Ezetimibe use 'should be last resort', DTB says

17 Aug 09

A review of the data on ezetimibe – published in the journal Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin this month – concludes the drug is expensive and the long-term benefit is ‘not known.’

The review goes further than NICE guidance, which recommends ezetimibe as an add-on therapy in those who do not achieve their LDL-cholesterol goals with a statin.

The paper says trials ‘have failed to prove any clinical outcomes’ or any improvement in tolerability and statins should be used routinely.

A spokesperson from the manufacturer, Merck, said an ongoing trial would provide more data on the effect of ezetimibe on clinical outcomes.