{blacktriangledown}Ezetimibe - an update

doi:10.1136/dtb.2009.07.0030

Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 2009;47:91-95; doi:10.1136/dtb.2009.07.0030

${blacktriangledown}$ Ezetimibe – an update

Relevant BNF section: 2.12

${blacktriangledown}$ Ezetimibe (Ezetrol – MSD-Schering Plough) is a lipid-loweringdrug that reduces plasma concentrations of low-density lipoprotein(LDL) cholesterol and total cholesterol when used alone or incombination with a statin.¹ In 2004, we could find no evidenceon the effects of ezetimibe on cardiovascular morbidity andmortality and concluded that it should not replace a statinin the routine management of patients at increased risk of developingcomplications of atherosclerotic disease.¹ Since then, a fixed-dosecombination product, containing simvastatin and ezetimibe ( ${blacktriangledown}$ Inegy– MSD-Schering Plough), has been launched in the UK, andnew evidence on the safety and efficacy of ezetimibe has beenpublished. Here we reconsider ezetimibe in light of the newproduct and data.