Table 2.
Studies reporting lipid outcomes in patients taking branded or generic atorvastatin
| First author of study (year) [reference], study type | Sample size, N | Treatment regimen (generic or brand), n | Dose (mg)/ prevention type | LDL-C goal attainment, % | Change in LDL-C, mg/dL (%) | Change in TGs, mg/dL (%) | Change in HDL-C, mg/dL (%) | Change in CK (U/L) | Follow-up period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loch (2017) [2], observational | 629 | ATO (switched to generic) | NA | NA | − 0.4a | 0a | 0.4* | NS | 3 monthsc |
| Rahalkar (2013) [67], observational | 85 | ATO (switched to generic) | 10–80/primary | NA | 0.3 (0.32)a | 10.9 (6.54)a | 1.9 (4.45)** | 0.88 (0.62%) | 1 monthd |
| Awoniyi (2013) [66], case report | 1 | ATO (brand before switch) | 10/primary | NA | 67 | 108 | 34 | 182 | 8 years |
| ATO (generic after switch) | 10/primary | 73 | 71 | 40 | 1397 | 7 months | |||
| ATO (brand switch back) | 10/primary | 58b | 52b | 35b | 144b | 5 monthse |
Lipid levels reported as mmol/L were converted to mg/dL: HDL and LDL = mmol/L × 38.67; TG = mmol/L × 88.57
CK Creatine kinase, HDL-C high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, LDL-C low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, NS not significant, TG triglyceride
*p < 0.01 (median change in HDL-C); **p < 0.01 (mean change in HDL-C)
aNo significant intergroup differences found
bp values not reported
cPatients had to be taking generic atorvastatin for at least 3 months to be included (after switching); blood test taken at least 3 months after transition date
dPatients had to be taking generic atorvastatin for at least 1 month to be included (after switching)
ePeriod of time for taking of each type of treatment