Since the introduction of generic ezetimibe in 2016, there remains a lack of evidence supporting the clinical efficacy of these generic medications. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of generic ezetimibe in comparison to original ezetimibe in achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal in dyslipidemic patients currently receiving statins who switched from original to generic ezetimibe

A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving hypercholesterolemic patients who transitioned from original ezetimibe to generic ezetimibe at Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand, between January and February of 2023. The mean LDL-C levels from the last three lipid profiles while taking the original ezetimibe and after switching to generic ezetimibe were calculated. These mean LDL-C values were compared with each patient’s recommended LDL-C goal to determine whether the LDL target was achieved before and after the transition

A total of 127 eligible patients who switched from original to generic ezetimibe were included in the analysis. The primary population consisted of 97 patients (76.4%) diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, all patients receiving coadministered statin therapy. The baseline LDL-C level prior to initiating ezetimibe was 99.7 ± 31.6 mg/dL. A comparison of LDL-goal attainment between patients on original ezetimibe and generic ezetimibe demonstrated no significant difference between groups (44.9% vs. 46.5%, p = 0.80). These findings indicate that LDL goal achievement rates were statistically equivalent between the original and generic formulations. Notably, there were no reported major adverse events leading to discontinuation after switching to generic ezetimibe.

Generic ezetimibe manufactured in Thailand provides equal efficacy in achievement of LDL-C targets with no observed major cardiovascular adverse effects.