To switch (statins) or not to switch? That is the question

Abstract

Cost is an important consideration when deciding which drugs to prescribe. The problem is becoming more evident because effective, well-tolerated and evidence-based generic drugs are now widely available. More specifically, switching to a cheaper statin formulation might result in less effective treatment in terms of event reduction or achievement of lipid goal. Better patient adherence to treatment is also not always achieved by switching to generics. This editorial considers this debate.

Keywords::

• cardiovascular disease
• cholesterol
• cost
• generic
• goals
• statin
• switching