Should cholesterol-lowering medications be available in Canada without a prescription?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) presents an enormous and growing burden on the Canadian health care system. Elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are an established, major risk factor in the development of premature CVD. There is strong evidence that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenz...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian journal of cardiology 2007-03, Vol.23 (3), p.189-193
Main Author: Rashid, Shirya, PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anticholesteremic Agents - therapeutic use
Canada - epidemiology
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular Diseases - etiology
Cardiovascular Diseases - prevention & control
Cholesterol
Cholesterol, LDL - blood
Cholesterol, LDL - drug effects
Drug Prescriptions
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Humans
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors - therapeutic use
Hypercholesterolemia - blood
Hypercholesterolemia - complications
Hypercholesterolemia - drug therapy
Lipid
Nonprescription Drugs
Statin
Viewpoint
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Summary:Cardiovascular disease (CVD) presents an enormous and growing burden on the Canadian health care system. Elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are an established, major risk factor in the development of premature CVD. There is strong evidence that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, or statins, significantly lower both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and CVD risk. However, there is currently a treatment gap, in that a large segment of the population who should be receiving statins due to elevated serum cholesterol levels are not. Individuals at moderate risk of developing CVD represent one large population segment that is currently being undertreated. This group may be a candidate for receiving over-the-counter (OTC) or behind-the-counter (BTC) statins, which may be a suitable primary prevention strategy. Nonetheless, it must be noted that hypercholesterolemia is a complex, chronic condition that must be carefully managed and requires close consultation with a health care practitioner. The advantages and disadvantages of OTC or BTC statin usage must therefore be carefully weighed before any potential introduction of OTC or BTC statins in Canada.
ISSN:0828-282X
1916-7075
DOI:10.1016/S0828-282X(07)70742-0