Observational study of ezetimibe discontinuation in primary care practices in the UK.

AbstractObjective:We investigated the circumstances of ezetimibe discontinuation as its prescribing had been discouraged in some publications.Research design and methods:Adults on stable lipid-modifying therapy (LMT) including ezetimibe, who then had >8 weeks cessation in their prescribed ezetimibe regimen (2010–2011) were identified from THIN UK primary care database. Lipid values and parallel changes to other LMT were described overall and in a sub-group with a history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease or familial hypercholesterolaemia (high-risk group).Results:Ezetimibe therapy stopped in 7087 patients after a mean of 38 months; 67.0% were in the high-risk group. No lipid readings were recorded for 16.1% of patients in the year before and 26.2% in the year after ezetimibe stopped; 11.0% and 12.4% in the high-risk group respectively. In the prior year, 60.2% patients with any lipid reading had a total cholesterol (T-cholesterol) <5 mmol/l and 59.2% had a T-cholesterol <5 mmol/l and LDL-cholesterol <3 ...