What are the recommended lipid-lowering therapies for managing patients diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolaemia in primary care?

In primary care, the recommended lipid-lowering therapy for patients diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a high-intensity statin, such as atorvastatin 20 mg or rosuvastatin 10 mg, with the aim of achieving at least a 50% reduction in LDL cholesterol from baseline ¹.

If statins are contraindicated or not tolerated, ezetimibe 10 mg once daily can be considered as an alternative or adjunct therapy ¹.

For patients with FH who do not reach treatment targets with maximum tolerated doses of statins and ezetimibe, referral to a specialist for further management, including options like PCSK9 inhibitors, may be necessary ¹.

Monitoring of liver function tests and creatine kinase is recommended before and during treatment, especially if symptoms suggest adverse effects ¹.