Methods of treating or preventing cardiovascular conditions while preventing or minimizing muscular degeneration side effects

A method of treating or preventing at least one cardiovascular condition while preventing or minimizing muscular degenerative side effects associated with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, said method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof at least one sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor in combination with at least one HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor to provide a reduction in plasma cholesterol levels of at least about 10%.

A method of treating hypercholesterolemia without the muscle degenerative side effects associated with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors comprising administering to a subject in need thereof at least one sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor in combination with at least one HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor to provide a reduction in cholesterol levels (LDL) of at least about 10%.

A therapeutic combination comprising at least one HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and at least one sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor, wherein the at least one HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and the sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor are present in a combined amount sufficient to lower cholesterol levels, and the at least one HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is present in amounts insufficient to cause muscle degeneration.

A method of preventing or reducing risk of atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis while preventing or minimizing muscular degenerative side effects associated with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof at least one sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor in combination with at least one HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.

A method of preventing or reducing risk of a cardiovascular event while preventing or minimizing muscular degenerative side effects associated with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof at least one sterol or 5α-stanol absorption inhibitor in combination with at least one HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.

A method of preventing or reducing risk of a cardiovascular event while preventing or minimizing muscular degenerative side effects associated with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof at least one sterol or 50α-stanol absorption inhibitor in combination with at least one HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor to a subject having no history of clinically evident coronary heart disease prior to the initial administration.