Ezetimibe/atorvastatin (brand name Liptruzet) is a cholesterol lowering combination drug. In the United States, it was approved in May 2013 by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in patients with primary or mixed hyperlipidemia as adjunctive therapy to diet. Liptruzet has also been approved to reduce elevated total cholesterol and elevated LDL in patients diagnosed with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia as an adjunctive treatment to other hyperlipidemia treatments.
Some cardiologists opposed the approval, because the combination reduced LDL cholesterol in a clinical trial, but it did not reduce heart disease. A clinical trial studying the endpoints of heart attacks, strokes and heart-related deaths is scheduled to conclude in 2014.
Liptruzet was withdrawn from sale by its manufacturer in June 2015 but not for reasons of safety or effectiveness.
Video Ezetimibe/atorvastatin
Mechanism of Action
This combination drug works to reduce cholesterol levels through two different pathways. The ezetimibe component of the medication works by inhibiting cholesterol absorption from food while the atorvastatin component inhibits intrinsic cholesterol production in the liver.
Maps Ezetimibe/atorvastatin
Safe Use
- Liptruzet is not safe to use in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in hepatic transaminase.
- Women that are pregnant or may become pregnant should not use Liptruzet. Liptruzet is a teratogenic agent that may disrupt the growth and development of a fetus. Immediate discontinuation of Liptruzet is recommended in patients that become pregnant while taking this drug.
Commonly Reported Adverse Reactions
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Elevated liver enzymes (AST and ALT)
- Gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain and nausea
See also
- Ezetimibe/simvastatin
- Ezetimibe
References
Source of article : Wikipedia
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