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Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
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Strategies to overcome statin intolerance
Aris P Agouridis1, Devaki R Nair, Dimitri P Mikhailidis
1University of Ioannina, Medical School, Department of Internal Medicine , 45110 Ioannina , Greece.
Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology
|March 20, 2015
Summary
Managing statin intolerance involves alternative statins, dosing adjustments, or non-statin lipid-lowering drugs. Emerging therapies like PCSK9 inhibitors offer new hope for patients needing to reach cholesterol targets.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Statin intolerance poses a significant challenge in managing hyperlipidemia.
- Understanding the mechanisms of statin-related myopathy is crucial for effective treatment.
- Current guidelines emphasize achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss strategies for overcoming statin intolerance in clinical settings.
- To explore the mechanisms underlying statin-induced myopathy.
- To highlight the potential of novel lipid-lowering agents in managing statin intolerance.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of clinical strategies including switching statins, altering dosage, and using alternative lipid-lowering medications.
- Review of pharmacological mechanisms implicated in statin-related myopathy.
- Examination of emerging drug classes such as cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Several therapeutic options exist for patients experiencing statin intolerance.
- Combination therapy with statins and other lipid-lowering drugs can be effective.
- Novel agents show promise in achieving LDL-C goals when statins are not tolerated.
Conclusions:
- A multifaceted approach is necessary to manage statin intolerance effectively.
- Further research into novel lipid-lowering drugs is warranted to expand treatment options.
- Achieving guideline-directed LDL-C targets remains paramount for cardiovascular risk reduction.
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