Statin Prescribing Guide

The first HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin), lovastatin, has been on the market since 1987. In that time, five more drugs from this class, atorvastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin, have been approved by the FDA. Statins, among the top ten most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S., are now recommended as first-line treatments by all major regulatory agencies in the U.S. and elsewhere. As shown in numerous clinical trials, statins are extremely powerful and effective in reducing LDL cholesterol, accompanied by a significant reduction of cardiac events and strokes. As a class, they are well-tolerated by most patients and are easy to administer. However, the withdrawal of cerivastatin (Baycol) from the market in 2001 due to severe myopathy in some patients, has led to increased concern among clinicians with respect to this and other side effects, such as liver and kidney disease. Some studies suggest that this has led to increased reluctance among clinicians to initiate a statin drug regimen or to adjust dosage to increase therapeutic effect. While a small minority of patients do develop serious complications while on statin therapy, current clinical evidence strongly suggests that the benefits of timely statin administration significantly outweigh the risks. Oxford American Pocket Notes: Statin Prescribing Guide aims to provide clinicians with concise, easily accessible guidance on prescribing statins in various clinical settings. This volume features evidence-based discussion on the indications, pharmacokinetics and safety profiles of the available statins and how these properties translate into selection of the appropriate treatment regimen for the individual patient. Useful tools, such as treatment algorithms, charts, tables and illustrations greatly help enhance the value of this volume as a portable reference tool.