Doses of rosuvastatin, atorvastatin and simvastatin that induce equal reductions in LDL-C and non-HDL-C: Results from the VOYAGER meta-analysis

Background Achieving the greatest reduction in atherogenic lipoproteins requires the optimum dose and potency of statin. Using data from the VOYAGER meta-analysis, we determined doses of rosuvastatin, atorvastatin and simvastatin that induce equal reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C). Methods Least squares mean percentage change in LDL-C and non-HDL-C was calculated using 38,052 patient exposures to rosuvastatin 5-40mg, atorvastatin 10-80mg and simvastatin 10-80mg. Equipotent doses were estimated by linear interpolation between actual adjacent doses. Results Rosuvastatin 5mg reduced LDL-C by 39% and non-HDL-C by 35%. Equivalent reductions in LDL-C required atorvastatin 15mg or simvastatin 39mg. Equivalent reductions in non-HDL-C required atorvastatin 14 mg or simvastatin 42mg. Rosuvastatin 10mg reduced LDL-C by 44% and non-HDL-C by 40%. Equivalent reductions in LDL-C required atorvastatin 29 mg or simvastatin 72mg. Equivalent reductions in non-HDL-C required atorvastatin 27 mg or simvastatin 77mg. Rosuvastatin 20mg reduced LDL-C by 50% and non-HDL-C by 45%. Equivalent reductions in LDL-C and non-HDL-C required atorvastatin 70 mg and atorvastatin 62mg, respectively, and were not achieved with the maximum 80mg dose of simvastatin. Rosuvastatin 40mg reduced LDL-C by 55% and non-HDL-C by 50%. Comparable reductions were not achieved with the maximum 80mg doses of atorvastatin or simvastatin. Conclusions Regarding reductions in LDL-C and non-HDL-C, each rosuvastatin dose is equivalent to doses 3-3.5 times higher for atorvastatin and 7-8 times higher for simvastatin.