Rationalising lipid-modifying drugs in palliative care

Follow the principles of medication rationalisation when rationalising lipid-modifying drugs in palliative care.

For patients taking lipid-modifying drugs who have not had a recent cardiovascular event, and who have a life expectancy of less than a year, lipid-modifying drugs can be stopped safely, without effecting survival. At this stage, deprescribing lipid-modifying drugs may improve quality of life and decrease gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal adverse effects (including myopathy).

For patients taking lipid-modifying drugs who have had a recent cardiovascular event, seek expert advice on whether therapy should be continued.