Long-term statin persistence is poor among high-risk patients with dyslipidemia: a real-world administrative claims analysis

BACKGROUND: A decade ago, statin persistence was 40 mg/dL (n = 23,181). Both cohorts were followed for ≥ 6 months up to March 2016. RESULTS: The probability of remaining on a prescription fill for index statin therapy was 47% after 1 year and 19% after 5 years in both cohorts. Statin persistence was worse among women than men, and among younger versus older patients (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). After 5 years, the probability of remaining on a prescription fill for index statin was < 25% across all subgroups assessed including patients with and without baseline revascularization, heart failure, peripheral artery disease and renal disease. Similar results were observed in a subcohort analysis of patients with TG 200-499 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term statin persistence after 5 years is alarmingly low (< 25%) and is a public health concern.