Therapy modifications and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment rates associated with the initiation of generic simvastatin

AbstractObjective:The availability of generic simvastatin has changed the relative cost structure within the statin marketplace and has been associated with third-party payer changes to formularies and statin utilization policies. The current study examines simvastatin therapy modification patterns and associated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment rates.Methods:This retrospective, observational study utilized administrative claims linked to laboratory result data from a national health plan. Patients newly initiated on generic simvastatin from January 2007 to March 2008 were identified. National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) risk categories and goal LDL-C targets were assigned. Simvastatin dose titrations and switches to other statins were described, as were changes in LDL-C values and NCEP ATP III goal attainment rates both before and after therapy modifications.Results:Of the 1654 patients newly initiated on simvastatin, 84% had no simvas...