Time as a variable with niacin extended-release/lovastatin vs. atorvastatin and simvastatin

Time may be an important variable when evaluating the efficacy of lipid-altering drugs. In this analysis of the Advicor Versus Other Cholesterol-Modulating Agents Trial Evaluation, niacin extended-release/lovastatin 1000/40 mg was as effective as atorvastatin 10 mg and more effective than simvastatin (both 10 mg and 20 mg) in achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol treatment goals. The titration schedule for this study included the initiation of niacin-extended release/lovastatin 500/20 mg once a day for 4 weeks, titrated to the starting dose of 1000/40 mg after 4 weeks, and then titrated to the final dose of 2000/40 mg. The titration schedule for both atorvastatin and simvastatin was 10 mg per day for 8 weeks and then titrated to 40 mg per day. Using this schedule, 50% of niacin extended-release/lovastatin and atorvastatin patients reached low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol treatment goals within approximately 7 weeks, compared with simvastatin, in which 50% reached both treatment goals in 13-14 weeks. These time differences may have potential clinical relevance in reducing coronary heart disease risk.