The safety of ezetimibe and simvastatin combination for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia

• Published in: Expert opinion on drug safety Vol. 15; no. 4; p. 559
• Main Authors: Kei, Anastazia A, Filippatos, Theodosios D, Elisaf, Moses S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 02.04.2016
• Subjects: Animals; Anticholesteremic Agents - administration & dosage; Anticholesteremic Agents - adverse effects; Drug Interactions; Drug Therapy, Combination - adverse effects; Ezetimibe - administration & dosage; Ezetimibe - adverse effects; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia - drug therapy; Safety; Simvastatin - administration & dosage; Simvastatin - adverse effects; cardiovascular disease; hyperlipidemia; drug interactions; safety; Ezetimibe; tolerability; adverse effects; pharmacokinetics; simvastatin
• ISSN: 1744-764X
• DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2016.1157164

In the light of the most recent and stricter dyslipidemia treatment guidelines, the need for combination hypolipidemic therapy is increasing. Ezetimibe plus simvastatin is available as a fixed dose therapy offering an efficient hypolipidemic treatment choice. Based on the positive results of the IMProved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial (IMPROVE-IT) trial, the use of this drug combination is expected to increase in the next years. This review discusses the current evidence regarding the safety of ezetimibe/simvastatin combination. Current evidence regarding possible associated side effects (musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, hematological, renal, ophthalmologic, allergic, malignancy) and drug interactions of this combination is thoroughly discussed. Ezetimibe and simvastatin treatment, either as a single pill or the combined use of the individual compounds, offers limited additional risk compared with simvastatin monotherapy and comprises a safe and efficient choice for dyslipidemia treatment in high-risk and diabetic patients.