The need for a systematic approach to statin switching: an analysis of real-world experience.

Background: In the advent of generic statins becoming increasingly available and with the recent addition of atorvastatin to the generic market, healthcare providers are often encouraged by payers to switch from a branded statin to an alternate, less costly agent.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a therapeutic switch on cholesterol goal attainment among patients with existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or risk factors for CVD.

Study Design: A cross-sectional, multisite retrospective review of patient records evaluating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) control before and after switching statins was conducted.