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Study on Rosuvastatin and Placebo for Patients with Statin Intolerance and High Cardiovascular Risk

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What is this trial about?

A plain-language summary of the goals, design and what participants do

This clinical trial is focused on individuals who experience statin intolerance, which means they have difficulty taking statin medications due to side effects. Statins are commonly used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. The study also involves people with a high cardiovascular risk, such as those with a history of heart disease or a condition called familial hypercholesterolemia, which is an inherited disorder that causes high cholesterol levels.

The treatment being studied is a medication called rosuvastatin, which is a type of statin. Participants in the study will receive either rosuvastatin or a placebo, which looks like the medication but does not contain the active ingredient. The purpose of the study is to see if a personalized approach, called an "n=1 study," can help people continue using statins by reducing the negative effects they might expect to feel, known as the "nocebo effect."

During the study, participants will take part in a randomized, double-blind trial, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers will know who is receiving the actual medication or the placebo. The study will also include counseling to discuss each participant's individual treatment results. This approach aims to increase the use of statins and reduce the need for other cholesterol-lowering treatments over a period of 12 months. The study will help determine if this method can improve the management of cholesterol levels in people who have previously struggled with statin medications.

The research process

The trial runs in 5 steps – from screening to follow-up. Each step says what happens and what the team monitors.

  1. Step 1

    Joining the study

    Upon joining the study, eligibility is confirmed based on criteria such as age, previous experiences with statins, and the need for lipid-lowering therapy.

    Full informed consent is required to participate.

  2. Step 2

    Randomization and initial treatment

    Participants are randomly assigned to receive either a rosuvastatin tablet or a placebo. The rosuvastatin tablet contains 10 mg of the active substance.

    The medication is taken orally in tablet form.

  3. Step 3

    Cross-over phase

    During the cross-over phase, participants switch between the rosuvastatin and placebo treatments. This phase helps to assess the effects of the medication compared to the placebo.

    The duration and specific schedule of this phase are determined by the study protocol.

  4. Step 4

    Counseling on treatment results

    Participants receive counseling based on their individual treatment results. This step aims to provide personalized feedback and support.

    The counseling is designed to help understand the effects of the treatment and address any concerns.

  5. Step 5

    Follow-up and assessment

    The primary endpoint is the self-reported use of statins 12 months after inclusion in the study.

    Participants are monitored to evaluate the long-term effects of the treatment and any changes in statin use.

Who can join the trial?

4 criteria

  • Must be **18 years or older**.
  • Must have **previously taken two or more statins** and stopped using them because of side effects, whether real or perceived.
  • Must have a **medical reason to lower cholesterol levels** to prevent heart disease, either because of past heart problems or a condition called **familial hypercholesterolemia**, which means high cholesterol runs in the family.
  • Must have **given full informed consent**, meaning you understand the study and agree to participate.

Who cannot join the trial?

4 criteria

  • Individuals who are not intolerant to statins. Statins are medications used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
  • Individuals who do not have a high risk of heart-related problems. This includes those who have not had previous heart diseases or do not have a family history of high cholesterol, known as familial hypercholesterolemia.
  • Individuals who are not within the specified age range for the study.
  • Individuals who are part of a vulnerable population, meaning they may need special protection or care.
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Investigated drugs

  • Statins

    are medications used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They work by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol, which can help prevent heart disease and stroke. In this trial, statins are being used to see if they can be tolerated by patients who previously experienced side effects.

  • PCSK9 Inhibitors

    are a newer type of medication used to lower cholesterol levels. They work by helping the liver remove more LDL cholesterol from the blood. This trial is examining whether the use of PCSK9 inhibitors can be reduced if patients are able to tolerate statins.

What is already known about the treatment

PCSK9 Inhibitors – These medications are typically administered via injection and are used to lower cholesterol levels in patients who cannot tolerate statins or have a high risk of cardiovascular disease. They are currently well-established in medical practice and literature as effective treatments for reducing LDL cholesterol. The main therapeutic indications include statin intolerance and high cardiovascular risk, such as previous cardiovascular disease or familial hypercholesterolemia. At the molecular level, PCSK9 inhibitors work by blocking the PCSK9 protein, which leads to an increase in the number of LDL receptors on liver cells, thereby enhancing the clearance of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. They are classified as lipid-lowering agents.

Investigated diseases

  • Statin Intolerance

    Statin intolerance refers to the inability to tolerate statin medications, which are commonly used to lower cholesterol levels. This condition can manifest as muscle pain, weakness, or cramps, and may lead to discontinuation of the medication. The symptoms can vary in intensity and may occur shortly after starting the medication or after prolonged use. It is important to differentiate these symptoms from other potential causes of muscle pain. Statin intolerance can affect the management of cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk.

  • High Cardiovascular Risk

    High cardiovascular risk is a condition characterized by an increased likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks or strokes. This risk can be due to a history of cardiovascular disease or genetic factors like familial hypercholesterolemia, which leads to high cholesterol levels. Individuals with high cardiovascular risk often have multiple risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or obesity. The progression of this condition involves the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, which can lead to reduced blood flow and potential heart complications. Managing this risk is crucial to prevent the onset of cardiovascular events.

Trial detailsLast updated 2 Oct 2026
Age18+ yearsPhasePhase IIITrial ID2023-507489-20-00Estimated enrolment249 patientsSponsorErasmus Universitair Medisch Centrum Rotterdam (Erasmus MC)

sourced from the EU Clinical Trials Register and site verification

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