Expanding Options for Statin-Intolerant Patients with ASCVD

The panelists focus on management strategies for statin-intolerant patients with ASCVD, emphasizing that while many patients report intolerance, most can still tolerate some level of statin exposure through dose adjustment or rechallenge. For those unable to take statins, the experts highlight the growing range of non-statin options, including ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, bempedoic acid, and inclisiran. They note that inclisiran’s updated FDA indication now allows its use as monotherapy for patients who cannot tolerate statins, expanding its role in secondary prevention. Bempedoic acid is also cited for its demonstrated LDL-C and event reduction benefits in statin-intolerant populations. The panelists emphasize the importance of tailoring therapy to balance efficacy, tolerability, and patient preference, while ensuring LDL-C goals are still achieved. They conclude that education, reassurance, and thoughtful therapy sequencing can help overcome fear of side effects and support sustained lipid lowering in this high-risk group.