Rationale for combination therapy with statin drugs in the treatment of dyslipidemia.

Although statin therapy is a mainstay of lipid treatment, complementary effects of other cholesterol-lowering therapies modify the lipid panel and other aspects of coronary disease risk. These other therapies lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides and/or raise high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, improve diabetic control, and modify other cardiovascular risks. Historically, combination therapy has been reserved for the small minority of patients with severe dyslipidemia, due to perceived risk. More recently, however, it has been recognized that the potential complications of this combination are far outweighed by the clinical benefits that are possible.