Evaluating the safety of Liptruzet (ezetimibe and atorvastatin): what are the potential benefits beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering effect?

INTRODUCTION: The combination of ezetimibe and atorvastatin (Liptruzet - referred to in this article as eze/ator), has recently been approved by the FDA for reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) in patients with primary or mixed hyperlipidemia as in case of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. It helps block intestinal absorption of cholesterol and it inhibits the production of cholesterol in the liver. AREAS COVERED: The safety and effectiveness of the eze/ator combination as treatment of hyperlipidemia. Medline was searched for atorvastatin and/or ezetimibe. EXPERT OPINION: The combination of (eze/ator) is proven to be effective in lowering LDL-c. It is not only a safe and effective treatment of hyperlipidemia, but it also reduces inflammatory markers and atherosclerosis. It is not yet clear, however, whether the combination therapy can decrease the risk of diabetes associated with statin administration. Insulin sensitivity is improved by the single administration of ezetimibe, a finding that is documented by several clinical and animal studies. More specifically, ezetimibe has been shown to decrease insulin resistance associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The effects of combination therapy that have to be explored in future research and clinical trials include whether this combination can be used in the treatment of NAFLD, cholesterol gallstones and portal hypertension.