Why might a healthcare provider switch a patient from a statin to ezetimibe?

Switching a patient from a statin to ezetimibe due to intolerance or adverse effects from the statin is a common clinical practice. Statins are effective lipid-lowering agents that primarily work by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, reducing cholesterol synthesis in the liver. However, some patients may experience side effects such as muscle pain, liver enzyme elevations, or gastrointestinal issues while taking statins. These adverse effects can lead to non-compliance, potentially increasing cardiovascular risk due to suboptimal cholesterol management.

Ezetimibe, on the other hand, works by inhibiting the intestinal absorption of cholesterol, offering an alternative mechanism for lowering LDL cholesterol levels. If a patient is unable to tolerate statins due to side effects, switching to ezetimibe can provide a safer option for cholesterol management while minimizing the risk of adverse effects. This switch can be particularly beneficial in patients who still require lipid-lowering therapy but whose quality of life has been negatively impacted by the side effects of statins. Thus, the decision to transition to ezetimibe is well-justified based on the patient’s needs and tolerability.