Lipid Management: Beyond Statins

Statins are a mainstay of lipid management and are generally safe and well-tolerated; however, in limited circumstances, they are not always the ideal choice for some patients. Non-statin medications may be necessary for certain circumstances, such as when patients cannot take or tolerate statins because they do not achieve the intended response from statins, or as additions to statin therapy. Pharmacists should be familiar with non-statin medications, including their indications, mechanisms of action, common and serious side effects, potential drug-drug interactions, and monitoring parameters. Pharmacists should also recognize that nutraceutical therapies exist, with variable evidence for use.