stopping treatment (SVR12), the primary endpoint, was 91% (40/44) in treatment-naive patients not receiving ribavirin and was 100% in both treatment-naive (42/42) and treatment-experienced (49/49) patients receiving the combination plus ribavirin.4

Adverse effects observed with Technivie in the clinical trial included asthenia, fatigue, nausea, insomnia, pruritus, and skin reactions. Like Viekira Pak, Technivie has been associated with serious, sometimes fatal cases of hepatic decompensation and is contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe (Child-Pugh B/C) hepatic impairment.5 It is also contraindicated in patients taking ethinyl estradiol (because of a risk of ALT elevation), CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin, or certain sensitive CYP3A4 substrates such as midazolam or simvastatin.6

Each Technivie tablet contains 12.5 mg of ombitasvir, 75 mg of paritaprevir, and 50 mg of ritonavir. The recommended dosage is two tablets taken once daily in the morning with a meal for 12 weeks. Ribavirin should be coadministered with Technivie at a daily dose of 1000 mg in patients weighing <75 kg or 1200 mg in those weighing ≥75 kg. Use of Technivie alone may be considered in treatment-naive patients who cannot take or tolerate ribavirin. A 12-week supply of Technivie costs $76,653.7

  1. A 4-drug combination (Viekira Pak) for hepatitis C. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2015; 57:15.
  2. JP Messina et al. Global distribution and prevalence of hepatitis C virus genotypes. Hepatology 2015; 61:77.
  3. A combination of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir (Harvoni) for hepatitis C. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2014; 56:11.
  4. C Hézode et al. Ombitasvir plus paritaprevir plus ritonavir with or without ribavirin in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients with genotype 4 chronic hepatitis C virus infection (PEARL-I): a randomised, open-label trial. Lancet 2015; 385:2502.
  5. In brief: hepatic injury with hepatitis C drugs. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2015; 57:156.
  6. Inhibitors and inducers of CYP enzymes and P-glycoprotein. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2013; 55:e44.
  7. Approximate WAC. WAC = wholesaler acquisition cost or manufacturer's published price to wholesalers; WAC represents a published catalogue or list price and may not represent an actual transactional price. Source: AnalySource® Monthly. November 5, 2015. Reprinted with permission by First Databank, Inc. All rights reserved. ©2015 www.fdbhealth.com/policies/drug-pricing-policy.


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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Nov 23;57(1482):e162 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Alirocumab (Praluent) to Lower LDL-Cholesterol

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 17, 2015;  (Issue 1475)
The FDA has approved the subcutaneously injected PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9) inhibitor alirocumab (Praluent – Sanofi/Regeneron) as an adjunct to diet and maximally...
The FDA has approved the subcutaneously injected PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9) inhibitor alirocumab (Praluent – Sanofi/Regeneron) as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy for adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who require additional lowering of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C). It was not approved for general use in statin-intolerant patients. Alirocumab is the first PCSK9 inhibitor to be approved in the US. Evolocumab (Repatha – Amgen), another PCSK9 inhibitor, was recently approved in Europe and has been recommended for approval for the same indications in the US by an FDA Advisory Committee.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Aug 17;57(1475):113-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

A 4-Drug Combination (Viekira Pak) for Hepatitis C

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 2, 2015;  (Issue 1461)
The FDA has approved Viekira Pak (Abbvie), a fixed-dose combination of two new direct-acting antiviral agents (ombitasvir, paritaprevir) with the pharmacologic enhancer ritonavir in one tablet, co-packaged...
The FDA has approved Viekira Pak (Abbvie), a fixed-dose combination of two new direct-acting antiviral agents (ombitasvir, paritaprevir) with the pharmacologic enhancer ritonavir in one tablet, co-packaged with a third new direct-acting antiviral agent (dasabuvir) in a second tablet, for oral treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection. Genotype 1 is responsible for 70-80% of HCV infections in the US.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Feb 2;57(1461):15-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.

  1. C Cannon et al. IMProved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial. Available at www.timi.org. Accessed November 21, 2014.


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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2014 Dec 8;56(1457):126 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 7, 2014;  (Issue 1446)
The treatment of atrial fibrillation includes anticoagulation, rate control, and rhythm control. New US guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation have recently been...
The treatment of atrial fibrillation includes anticoagulation, rate control, and rhythm control. New US guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation have recently been published.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2014 Jul 7;56(1446):53-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2014 Jan;12(137):1-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Liptruzet: A Combination of Ezetimibe and Atorvastatin

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 24, 2013;  (Issue 1419)
The FDA has approved a fixed-dose combination of the cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) atorvastatin as Liptruzet (Merck) for treatment of...
The FDA has approved a fixed-dose combination of the cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) atorvastatin as Liptruzet (Merck) for treatment of hyperlipidemia. Ezetimibe is also available in a fixed-dose combination with simvastatin (Vytorin).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2013 Jun 24;55(1419):49-50 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Tablet Splitting

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 6, 2012;  (Issue 1396)
Breaking drug tablets in half is a common practice. Since our last article on this subject, some new data have become...
Breaking drug tablets in half is a common practice. Since our last article on this subject, some new data have become available.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2012 Aug 6;54(1396):63 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Statin Label Changes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 19, 2012;  (Issue 1386)
Citing some recent reports, the FDA has announced changes in the safety labeling of all HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors...
Citing some recent reports, the FDA has announced changes in the safety labeling of all HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2012 Mar 19;54(1386):21 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Sitagliptin and Simvastatin (Juvisync)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 14, 2011;  (Issue 1377)
The FDA has approved Juvisync (Merck), a fixed-dose combination of the antihyperglycemic DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin (Januvia) and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor simvastatin (Zocor, and...
The FDA has approved Juvisync (Merck), a fixed-dose combination of the antihyperglycemic DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin (Januvia) and the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor simvastatin (Zocor, and others).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2011 Nov 14;53(1377):89 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

New Simvastatin Dosing Recommendations

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 8, 2011;  (Issue 1370)
The FDA has announced changes in the labeling of simvastatin to reduce the risk of myopathy. These changes include limiting the use of the 80-mg maximum dose to patients who have been taking it for 12 months or...
The FDA has announced changes in the labeling of simvastatin to reduce the risk of myopathy. These changes include limiting the use of the 80-mg maximum dose to patients who have been taking it for 12 months or more without evidence of myopathy and new recommendations for use of simvastatin with other drugs. Simvastatin is available alone (Zocor, and others) and in combination with ezetimibe (Vytorin) and with niacin (Simcor).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2011 Aug 8;53(1370):61-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2011 Mar;9(103):13-20 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2010;  (Issue 97)
The treatment of atrial fibrillation includes ventricular rate control, anticoagulation, conversion to normal sinus rhythm and maintenance of sinus rhythm. The choice of therapies that can achieve these goals...
The treatment of atrial fibrillation includes ventricular rate control, anticoagulation, conversion to normal sinus rhythm and maintenance of sinus rhythm. The choice of therapies that can achieve these goals is discussed in the text that follows. Some drugs are recommended here for indications that have not been approved by the FDA.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2010 Sep;8(97):65-70 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Pitavastatin (Livalo) - The Seventh Statin

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 26, 2010;  (Issue 1343)
The FDA has approved the marketing of pitavastatin (Livalo – Kowa), an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (“statin”), for treatment of primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia. It has been available in...
The FDA has approved the marketing of pitavastatin (Livalo – Kowa), an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (“statin”), for treatment of primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia. It has been available in Japan since 2003. All of the statins now available in the US are listed in the table on page 58.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2010 Jul 26;52(1343):57-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Dronedarone (Multaq) for Atrial Fibrillation

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 5, 2009;  (Issue 1322)
Dronedarone (Multaq - Sanofi-Aventis) has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of atrial fibrillation and flutter. Amiodarone (Cordarone, and others) is the most effective drug for this indication, but...
Dronedarone (Multaq - Sanofi-Aventis) has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of atrial fibrillation and flutter. Amiodarone (Cordarone, and others) is the most effective drug for this indication, but has considerable toxicity.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 Oct 5;51(1322):78-80 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Tablet Splitting

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 10, 2009;  (Issue 1318)
Readers have asked us to update our 2004 article on tablet splitting. Breaking drug tablets in half is a common practice, but the FDA recently advised consumers against it (FDA Consumer Health Information, July...
Readers have asked us to update our 2004 article on tablet splitting. Breaking drug tablets in half is a common practice, but the FDA recently advised consumers against it (FDA Consumer Health Information, July 2009).

Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 Aug 10;51(1318):62-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 Jul 27;51(1317):58-60 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Ezetimibe Revisited

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 25, 2008;  (Issue 1293)
In recent months, both the lay media and some medical experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness and safety of ezetimibe, a widely used drug that prevents absorption of cholesterol from the GI tract....
In recent months, both the lay media and some medical experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness and safety of ezetimibe, a widely used drug that prevents absorption of cholesterol from the GI tract. Ezetimibe is available alone as Zetia and in combination with 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg of simvastatin (Zocor, and others) as Vytorin.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Aug 25;50(1293):67-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Which Statin?

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 21, 2008;  (Issue 1284)
Advertisements for atorvastatin (Lipitor), the market leader facing generic competition, have been in the news recently in the US. Lovastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin are all available generically at a much...
Advertisements for atorvastatin (Lipitor), the market leader facing generic competition, have been in the news recently in the US. Lovastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin are all available generically at a much lower retail price or lower co-pay than atorvastatin.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Apr 21;50(1284):29-31 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Apr 7;50(1283):25-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Feb;6(66):9-16 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Zetia and Vytorin: The ENHANCE Study

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 28, 2008;  (Issue 1278)
An unpublished 2-year randomized study (ENHANCE) on the effect of adding ezetimibe 10 mg to simvastatin 80 mg in 720 patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia has been in the news recently. About...
An unpublished 2-year randomized study (ENHANCE) on the effect of adding ezetimibe 10 mg to simvastatin 80 mg in 720 patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia has been in the news recently. About 80% of these patients had previously been treated with statins. The primary endpoint was the change in the intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery (baseline 0.68 and 0.69 mm); the IMT increased by 0.0111 mm with ezetimibe plus simvastatin and 0.0058 mm with simvastatin 80 mg alone (p=0.29). The ezetimibe- simvastatin combination lowered LDL-C by 58% compared to 41% lowering with simvastatin alone (p<0.01). The study was not powered to assess cardiovascular events; cardiovascular deaths occurred in 2 patients treated with both drugs and 1 on simvastatin alone.

Ezetimibe, an inhibitor of cholesterol absorption, is available both alone (Zetia) and in combination with 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg of simvastatin (Vytorin). No data have been published on the effect of ezetimibe on cardiovascular events with or without simvastatin. Whether addition of ezetimibe to a statin is as effective as raising the dose of the statin in decreasing the number of cardiovascular events remains to be determined in larger studies that are underway.

Neither Zetia or Vytorin is recommended for initial treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Jan 28;50(1278):5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Antifungal Drugs

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2008;  (Issue 65)
The drugs of choice for treatment of some fungal infections are listed in the tables. Some of the indications and dosages recommended here have not been approved by the FDA. Other guidelines are available from...
The drugs of choice for treatment of some fungal infections are listed in the tables. Some of the indications and dosages recommended here have not been approved by the FDA. Other guidelines are available from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (www.idsociety.org).
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Jan;6(65):1-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Statins for High-Risk Patients without Heart Disease or High Cholesterol

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 2, 2006;  (Issue 1225)
The FDA recently approved the use of atorvastatin (Lipitor) to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients without heart disease who have type 2 diabetes plus other risk factors, with or without...
The FDA recently approved the use of atorvastatin (Lipitor) to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients without heart disease who have type 2 diabetes plus other risk factors, with or without hypercholesterolemia. The agency also approved the drug's use to reduce the risk of stroke in high-risk nondiabetic patients without heart disease, whether or not they have hypercholesterolemia. Similar indications were previously approved for simvastatin (Zocor).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2006 Jan 2;48(1225):1-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2005 Nov 7;47(1221):91-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Tipranavir (Aptivus) for HIV

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 10, 2005;  (Issue 1219)
Tipranavir (Aptivus - Boehringer Ingelheim), a new protease inhibitor, has received accelerated approval from the FDA. It must be given with ritonavir (Norvir). The combination is indicated for use with other...
Tipranavir (Aptivus - Boehringer Ingelheim), a new protease inhibitor, has received accelerated approval from the FDA. It must be given with ritonavir (Norvir). The combination is indicated for use with other antiretrovirals to treat HIV infection in highly treatment-experienced adults who have ongoing viral replication or in those with HIV strains known to be resistant to multiple protease inhibitors.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2005 Oct 10;47(1219):83-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

CYP3A and Drug Interactions

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 4, 2005;  (Issue 1212)
Serious adverse interactions between drugs continue to be reported. Many of these are due to inhibition or induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, particularly CYP3A4. CYP3A is thought to be involved in the...
Serious adverse interactions between drugs continue to be reported. Many of these are due to inhibition or induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, particularly CYP3A4. CYP3A is thought to be involved in the metabolism of more than 50 percent of currently prescribed drugs.2 CYP3A4, which is more abundantly expressed than CYP3A5, accounts for most CYP3A activity in vivo.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2005 Jul 4;47(1212):54-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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%.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2005 Mar;3(31):15-22 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Rhabdomyolysis with Ezetimibe

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 28, 2005;  (Issue 1203)
Health Canada, the Canadian equivalent of the FDA, recently issued a public advisory about postmarketing reports of myalgia, rhabdomyolysis, hepatitis, pancreatitis and thrombocytopenia associated with use of...
Health Canada, the Canadian equivalent of the FDA, recently issued a public advisory about postmarketing reports of myalgia, rhabdomyolysis, hepatitis, pancreatitis and thrombocytopenia associated with use of ezetimibe (Zetia in the US; Ezetrol in Canada). Ezetimibe is often added to a statin to increase LDL cholesterol lowering (Drugs for Lipids, Treat Guidel Med Lett 2005; 3:15). The advisory did not specify whether these patients were also taking a statin, but according to the Canadian manufacturer Merck Frosst/Schering (Merck/Schering-Plough in the US), some of the patients who developed rhabdomyolysis were taking ezetimibe without a statin. In the US, ezetimibe is also available in a combination with simvastatin (Vytorin - Med Lett Drugs Ther 2004; 46:73). Recently, a few patients already taking a statin developed myalgia when ezetimibe was added (R Fux et al, Ann Intern Med 2004; 140:671). The possibility that adding ezetimibe to a statin could increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis should be kept in mind.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2005 Feb 28;47(1203):17 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Antifungal Drugs

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2005;  (Issue 30)
The drugs of choice for treatment of some fungal infections are listed in the table that begins on page 8. Some of the indications and dosages recommended here have not been approved by the...
The drugs of choice for treatment of some fungal infections are listed in the table that begins on page 8. Some of the indications and dosages recommended here have not been approved by the FDA.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2005 Feb;3(30):7-14 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Nov 22;46(1196):93-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Tablet Splitting

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 8, 2004;  (Issue 1195)
Breaking drug tablets in half is a common practice. In some cases, a lower drug dose may be as effective as a higher one, with fewer adverse effects. Sometimes tablets are split to achieve an intermediate dose...
Breaking drug tablets in half is a common practice. In some cases, a lower drug dose may be as effective as a higher one, with fewer adverse effects. Sometimes tablets are split to achieve an intermediate dose between marketed strengths. When 2 tablet sizes cost the same, as they often do, splitting the larger size saves money. Is this a reasonable practice?
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Nov 8;46(1195):89-91 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Sep 13;46(1191):73-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Telithromycin (Ketek) for Respiratory Infections

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 16, 2004;  (Issue 1189)
Telithromycin (Ketek - Aventis) has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and acute bacterial sinusitis in...
Telithromycin (Ketek - Aventis) has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and acute bacterial sinusitis in patients age 18 and older. The drug is the first in a new class of antibiotics, the ketolides, derived from the macrolide erythromycin. Telithromycin has been marketed in Europe since 2001.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Aug 16;46(1189):66-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 May 10;46(1182):37-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drug Interactions with Grapefruit Juice

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 5, 2004;  (Issue 1173)
The ability of grapefruit juice to increase serum concentrations of drugs was first discovered during a study of the effect of ethanol on felodipine (Plendil) pharmacokinetics. Double-strength grapefruit juice...
The ability of grapefruit juice to increase serum concentrations of drugs was first discovered during a study of the effect of ethanol on felodipine (Plendil) pharmacokinetics. Double-strength grapefruit juice used to disguise the taste of ethanol resulted in higher than expected serum concentrations of felodipine (DG Bailey et al, Clin Invest Med 1989; 12:357).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Jan 5;46(1173):2-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2003 Oct 13;45(1167):81-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2003 Aug;1(12):77-82 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2003 Mar 3;45(1151):17-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Generic Lovastatin - Note

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 15, 2001;  (Issue 1115)
Because of a last minute change in an FDA ruling, generic lovastatin will not be available until after December 15, contrary to the statement in the September 17 Medical Letter article on Substituing for...
Because of a last minute change in an FDA ruling, generic lovastatin will not be available until after December 15, contrary to the statement in the September 17 Medical Letter article on Substituing for Cerivastatin (vol. 23, page 79)
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2001 Oct 15;43(1115):90 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Substituting For Cerivastatin (Baycol)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 17, 2001;  (Issue 1113)
Full-page newspaper advertisements are urging patients with high cholesterol levels who are stopping Baycol (cerivastatin) to ask their doctors about Pravachol (pravastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin), Zocor...
Full-page newspaper advertisements are urging patients with high cholesterol levels who are stopping Baycol (cerivastatin) to ask their doctors about Pravachol (pravastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin), Zocor (simvastatin) or Lescol (fluvastatin). Some advertisements come with a coupon for free medication. Lovastatin, which is available generically, has not appeared in similar advertisements. Cerivastatin was withdrawn from the market on August 8 because of post-marketing reports of 31 cases of fatal rhabdomyolysis.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2001 Sep 17;43(1113):79-80 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2001 May 28;43(1105):43-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Colesevelam (Welchol) For Hypercholesterolemia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 30, 2000;  (Issue 1091)
Colesevelam hydrochloride (Welchol - Sankyo Pharma), a nonabsorbed hydrophilic polymer that binds bile acids, has been approved by the FDA for reduction of plasma LDL cholesterol in patients with primary...
Colesevelam hydrochloride (Welchol - Sankyo Pharma), a nonabsorbed hydrophilic polymer that binds bile acids, has been approved by the FDA for reduction of plasma LDL cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2000 Oct 30;42(1091):102-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drug Interactions

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 2, 1999;  (Issue 1056)
Reports of adverse interactions between drugs continue to accumulate. Recently, the FDA has expanded the recommendations on drug interactions found in the package inserts of new...
Reports of adverse interactions between drugs continue to accumulate. Recently, the FDA has expanded the recommendations on drug interactions found in the package inserts of new drugs.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1999 Jul 2;41(1056):59-62 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1998 Dec 18;40(1042):117-22 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1998 Jul 3;40(1030):68-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Cerivastatin for Hypercholesterolemia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 16, 1998;  (Issue 1018)
Cerivastatin (Baycol - Bayer), a new HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (or "statin"), has been approved by the FDA for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Cerivastatin is the sodium salt of a synthetic fluorophenyl...
Cerivastatin (Baycol - Bayer), a new HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (or "statin"), has been approved by the FDA for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Cerivastatin is the sodium salt of a synthetic fluorophenyl pyridinyl-substituted heptanoic acid.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1998 Jan 16;40(1018):13-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1997 Sep 12;39(1009):86-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1997 Mar 28;39(997):29-31 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1996 Aug 2;38(980):67-70 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1996 Feb 2;38(967):10-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1994 May 27;36(923):45-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1993 Mar 5;35(891):19-22 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1992 Jun 12;34(872):57-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1991 Mar 8;33(839):18-20 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction