Non-every day statin administration--a literature review.

BACKGROUND: Statins are the treatment of choice for lowering LDL-C levels and reducing cardiovascular events. They have a remarkable safety profile, although some patients do not tolerate them. The aim of the study was to summarize the existing data on non-every day statin administration regimens.
METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE databases to identify articles on non-every day statin administration, published between 1990 and January 2010. All publications regardless of methodology, design, size, or language were included. Data extracted included study design, duration and aims, type of statin, therapeutic regimen, patient characteristics, effectiveness, tolerability, and costs.
RESULTS: The 21 retrieved articles were characterized by small sample size, short follow up period, and a preponderance of males and "primary" prevention cases. Several lacked randomization or a control group. The heterogeneity of the study groups, medications, doses, design and aims precluded a pooled or meta-analysis. The most reported and effective regimens were atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on alternate days. These regimens, with or without other lipid lowering agents, were well tolerated even among subjects with previous statin intolerance, and produced meaningful cost savings. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these regimens on cardiovascular events was not clarified.
CONCLUSIONS: Atorvastatin or rosuvastatin on alternate days might be considered for patients who are intolerant to statin therapy. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of these regimens on cardiovascular events.