Effectiveness and safety of daily versus alternate-day rosuvastatin dose in dyslipidemic patients: a prospective, randomized and open-label study

Background: Dyslipidemia is considered to be an important risk factor for development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Statins, also called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors are considered to the most effective lipid lowering agents. This study assessed the effectiveness and safety of daily versus alternate day dosing regimens of rosuvastatin in dyslipidemia patients. Methods: This study was conducted for a period of 12 weeks. Study subjects comprised patients of either sex in age group 18-65 years diagnosed with dyslipidemia and a total of 90 subjects completed study who were randomly distributed to three groups, A (rosuvastatin 10 mg daily), B (rosuvastatin 10 mg on alternate days) and C (rosuvastatin 20 mg on alternate days). Results: Rosuvastain significantly lowered total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides in all groups (p<0.001). High density lipoprotein-cholesterol increased, but non-significantly (p>0.05). Intergroup differences were not statistically significant. Group A reported slightly more adverse events than group B and group C. Conclusions: Alternate-day rosuvastatin therapy showed effectiveness statistically similar to the daily dose therapy in dyslipidemic individuals. It also exhibited fewer side effects, suggesting it could be a feasible approach for managing dyslipidemia, providing a more economical and potentially safer alternative to daily administration.