Ezetimibe alone reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in HIV-infected patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy.

In this crossover study of ezetimibe monotherapy in 48 antiretroviral-treated patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection, the mean changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were -5.3% (-11 mg/dL) and +5.5% (+4 mg/dL) with ezetimibe treatment and placebo, respectively (P = .04). Ezetimibe was safe and effective in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and is an option for patients who cannot tolerate treatment with a statin.