PubMed Health⌕ Search

PubMed · 15849973

Simvastatin over the counter.

Abstract

In July 2004, simvastatin 10mg was reclassified in the UK from a Prescription-only medicine (PoM) to a Pharmacy (P) medicine and launched as Zocor Heart-Pro (Johnson & Johnson. MSD Consumer Pharmaceuticals). It is the first statin in the world to be sold without prescription. Zocor Heart-Pro is licensed to reduce the risk of a first major coronary heart disease (CHD) event in people likely to be at "moderate risk" of such problems. Here we review the rationale and process for reclassifying simvastatin 10mg as an over-the-counter product.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

2005. Simvastatin over the counter.. https://doi.org/10.1136/dtb.2005.43425

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

Update on PPAR agonists: the clinical significance of FIELD and PROACTIVE.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family of genes plays a major role in metabolic regulation. Unfortunately, the results of two recent, large event trials of PPAR agonists have been mixed. High rates of crossover to statin use confound the interpretation of the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) trial, which found a less than expected reduction in coronary and stroke events with fenofibrate. Of concern, nonsignificant increases in coronary and sudden deaths, thrombotic events, and pancreatitis occurred in the fenofibrate group. The PROspective pioglitAzone Clinical Trial In macroVascular Events (PROACTIVE) also found a reduction in coronary and stroke events with pioglitazone compared with placebo in a population with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but this benefit was counterbalanced by an increase in congestive heart failure as well as symptomatic edema. Further research is needed to determine the role of PPAR agonists in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Coronary Disease↗

Depressive symptoms and sex affect completion rates and clinical outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation.

Symptoms of depression are often seen in patients with coronary heart disease. Symptoms appear more commonly in women and are negatively associated with measures of cardiovascular health. Using multiple logistic regression analyses, the authors evaluated the independent effects of depression (as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory [BDI-II]) and sex on cardiac rehabilitation (CR) completion. In addition, in those who completed CR, the authors evaluated whether depressive symptoms and sex affected clinical outcomes. Women as well as participants with enrollment BDI-II scores > or =14 had significantly higher rates of CR noncompletion. Patients with BDI-II scores > or =14 who completed CR achieved significant improvements in lipid profile, body mass index, and exercise capacity regardless of sex. Women and individuals with BDI-II scores > or =14 are at risk for CR noncompletion and should be encouraged to complete CR, because cardiovascular benefits comparable to those seen in men and individuals with low BDI-II scores were achieved when these patients completed the CR program.

Coronary Disease↗