Lipid regulating drugs

Reduction in Low density lipoprotein cholesterol

Dose (mg/day)

5

10

20

40

80

Fluvastatin

-

-

21%¹

27%¹

33%²

Pravastatin

-

20%¹

24%¹

29%¹

-

Simvastatin

-

27%¹

32%²

37%²

42%^3,4

Atorvastatin

-

37%²

43%³

49%³

55%³

Rosuvastatin

38%²

43%³

48%³

53%³

-

¹ 20% - 30%: low intensity

² 31% - 40%: medium intensity

³ above 40%: high intensity

⁴ Advice from the MHRA: there is an increased risk of myopathy associated with high-dose (80 mg) simvastatin. The 80 mg dose should be considered only in patients with severe hypercholesterolaemia and high risk of cardiovascular complications who have not achieved their treatment goals on lower doses, when the benefits are expected to outweigh the potential risks.