Ezetimibe and simvastatin combination therapy offers limited additional risk compared with simvastatin monotherapy, providing a safe choice for dyslipidemia treatment in high-risk patients.
Does ezetimibe and simvastatin combination therapy have a safe profile compared to simvastatin monotherapy in patients with hypercholesterolemia?
The combination of ezetimibe and simvastatin is a safe and efficient choice for dyslipidemia treatment in high-risk and diabetic patients, with limited additional risk compared to simvastatin monotherapy.
INTRODUCTION: In the light of the most recent and stricter dyslipidemia treatment guidelines, the need for combination hypolipidemic therapy is increasing. Ezetimibe plus simvastatin is available as a fixed dose therapy offering an efficient hypolipidemic treatment choice. Based on the positive results of the IMProved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial (IMPROVE-IT) trial, the use of this drug combination is expected to increase in the next years. AREAS COVERED: This review discusses the current evidence regarding the safety of ezetimibe/simvastatin combination. Current evidence regarding possible associated side effects (musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, hematological, renal, ophthalmologic, allergic, malignancy) and drug interactions of this combination is thoroughly discussed. EXPERT OPINION: Ezetimibe and simvastatin treatment, either as a single pill or the combined use of the individual compounds, offers limited additional risk compared with simvastatin monotherapy and comprises a safe and efficient choice for dyslipidemia treatment in high-risk and diabetic patients.
Kei et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Hypercholesterolemia. Ezetimibe and simvastatin combination vs. Simvastatin monotherapy was evaluated on Safety (side effects and drug interactions). Ezetimibe and simvastatin combination therapy offers limited additional risk compared with simvastatin monotherapy, providing a safe choice for dyslipidemia treatment in high-risk patients.