[Evidence-based grounds of the efficacy of simvastatin (zocor): 15 years later]

The review describes the history of hypolipidemic therapy with statins. It gives the results of studies of the primary prevention of atherosclerosis and the treatment of hyperlipidemias with lovastatin, pravastatin, and fluvastatin. Emphasis is laid on trial data on the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of simvastatin (zocor). The results of studies, including regression ones, of this drug in different doses, controlled by biochemical, clinical, magnet resonance imaging, and ultrasonic data are summarized. There is a significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular, coronary, and overall deaths and in that of stroke. There is evidence for the successful use of simvastatin (zocor) in combined therapy with fibrates, nicotinic acid, and ezetrol.