A pharmacist, primary care clinician, and cardiologist discuss the role of PCSK9 inhibitors in the management of dyslipidemia in primary care practice. They address when to use them, proper patient selection, when to refer to a cardiologist, and other important considerations. They also present evidence supporting the use of PCSK9 inhibitors to treat dyslipidemia. One trial demonstrates efficacy in individuals with chronic coronary disease when given 3.5 years after a coronary event, and the other in those who just experienced such an event. In both studies, LDL cholesterol was reduced by 50% or more.

The panel — which included cardiologist Neil Stone, MD, MACP, FACC, FAHA, and Prentiss Taylor, MD, FACP— emphasized the benefits of using PCSK9 inhibitors in those with high-risk coronary features. In fact, the greatest benefit is seen in those at cardiovascular risk greater than 20% in 10 years, including individuals with previous coronary events or procedures, stroke, or aortic aneurysm.

This segment is a part of a longer discussion of the role of non-statins in the management of dyslipidemia, part of the Medication Matters series that appears in CMEinfo Insider.

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