Amlodipine/atorvastatin: the first cross risk factor polypill for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
In 2002, the World Health Organization estimated that over 58% of cardiovascular disease in North America is due to 'both blood pressure and cholesterol higher than optimal'. Unfortunately, less than a third of patients with both conditions are identified, and fewer than one in ten reach the treatment goals for both factors. Adherence to treatment is notably improved when therapy is initiated simultaneously. Combination therapy of amlodipine besylate (Norvasc, Pfizer Ltd) with atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor, Pfizer Ltd), marketed as Caduet (Pfizer Ltd) is the first dual-therapy compound designed to treat hypertension and/or angina and dyslipidemia concurrently with a single daily pill in the full range of dosing combinations. Amlodipine/atorvastatin retains the safety and efficacy of its parent compounds whilst simplifying the management of these comorbid conditions, in what may be considered the first version of a polypill.
Frishman
William H
WH
Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Munger Pavillion 263, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA. William_Frishman@nymc.edu
Zuckerman
Andrea L
AL
D017311:Amlodipine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006538:Heptanoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D011758:Pyrroles; D017311:Amlodipine; D000069059:Atorvastatin