Ezetimibe added to statin therapy (EASY study) - an evaluation by Australian general practitioners.
BACKGROUND
This study estimated changes in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and proportion of patients attaining goal LDL-C <2.5 mmol/L when ezetimibe was added to existing statin monotherapy under Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) guidelines in a general practice setting.


METHODS
Target patients were those with coronary heart disease or diabetes mellitus eligible to receive ezetimibe under PBS guidelines. They were treated with ezetimibe 10 mg/day in addition to existing statin therapy for 6 weeks.


RESULTS
One hundred and thirty patients received treatment, but for effectiveness we derived a per protocol subpopulation of 95. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol was reduced by 29% (95% confidence limits, 25-34% reduction), and goal LDL-C <2.5 mmol/L was reached in 70% of patients (95% confidence limits, 59-79%). Six patients were withdrawn because of adverse events.


CONCLUSIONS
Changes in LDL-C and goal attainment in Australian general practice with the use of ezetimibe added to a statin were highly consistent with the findings from controlled clinical trials.
Simons
Leon A
LA
University of New South Wales, Lipid Research Department, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. l.simons@notes.med.unsw.edu.au
Symons
Julie
J
D000368:Aged; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001315:Australia; D001384:Azetidines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017327:Clinical Trials, Phase IV as Topic; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D000069438:Ezetimibe; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010821:Physicians, Family
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D001384:Azetidines; D000069438:Ezetimibe