The efficacy and tolerability of ezetimibe in cardiac transplant recipients taking cyclosporin

Background. Despite statin treatment, hyperlipidemia remains problematic after cardiac transplantation and is associated with the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy. The cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe may offer a viable option for add on therapy; however, questions have been raised regarding the safety of this during concomitant cyclosporin treatment. Methods. This is the first placebo controlled, randomized double blinded trial assessing the efficacy and tolerability of ezetimibe in cardiac transplant recipients receiving cyclosporin. Sixty-eight cardiac transplant patients were randomized to receive ezetimibe (10 mg) or matching placebo for 6 months in addition to usual treatments. Fasting blood tests were performed at regular time intervals during the study. Results. Fifty-nine patients completed the study. At 6 months, ezetimibe had reduced total cholesterol by 18% (5.4±1.1 to 4.4±0.7 mmol/L, P