Which lipid-lowering agent is often used in patients with statin intolerance?

Ezetimibe is often used in patients with statin intolerance because it works through a different mechanism than statins. While statins primarily reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, the key enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis in the liver, ezetimibe acts by selectively inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. This unique action allows it to effectively lower LDL cholesterol levels while being generally well-tolerated by patients who cannot take statins due to side effects such as muscle pain or liver enzyme elevation.

Moreover, ezetimibe can be used as monotherapy or in conjunction with statins for further LDL-C reduction in patients who can tolerate statins but have not achieved their target levels. Therefore, it stands out as a crucial alternative for cholesterol management in patients experiencing statin intolerance.