Semi-quantitative method for choosing among statins
| Category | Parameter | Simvastatin | Pravastatin | Atorvastatin | Rosuvastatin | Cerivastatin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The table scores five of the statins out of 10 (= most desirable) for each of the parameters by which drugs should be compared. The scores are not themselves definitive, but illustrate how a doctor can summate available evidence to choose the best drug, depending on the weight attached to each of the parameters. | ||||||
| Pharmacodynamic | Efficacy | |||||
| Reduced mortality | 8 | 8 | 6 | ? | 2 | |
| Reduced morbidity | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Surrogate (LDL reduction) | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | |
| Potency | 4 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 10 | |
| Pharmacokinetic | Route of administration | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Frequency of dosing | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Drug interactions | 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 4 | |
| Tolerability | Safety | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 2 |
| Side effects | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | |
| Cost | Per drug/injection | 5 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 9 |
| Per treatment (including doctor/nurse/patient/lab time) | 4 | 2 | 8 | 9 | 7 | |