Combination therapy for dyslipidemia: safety and regulatory considerations.
The use of combination therapy is an effective way to manage dyslipidemia in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, combination therapy is not a frequently used strategy in the treatment of CAD. Aggressive lipid-altering therapy often requires the use of combination therapy involving statins in conjunction with niacin, fibric-acid derivatives, ezetimibe, or bile acid resins. Yet, safety concerns regarding the combination of statins with other lipid-altering drugs and patient acceptance of combination therapy have influenced its application in the treatment of CAD. This article discusses several safety and regulatory considerations for the use of combination therapy for dyslipidemia.
Davidson
Michael H
MH
Chicago Center for Clinical Research, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA. mdavidson@protocare.com
D000465:Algorithms; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001384:Azetidines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D000069438:Ezetimibe; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009525:Niacin / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012449:Safety
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D001384:Azetidines; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D009525:Niacin; D000069438:Ezetimibe