The forgotten bile acid sequestrants: is now a good time to remember?
Author(s): Bays HE, Goldberg RB Affiliation(s): Louisville Metabolic and Atherosclerosis Research Center, Louisville, KY 40213, USA. hbaysmd@aol.com Publication date & source: 2007-11, Am J Ther., 14(6):567-80. Publication type: Review Over 30 years ago, bile acid sequestrants (BAS) were among the first drugs approved to lower cholesterol levels. For over 10 years, BAS have been known to reduce glucose levels. Most importantly, BAS have been shown in outcomes studies to reduce cardiovascular events. Because they are true nonsystemic agents, BAS are generally safe and not associated with serious systemic adverse experiences. Despite their proven atherosclerotic coronary heart disease (CHD) benefits, and irrespective of their favorable effects on major CHD risk factors (hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia), BAS are not among the more frequently used drug treatments for hypercholesterolemia, even in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent “high-profile” findings of investigation
