The long-term safety of antihyperlipidaemic drugs

In the hope of reducing the cardiovascular complications of severe hyperlipidaemia a series of lipid-lowering drugs have, in the course of the years, been developed and brought into use. The question of their efficacy/safety balance in long-term prophylaxis has remained an important one, repeatedly prompted by studies suggesting either that the benefit is limited or that there are risks in such prolonged treatment which cannot be detected during premarketing investigations. A long period may elapse before a clear picture emerges of the extent to which such drugs influence the atherosclerotic process or measures such as total mortality, carcinogenesis, mental function or fertility, or if these drugs give rise to interactions. Repeated efforts will be needed to maintain a consensus on the state of knowledge and the information which should be provided to the public and medical media.