Elis A et al. – Atorvastatin or rosuvastatin on alternate days might be considered for patients who are intolerant to statin therapy.

• The authors searched the MEDLINE databases to identify articles on non–every day statin administration, published between 1990 and January 2010.
• All publications regardless of methodology, design, size, or language were included.
• Data extracted included study design, duration and aims, type of statin, therapeutic regimen, patient characteristics, effectiveness, tolerability, and costs.

• The 21 retrieved articles were characterized by small sample size, short follow up period, and a preponderance of males and “primary” prevention cases.
• Several lacked randomization or a control group.
• The heterogeneity of the study groups, medications, doses, design and aims precluded a pooled or meta–analysis.
• The most reported and effective regimens were atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on alternate days.
• These regimens, with or without other lipid lowering agents, were well tolerated even among subjects with previous statin intolerance, and produced meaningful cost savings.
• Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these regimens on cardiovascular events was not clarified.