Abstract
Several recent meta-analyses of numerous lipid-lowering outcome trials confirm the direct relationship between low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering and cardiovascular risk reduction. As a consequence, LDL-C goals are continuously being set lower. To achieve lipid lowering, several efficient drugs are available, however, the current pharmacopoeia remains limited for some critical patient situations. Colesevelam hydrochloride is a specifically engineered bile acid sequestrant that features a more favourable tolerability and drug interaction profile than traditional bile acid sequestrants, because of a better affinity and binding capacity to bile acids. In addition, colesevelam retains the nonsystemic mode of action of bile acid sequestrants. Moreover, colesevelam lowers LDL-C by 15-19% and 10-16%, respectively, in monotherapy and in combination to various lipid-lowering drugs, such as statins, ezetimibe and fenofibrates. Along with an efficient and sustainable effect on lipid profiles, colesevelam - as other bile acid sequestrants - has been shown to lower the glycosylated haemoglobin HbA1c by 0.5% on average in patients with type 2 diabetes. Overall, colesevelam represents an interesting add-on treatment to be used in high-risk patients with hypercholesterolaemia for whom standard lipid-lowering therapies are not enough or not well tolerated.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-9 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2009 |
Keywords
- Bile acid sequestrant
- Cardiovascular disease
- Colesevelam hydrochloride
- Lipid lowering
- Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol
- Nonsystemic drug
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- Epidemiology