Indices of cholesterol metabolism and relative responsiveness to ezetimibe and simvastatin.

Context: The level and duration of exposure to circulating low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) are major contributors to coronary atherosclerosis. Therefore, optimal prevention will require long-term LDL-C reduction, making it important to select the most effective agent for each individual.

Objective: We tested the hypothesis that individuals with high fractional absorption of cholesterol respond better to the cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe than to simvastatin, whereas low absorbers, who have elevated rates of cholesterol synthesis, respond better to simvastatin.

Pregnancy outcomes after maternal exposure to simvastatin and lovastatin.

Background: Our objective was to determine the frequency of adverse outcomes after maternal exposure to simvastatin and/or lovastatin during pregnancy in postmarketing experience.

Methods: We reviewed the Merck & Co., Inc.