OTC simvastatin launched this week
The first over-the-counter statin is to be launched this week. The product, which contains 10mg simvastatin, is to be marketed as Zocor Heart-Pro.
Manufacturer Johnson&Johnson MSD confirmed this week that the launch
is planned for 29 July, after The Journal went to press.
Zocor Heart-Pro is licensed for the prevention of a first major coronary
event in people at moderate risk of coronary heart disease. Moderate
risk is defined as a 10 to 15 per cent risk of an event in the next 10
years. People who fall into this category are men aged over 55 years,
and men aged between 45 and 55 and women aged over 55 who have certain
risk factors. These are a family history of CHD, smoking, being overweight
or being of South Asian ethnic origin. People at higher risk of CHD,
including those with diabetes, very high cholesterol levels or existing
heart disease, should not be treated with Zocor Heart-Pro.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society is publishing practice guidance on OTC
simvastatin in this week’s Journal. In addition, Johnson&Johnson
MSD is providing a training guide for pharmacists and for pharmacy assistants.
Leading article, p136
News feature, p143
Article (PDF 80K), p156
Practice guidance, p169 |
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