Ezetimibe plus moderate-dose simvastatin after acute coronary syndrome: what are we IMPROVEing on?

Abstract

The recent IMProved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial (IMPROVE-IT) is the first study to demonstrate a significant benefit of another medication (ezetimibe) on top of statin therapy in patients who have recently experienced an acute coronary syndrome. Despite the fact that ezetimibe led to positive results on the primary endpoint, the clinical benefit translated to real-life practice is only modest at best. However, this is the first major trial to demonstrate a significant benefit of a lipid medication in addition to statins. We explore the strengths and weaknesses of IMPROVE-IT in the context of current-day acute coronary syndrome practice, where high-dose statins now are prescribed widely.

• Authors: James J DiNicolantonio, Subhankar Chatterjee, Carl J Lavie, Sripal Bangalore, James H O'Keefe
• Journal: The American journal of medicine (Am J Med) Vol. 128 Issue 8 Pg. 914.e1-4 (Aug 2015) ISSN: 1555-7162 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25731133 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Azetidines
• Drug Combinations
• Ezetimibe, Simvastatin Drug Combination
• Simvastatin

Topics

• Acute Coronary Syndrome (drug therapy)
• Azetidines (therapeutic use)
• Drug Combinations
• Ezetimibe, Simvastatin Drug Combination
• Humans
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Research Design
• Simvastatin (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome