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

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).

Least squares mean percentage change in LDL-C and non-HDL-C was calculated using 38,052 patient exposures to rosuvastatin 5–40 mg, atorvastatin 10–80 mg and simvastatin 10–80 mg. Equipotent doses were estimated by linear interpolation between actual adjacent doses.

Rosuvastatin 5 mg reduced LDL-C by 39% and non-HDL-C by 35%. Equivalent reductions in LDL-C required atorvastatin 15 mg or simvastatin 39 mg. Equivalent reductions in non-HDL-C required atorvastatin 14 mg or simvastatin 42 mg. Rosuvastatin 10 mg reduced LDL-C by 44% and non-HDL-C by 40%. Equivalent reductions in LDL-C required atorvastatin 29 mg or simvastatin 72 mg. Equivalent reductions in non-HDL-C required atorvastatin 27 mg or simvastatin 77 mg. Rosuvastatin 20 mg 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 62 mg, respectively, and were not achieved with the maximum 80 mg dose of simvastatin. Rosuvastatin 40 mg reduced LDL-C by 55% and non-HDL-C by 50%. Comparable reductions were not achieved with the maximum 80 mg doses of atorvastatin or simvastatin.

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.