
Lovastatin: a new “ancient” molecule for hypercholesterolaemia/dyslipidaemia treatment
Author(s) -
Gianlorenzo Imperiale,
Claudio Marengo
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
clinical management issues
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2283-3137
pISSN - 1973-4832
DOI - 10.7175/cmi.v2i2.577
Subject(s) - lovastatin , medicine , tolerability , reimbursement , dose , intensive care medicine , pharmacology , cholesterol , adverse effect , health care , economics , economic growth
Lovastatin is the first HMGCoA-reductase inhibitor used for the control of hypercholesterolaemia (USA, 1987). In Italy, it’s been authorized for the therapy of hypercholesterolaemia/dyslipidaemia since end 2005. Several studies, conducted both in primary and in secondary cardiovascular prevention, underline the favourable profile in reducing the risk for ischaemic events and their complications. This molecule has the capability to reduce plasmatic atherogenic lipids levels enough to induce clinical benefits. The safety and tolerability of lovastatin are proved even for high dosages, as well as for long term use. Pharmacoeconomic evaluations have shown the value of its choice, in particular for patients who need lipid-lowering treatment but don’t satisfy eligibility criteria for reimbursement by the Italian National Health Service, as outlined by AIFA in 2005