ACP InternistRosuvastatin, Atorvastatin Compared on Effectiveness, Safety in Industry-funded Trial

Comparative Study Reveals Similar Efficacy but Varied Side Effects between Rosuvastatin and Atorvastatin

A recent industry-funded study has compared the effectiveness and safety of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin, two commonly prescribed statins. The study found that while both drugs were equally effective in preventing heart attacks, strokes, and death, rosuvastatin was associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and requiring cataract surgery.

Key Points

• The LODESTAR clinical trial involved 4,400 adults with coronary artery disease.
• Patients were randomized to receive either daily rosuvastatin or atorvastatin for three years.
• No discernible differences were found between the two groups on the outcomes of all-cause death, heart attack, stroke, or revascularization.
• The rosuvastatin group had a higher rate of developing type 2 diabetes requiring medication (7.2% vs. 5.3%) and cataract surgery (2.5% vs. 1.5%).
• The study authors highlighted the limitations that all the participants were of Asian ethnicity, limiting generalizability.

Although reducing LDL cholesterol levels and the risk for future adverse cardiovascular events is the primary aim of statin treatment in people with coronary artery disease, safety is also a major concern for long term statin treatment.
— The Study Authors

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